The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-11
3 is M A r G K.
An English Gentleman in Interview with the
Premier-Liberty and the Reform of
Society The War Phase in the
Progress Of Histories.
From the Clronde OF Bordeaux.I

From the Gironde OF Bordeaux.I
few days ago an English ex-dplomatst held a
conversation with Count Bismarck. The English
dipomatist sought the interview. He made inqui-
ries respecting the health OF the Count who replied
that he had never been well he had since the
French journals announced his death He next
asked what people IN London thought OF the situa-
ton. This gave rise To the following conversation:-
MYssLF-Tney profoundly regret this war which
| has commenced between two great peoples who, b.
the diversity Of their wants their means are SO
well destined to develop themselves and to i've In
| peace with each other.
| THE CouSr-yoltaire said one day that he loved
| the Germans who only had one fault-that OF being
| too numerous. To-day, without beng Voltaire
may say that France has only misfortune-tha
1 she has not enough Frencnmen Behind the false
France which gets up asltations. which cries ouC
which Is continually vacliiaung between France and
nelodrania, there IL serious and well-informed
France. But she has abdicated and that IL why
we wage this war, which is o misfortune for all
Europe.
MYsELFYes; but the real France will end in re-
Meeting, and BY The use or Tree Institutions viii raise
TIE CoUNT-May God SO wil u The Romans
said OF the Gauls that they understood two things
70 nght oravely ana 10 talk cunnngiy-Rem midi
dreUl et argue loQui. AZ you see the French are
their true descendants. lhey are conoemned to be
Knocked about like shnttlecock between pettifog.
selvess
armed nation, but not q military government Be
sides, every one down here has hts part assigned to
him. You English transform yourselves In order to
preserve yourselves; In SPAN ana Italy people agl-
tate and neglect themselves; in France people soon
lire Of what they have quickly constructed-paace
and barracks are one by one demolished rebuilt and
destroyed. We ON the other hand, stick TO what
we constructed in the first instance. They are not
Obliged TO disturb us every minute. TO appropriate
our edifces ana to knock down our walls. That Is
| why we make war. We want peace which Will
| secure for US a peaceabe future.
MYSELF---yery well. Constituent n
1t establishes regular government, viii soon be IN
THE CouNr-Soon? We cannst speak seriously or
peace except ut Paris with the keys OF Metz and
Srasbourg In our POCKETS.
Assembly,
THE CouNr-It will come either too soon or too
late.
MysELF-Will IL sign peace
THE CouSr-That VIII depend on its good sense
its tact and its patriotism. II II does accept the
conditions which are as necessary 10 the existence
OF Germany rs to lis own the funeral knel or the re-
public has sounded for powerful peace party IL
already in course or formation In France and In
choosing between a eace winch means order and
permanent invasion with the reds" there viii not
be much hesitation.
MYsELr-But with whom VIII you treat then?
THE CoUNT-Wth those WHO represent this party.
MYsELT-But the siege OF Paris may be prolonged
and In the meanwhile armies VIII be organized
THg CoTsr-No doubt: aud they viii not DO
wanting IN numbers. arms aud courage But put
ting entirely aside certain elements OF dissolution
which circumstances VIII develop, there is one
the most humble OF our soldiers knows that before
Paris he is defending hls own home.
MySELF-rhat Is a terrible war.
ETHE CoUNT-It Ia more than war, air: 10 is an
historic phase, OF which the war Is only hating
place. The Old European society Is crumbllng away,
ana new centres Of civilization are being formed.
Unfortunately, this regeneration can only be effected
by means Of struggles and sorrows
MYsELf-But on what basis Is the new society to
be foundedf
THe CoUST-On liberty. which itself be
founded on what Is most grand and most true in
the depths OF the human c0nscience--on right and
duty.
MYsELF--Very good. But has not the French rev.
olutIon already inaugurated new era when IL pub
Iished the celebrated declaration OF the rights OF
man?
The COUNTING; because It omitted the decara-
ton OF the duties or Liberty II not an affair
OF metaphysical politics and Of songs In the streets;
that is goddess that does not demand human sacri-
fees She more bourgeoise than daughter OF the
people: more an ars!ocrat than bourgeose. She
Is austere and palnstaking: she insists upon many
virtues and very few tumuts she needs, In order
i've the peaceable HE OF the soul and mind, and
not demonstrate the streets and public houses
new religion d .mands new people An innocent
and simple creed requires hearts innocent aud
simple like Itself.