The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-09-24

THAN YEAR Aao.-Thez following is
taken from an article in the last number
Of the German weekly paper Ddhens, or
l;At Home The writer is o, ,weli.kn
memberSf the Customs Parliament, Mr.
H, Num0: VI, ss,yf., ,t1{ts; ~
So much sehseless abltse Is now CON.
stantIy heap6a by French soribes ON our
great statesman, that ] think is is fit and
proper for us, who have go often of late
years listened to him in private and con-
fdential conversation, to recall his ut
terances on subjects relating to the pre-
sent war, at time when we were in the
depth OF peace. They have been kept
private by our circle hitherto, because
they were to be considered confidential
until their author had made similar
statements in public. It was on the 18th
June, 1869, when the leading members
of the Customs Parliament met ut Bis
marcl's house for supper. The hook.
the beer, the crabs-everything was
found excellent, and the conversation
soon ran high, the assembly comprising
men of the most antagonistic views. AS
tho evening grew later, many withdrew
through side-door, taking French
leave; and DIR. Voelk, of Augsberg, the
most eloquent speaker for South German
AhtSiSHoso, Wuo dOOuG " ttlSuDDGttT Ill llhC
manner, when he was arrested by II deep,
manly voice calling out, "Hallo, Voclk,
you must stay to tonst the Bridge Ger
the Main;'" and with these words, Bis
marck detained Voelk, who had that very
day given this name of bridge DER the
Main" to the customs union with the
South. Thus we were kept together,
and for an hour we sat and plunged into
the discussion of all sorts of things with
out reserve, Bismarck ever witty and full
of spirited chaff amidst the most serions
discussions. Suddenly, he became quiet
and very earnest. The conversation had
touched upon the Luxembourg question,
and his guests did not conceal their as
constituent that he should not Mt that
time have arisen against French AFRO
gance. Several gentlemen described the
feeling of disappointment caused in their
provinces by the moderation and yield
ing policy of Prussia regarding Luxem.
burg. and their remarks almost sounded
| like reproach. Thereupon, in few
striking words, the Minister drew pic
turo of the position of affairs at that
period. He appeared deeply moved by
the subject, and, with genius sparkling
in his deep eyes, he continued to speak
to the following effect: II spent long,
bitter week. which, however, lasted only
Tuesday to Friday, meditating over the
question of war with France The even
tuality of defeat did not trouble us, for
we had NIoltke's assurance that we should
win. But the question wns whether we
should commence war with France even
though we had the certainty, or the ut
most probability, of success. This mo-
mentous question we decided negatively,
and resolved to enter upon war only in
case it should be forced upon us. We
did oonsider all the frightsul losses, all
the mourning, and oil the misery of
many thousands OF families. Yes, my
friends, you may look astonished; but
surely you will believe that I, too, have
a heart-a heart, let me- assure you, that
feels like your own. War is war, and so
terrible ore it's consequences, SO heart
rending the cry of WOO it calls forth,
that, as far as my influence goes, it shall
never be resorted to except in the last
extremity" After brief pause. he
continued: ;We thought, and think,
that war with France, by being de-
layed, may perhaps be altogether avoid
ed, either by certain events taking place
in France, or by tho French people learn
ing to see that two powerful nations have
petteT lDiIlSS 10 uO Cndu 10 carry on DICK
ering about the border We further
more considered that acquisitions of
territory may contain the germ of future
quarrcls, and that the two nations, when
once set at each other. might have life
and death struggle of it. We determined
to be masters in our own house, but not
to change the line of frontier as fixed. u
He concluded, speaking in that peculiar
manner when deeply excited, breathing
quickly: eff, however, they will not re-.
cognize onr desire to be ut peace, and ii
war is ever forced upon us, we shall de.
vote our full strength to it; and you,
gentlemen of Bavaria, will then, I am
sure hasten to take part in the first
battle, which, I dare say, would be fought
near Metz. Even in that first fight ]
AM convinced we shall prove superior to
the French in every respect" He stop
ped, and DR.. Voelk, to keep up this in.
teresting conversation, remarked that
Gen. Moltke last year had assured him
that in case of war, we Germans should
be found to excel the French in point oi
strength and rapidity of movement
"You may take his word for it, my dear