New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-11-02
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
BISMARCK AND THE VATICAN.
SOME POINTS BY PROFESSOR C. A. EGGERr.

SOME POINTS BY PROFESSOR c. A. EGGERr.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR: As friend of THE TRIBUNE and
lover trdth GLOW correct few statements
In reference to Prince Bismarck and German AFFAIRS
generally, which recently appeared in THE TRiBUsE
read there that "When 1t manifest that that
faction (hc Conservative could not control tho new
Rechstag, OBJ turned his eyes toward Canossa, anu
by reopening negotiations with the Vatican bargained
for support OF the Catholics" Allow me to say that
no one can tell whether Bismarck did turn his eyes
CAnossa but that from the known declaration oil
the man. as well as from his character, we may INFER
that lie never had has the intention OF going 10
Canosaa. The fact 10. that Prince Bismarck has been
throughout consistent in his policy toward the
Catholics and the Pope. The late Pope declared
open war against the German Empire; tne
present Pope would fam have peace. This desire
he manifested in letter to the Emperor
Very naturally, when the Government discovered
readiness 10 to o peaceful understanding, the
Chancellor met the delegate OF the Pope Inere Is
nothing prove that Bisma rex made concessions
how could he. In fact long tho laws were us theS
are And here, Mr.. Editor allow me to point OUT 10
you a mistake very generally made; e., to suppose
that Il is Prince Bismarck who has quarrel with the
Catholics He undoubtedly had something to do with
the passage Of the laws obnoxious 10 the Catholics,
but could forced these laws through the
Parliament and they could not have been passed had
not overwhelming majority OF the people Deen III
favor Of these aws careful study Of the policy OF the
German Government Will satisfy any one that since the
conflict In 1866 (previous the war with Austrla that
Government has been of law and order, although 1t
may be very true subordinate officials nave
here and there OF abused their authority In the conflict
with tho Catholic party 1t is this party that Is at au
not the Government has been well pointed out by
THE TRIBUNE on former occasions
Being entirely agreed with you as regards the I'M
policy OF the law recently against the Socialist
\ hn,.a aha In mia
indicate great Chancellor from charge he Is no-
cent OF. With the hope allow me to offer another
correction The article referred to a6ims That the
restlessness the industrial and educated classes and
the against the military system cannot be iegs
lated out OF existence" Very true But 1t should be
borne In mind that France, with far heavier military
budget and larger standing army, is more prosperous
than Geimany-whyi Mr.. Greeley would say because
France has taken care her laborng classes by ne-
gent protective laws, while Germany has allowed her-
self to be duped into free trade by England. Hence
lcgslstIon might after ALL according to men who think
like Mr. Greeley this respect prove the only correct
remedy for Germany, 1t has proved In the case OF
France aud these United states. Very respectfully,
G. A. EGGERT.
Iowa state University, Oct. 81. 1873.
fPrince Bismarck NAV not have had any intention
Of going to Canossa but he certainly turned eyes
in that direction. Even before the resutso the cleo
tion were known, ho manifesteda Willingness to ne
gotate with the Vatican over the heads OF the Cath
Ollie leaders in Germany. He invited the Papal
Nuncio, Monsignor Masela, to call upon him ut
Kissingen, aud returned the visit. The negotiations
went on apace, but came to nothing. Either the
terms Of the Vatican were too high or the
support of the Catholic Centre in the Par
lament could not be guaranteed from Rome, for
.he Chancellor was forced to effect a compromise
with the National Liberals in order to secure the
passage Of the Anti-Socialist bill Yet the fact re-
mains that he had Canossa under bis eye when he
proposed modus yivendi with the Vatican. Our
courteous correspondents second objection stands
upon its own bottom. So long as he assents TO what
we do say, and picks flaws in what We do not say,
we are satisfed.-Ed