The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-07-25

The story of that wonderful Franco-Ger-
man war, 50 inherent rom all preceding
wars in its colossal proportions, its magical
rap;dity and its stupendous results, can
hardly he told Alright, until the leaders who
marshalled the rival hosts In the conflict
shall have passed away, with the personal
interests, the prejudices and the jealousies
horn of that mortal strife. But there are
features and phases OF the struggle which
can only be truly pictured by living wit
nesses; and General Hazens book, as the
narrative of keen observer and trained
soldier, who had extraordinary opportuni-
ties for gathering information, and who has
dotted down his impressions In succinct,
vigorous and attractive style, is destined to
enjoy wide and lasting prosperity. In the
summer OF 1870, the author obtained leave
to 90 beyond The sea, and was permitted by
Bismarck and Won Room to accompany the
German army the following September. He
accordingly, in company with General Burn
sideSjolned the headquarters at Ferrleres at
the close Of that month, and there, meeting
Count Bismarck, enjoyed confidential con-
versation, in the course OF which the great
Chancellor gave his own account OF how
Germany declared war against France. The
manner in which this serious action was
taken was most primitive and practical-as
far renewed from the solemnity OF a State
occasion as possible When the candidacy
of the young Hohenzollern for the throne
of Spain precipitated the crisis, the
King of Prussia was drinking. the
water at Ems and Bismarck was at his
estate in Pomerania planting vegetables
in bis garden. He was not dreaming OF war,
nor, said be, were the German people. But
suddenly kilograms came pouring in on him
from Berlin announcing the hostile disposl-
ton of the Emperor Napoleon, and the men
acng condition of affairs: Finally, Bis
marck felt it to be his duty to return to
Berlin. About this time, also, the aged
King, seeing the necessity OF conference
with his ministry, set out from Ems for the
same city. By chance, says Bismarck, all
the returning ones met at the railway sta
ton in Berlin. At the station was the Grown
Prince Frederick William, with large fol-
Loving OF men high in official position, who
had gathered to welcome the king. Already
on their way to the Assembly Chamber, q
passing newsboy startled the crowd by cry
ing out that war had been declared ty the
French. The old King, believing that the
news was true, put his hands to his head,
and with tears running down his cheeks, ex-
claimed: "Must l, in my old age, again ro
"to war!" paper was purchased and MAS
eagerly scanned. Although there was no
actual declaration Of war, the paper contain
ed dispatch stating that declaration had
BEEN made But the time for action by Prus-
sia had arrived, and the Crown Prince, anti
French and impetuous, standing just be-
hind Bismarck, whispered in the latter's ear:
"Radical, or nothing" Upon this hint Bis
marck spoke to the King, telling him that
the Prussian army could easily be mobilized,
and that no occasion had ever been 80 favor
able. The King replied at once that be
would mobilize the army. At this juncture,
the scene, impressive in its simplicity, be-
came dramatic. Gearing" says Bismarck,
'.tbat the King would retract, I spoke out
ssouickly, and in a loud voice, 30 that forty
.snersons could hear me, The King has de-