The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-10-10
THE p r ESS.
SATURDAY MORNING., OCT. 10, 1874
Bismarck and Won Arnim.

The summary arrest and imprisonment OF
Count Won Arnim by the German chancel-
lor is doubtless but an outgrowth OF the con-
fct going on in that country between the
State and the Church. The dispatches are
so contradictory that it is difficult to ascertain
the precise facts, but the comment which it
excites throughout the continent is enough
to indicate that this last move of Bismarcks
Is the bodest of series of bold moves to
crush out the rebeilous spirit of The Ultra
montanes. Long ago it was apparent that
this war was TO be no chid's play. While
DIR. Doellenger, the leader of the OldCatholics,
was writing profound essays upon the degen-
eracy OF the Romish church, and by his as
sauts upon the dogma of Infability, was in
curing the anathemas of the Pope, Bismarck
was arresting and imprisoning bishops and
Wears, and ccnsigning them to martyrdom,
which, as is generally the case in religious
wars, only served TO strengthen the faith
lch he strove TO suppress. Prominent
ong those who incurred the displeasure of
chancellor was Count Won Arnim, for
merly German ambassador to Rome, and
more recently to France. From this latter 20
sition he was summarily removed because, in
correspondence with Doellenger, he took
grounds against The coercive measures of the
German ministry. But though degraded
from his position he was not suppressed. He
returned to his estate and, rumor saith, COM
menced the preparation of a work on the con-
flict raging between Bismarck and the Ultra
montanes. His intimate relations with Bis
marck and his knowledge of state secrets ac-
CURED while ambassador made him a danger
GUS adversary, and means were adopted to
render him harmless, which, in freer coun-
try than Germany, would have been regarded
as exceedingly arbitrary, 10 say the least. A
demand was made upon him for the papers
which he held, and when he refused TO deiv-
er them he was summarily arrested, his house
and his relatives searched, and finally him
self committed without the privilege of bail.
1t is claimed on the part of the chancellor
that he acted under sanction of judicial,
decree, but whether this be so or not the act
can hardly be considered otherwise than in
the light of a confession of weakness ON the
session of State secrets, Bismarck must know
what they are; if be has letters from him he
must be aware of their contents, and the infer
ence is unavoidable that his endeavor to sup
press them arises from fear of their effect if
exposed.
What the result of this affair will be is a
matter of much speculation. Won Arnim is
apparently as determined as Bismarck; his
'>"'-~~5, whatever they contain, can not be
and it is doubtful if any means can be
to compel him to reveal their hiding
place. One thing seems certain. III Won
Arnim has any papers of importance his
present treatment is well calculated to induce
him to publish them-especally if they con-
lain matter damaging to Bismarck. Besides,
this summary attack upon the right of free
speech would seem to be attended with dan
ger to Bismarck's popularity. The German
people have had good reason to be proud of
their chancellor; he has united Germany, hui
inflated France, and made the German Em-
pire the foremost power in Europe. Yet his
rule has been severe, and beneath his scep-
ter the German nation can hardly be consid.
cred free people. The Ultramontanes have
long been his bitter enemies, plotting, and
praying for, his downfall, and this last act
can only intensity their hatred while the des-
potic tendencies which it indicates may alarm
those who have hitherto endorsed Bismarck's
course.
1twould seem as if the German Empire which
has yanquished its outside foes was noursh-
ing within itself strife which may prove
some day disastrous to its prosperity. A
conflict with religion is a war upon conscience
and fanatics will see their country disrupted
rather than abandon one jot or little, how
ever Insignificant, of their religious belief
Persecution only increases their zeal and
their highest privilege is to suffer martyrdom
for conscience's sake. These dangers Bis
marck has braved and is still Drawing. He
has been successful so far, but he is walking
on dangerous ground where even his genius
may not guide him Alright.
The reputation theories so-prevalent in