New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-11-06
Karl VON STEIN.
DEDICATION OF HIS MONUMENT.

TER-TIMEIINTss OF HIS ADMINISTRATIVE MEAS
UREs-INGRATiTUDR OF TIE KING.
IRON TuR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT or TIE rRTBUSE.l
BERLIv. Oct. 2O.-On the 26th inst. the City Of
Berlin will uncover monument IN honor OF Baron
Won Stein. 1t stands on the D0nhofsplatz, having
the Prussian House of Deputies one side and tbo
fish market on the other. There is 10 afront in
tended in The selection of the site. Stein was
friend of the pcasantry, and did much to improve
their condition and elevate their trade but it must
be said that if Berlin had market-halls like every
other city of equal size ard Importance it would not
De necessary set mp the statue of great patriot
and statesman amid piles of redoent cheese and
stale vegetables. On the occasion of the dedication
Prof. Gnest of Berlin University viii deliver the
culogy. The choice is an admirable one. Dr. PcrtZ,
the bographer of Stein, would perhaps have heen
selected if his feeble condition did not forbid; but
Prof Gneist. "a liberal jurist who is familiar with
Stems domestic reforms, and the expounder of that
English Constitution which Stein 20 much admired,
will certainly do ample Justice to the subject
The reputation of oteiu has been steadily growing
in Germany since the introduction of parliamentary
institutions unloosed the tongues of his friends.
While Frederic William III. lived, and did not carry
out the promise made to Stein and tie people,
sense of remorse perhaps sharpened the ngor OF The
press censorship. Until the archives were thrown
oper, tho truth could not be discovered. Until
modern achievements had in part eXtin5uished the
enmites of former times the character and work OF
a historical character could not be calmly studied
and fearlessly determined DR.. Pertz5 book sup
Piled, aud admirably supplied, a pressing literary
want. Ii is not only the best biography OF Stem,
but it also contains many documents which have
broader historical value fOs every student OF the
times Some years since, AZ the inauguration oil
monument to Stein in another city, Mr.. Bancroft
., and int hn of
marks he called Stein, whom he himself had known,
the Father of German Unity" The idea Of
united. Germany, with Prussia at the head, may
have been inspired IN Stein by hatred of hetterlch,
but this he WAS not fatod TO realize lie was not
unfit for diplomacy and international politics. The
first coalition, which resulted in the victory OF
Lcpsic, was mainly his work But as soon as this
battle left Frederic William Ill. free TO act he fell
easily into the power Of Meternich and Alexander,
and the Holy Alliance drove Stein from Office.
The internal reforms of Prussia was STEMS great
achievement. In reading the royal orders which
gave effect to his plans i'll rejecting on the mind
which could embrace many subjects, IN comparing
the Prussia Of to-day with the Prussia of the last
fury, one is almost appalled,. With the single ex-
ception of representative parliaments--whic were
indeed i'm his plan-there is almost nothing distin-
guisbing modern from medieval Prussia which does
not owe itself to Stein. He elevated the middle
classes TO political rights. lie made citizens ont OF
the peasant serfs. He established general rules re-
garChng property which were the same for
peasant, artisan, and noble. He introduced
complete and liberal system of municipal
government. Ho reformed the administration
of the provinces and counties. He proclaimed the
right of every 10 learn and follow any trade he
pleased. He emauciPated the jews, and obtained
for them the doubtful privilege of military service.
g q ,.lN.
ernrnent defined clearly the functions Of each
Minister and the duties Of subordinate bureaus. He
likewise restored order to tho confused finances of
the kingdom. While doing all this he was organizing
leagues among the officers and mobiles which were
intended to prepare Prussia Tor renewal Of The
efforts TO throw OF the yoke of the French master.
This was the cause in which he fell. The Emperor
intercepted of Stems patriotic correspondence
and was strong enough to effect his dismissed by
helpless king.
The clearness Of vision which led Stein TO
that only sweeping scheme Of popular relief would
save Prussia was cqualed only by the sagacty with
which he look advantage of the Kings depression
and weakness 70 press that scheme upon him. II
was critical moment for tho State. less liberal
statesman anxious only for the royal prerogatve,
an ambitious one. solicitous only for his for
tunes. would have Iuued all Stein was bold
enough TO tell his august master the truth. Tie
| trouble with Prussia was not too little religion, but
too little freedom. There was a popuaco ont NJ
people, There was land enough. Tut it
in tho hands of a nOn-prOducing aristoc-
racy There would lie enough good soldiers if
they were treated like men, and not whipped and
starved INTO servIlity. Disenthrlllment OF the
lower orders and eqnalizng the upper Ones
agemont of industry by every means. economy on
the part of the State aud Of the subject-hese were
truths which Stein successfully drilled INTO the
hictant mind Of The poor, bewdered King. The
large and more important part of his programme,
representative institutions, his forced withdrawal
defeated for the time. When he reGntered the conn
ellis of Prussia after Leipsic bis had lost its
charm. The short gratitude Of the King hardly out
lived the victory which Stein himself had organized.
aud Harlenberg, the friend Of Netternich, became
the keeper of bis elastic conscience.
Tie King never liked and never appreciated Stein.
His INDECENT and tind mind could not endure q man
who disturbed bis slumbers with schemes for revo-
lutionizng the State and who organized batta'iOns
when he ought have purchased quiet by prolonged
servitude When q conspiracy OF court followers
overthrow the great Minister the Eing published
letter full of tho most insulting epithcts. Stein,
said the royal Migrate is eapricous, arbitrary, ard
obstinate man. lilo does not have the good of the
State before his eyes. lie acts only under the i'm
pulse of personal passion aud hatred. And at the
samo tino this magnauimous prince sent to another
public servant, the Privy Counselor somcl,mann,
letter which recalls some of Gen. GRANTS: " regret
very much" he wrote. e my dear Won Schuckmann.
thas you have suffered yourself TO be moved by de-
famatory rumors that circulated against YOU"
and there is more of the same sort. This touching
confidence this support in adversely. Was never
shown 70 tho Baron Won Stein.
1t is true enough. perhaps. that Stein was a man
of somewhat arbitrary manner in official intercourse
He wanted the serviiity of courter. His mind was