National Republican., 1877-08-23
PRINCE BISMARCK AT HOME


A century ago, when Berlin was surrounded
by walls which continued to exist until about
1850, the upper portion Of the wilhelmstrasse
was the quarter Of the town chiefly affected
by Ministers and diplomatists. Bismarck's
residence, lying exactly half way between
Lcipziger and Wilhelmstrasse, Is a one.storied
building, devoid Of any external ornament.
The frontage Is extensive, and embraces about
twelve windows. The entrance to the house
Is on the right-hand side. After having
crossed through the large portico, one arrives
at a staircase, symbolicaliy guarded by two
sphinxes' heads. On tho ground-hoor are the
official bureaus and upstairs the private rooms
Of tho Chancellor These apartments, FUR
nished at the beginning Of the century, con-
sisting Of large danci-.. room over the gate.
way and four large drawing. rooms, reserved
for the reception Of guests and other social
purposes, look out upon the street. The large
lofty library or study Of the Chancellor Is sit
uated at the back, and commands view Of
the magnificent garden.
Since Bismarck left intercourse with foreign
diplomatists to Baron Bulow, the Secretary Of
State, he seldom appears within the chambers
really constituting the Foreign Office. Private
telegraph wires keep him informed Of the
course Of affairs, and he issues his instructions
accordingly. Formerly the hours chiefly de-
voted by bismarck to work were In the night
Iatterly, however, an increase Of his neuralgic
pNiub nhs WHTneu uOt W Turn hkhs INV
day. Imperatively admonshed BY his doctors,
he no longer indnlges In the heavy drinks
notably, porter mixed with champagne, which
used to he his favorite beverages. At his
meals only the lightest and most digestible
dishes make their appearance. He himself
draws up every morning with his chef de cut
sine the menu for the day; and even " ambas-
sador: arc waiting IN the antc-chamber tho
| cook Is received without delay. At the table
ho notes down such critical expressions on the
dishes as "trop euif," pas tendrs," for the In.
struction or reproof Of his cook. His kitchen
Is overwhelmed by his admirers with special
delicacies Of the season, and productions In
which various provinces excel, such @ West.
phalian ham, Zauer or Frankfort sausages,
Strasburg pdfes. A lively and entertaining
host he possesses the gift, rare In Germans, Of
oauseris: and whilst in Parliament on public
| occasions his speeches are delivered with mani
fest effort, he Is In private an easy and uncon'
strained conversationalist.
Bismarck leaves Berlin for spa or his favor.
ite country scat, Varzin, which he purchased
after the war Of 1885, In the capital he |,
rarely met beyond the precincts Of the Foreign
OfIice gardens. His constant companion ir
his walks Is Sultan, q splendid Danish mastifi
presented to him by q friend In South Ger
many. His growing gcorpulence-n0t, however
disproportionate to his height-.has compelled
him to give up riding. His personal presenc'
Is almost too we'll known to need description
Small feet and hands, bald head, lofty brow
small gray eyes In deep sockets, almost hiddeI
by bushy eyebrows and martial mustache
now nearly white, which covers the mouth
are the features chiefly noticeable In the man
, He usually wears uniform-for the most par
that Of the 7th Cuirassiers-which consist
either Of a white coat, with cuirass and
large helmet, or blue undress coat, with
,, yellow collar. He only appears at court ol
State occasions alleging, rs excuse for his oh
sence, that standing fatigues him. Tho NOR
correct explanation Is that among the leadin
I persons In the encourage of his Majesty ar
I, several Of his bittercst personal and politics
foes More than once he has almost come
blows with some Of his follow -courtiers In III
imperial antechambcr, and an alteration thre
years ago with Count Nesselrode, the Lor
High Chamberlain Of the Empress, q stsunc
. Catholic, was followed by mutual challenge
: to duel, which the Interference Of the En-
= peror alone prevented.