New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-06-18
4 NEAR TIEW or BLSMARCKS POLICY

The interview is fast making its way into Euro
pcan journalism. 1t 10 no longer prescribed ne q
detcstable American invention, but is occasionally
emplnyed ~ n IT, legitimate method of getting news
Low the most dignifcd papers in England aud on the
Continent Not long ago The london Times pub
lished an interview with Banqui, got mp IN the
best American STYLE, which contained much mtef-
cs,ing information about the captive reyoutlonlst
About the same time Vienna paper gave long
conversation between the new Prince of Bulgaria
and its correspondent. Now we find in lie GLOBE
the new Paris daily, an interview with Herr
Lasker the leader Of the National Liberal party IN
the German Parliament and the chief opponent OF
Prince Blsmarrk's tariff policy. Lasker discusses
the character and measures of his opponent with
freedom but with perfect courtesy, and his talk
throws light on the latest phase Of German politics.
He divides Germany into three political camps. In
one are the people who think Bismarck hero. an
infallible man and great patriot, whom 1T is their
duty TO follow whether they agree with him or
not In the second are the people who, while re-
specting the talents of the Chancellor and recog-
nizing all he has done for the glory of his country
refuse 10 20 with him when he tranSgresseS the
principles of national liberty. The third party IS
composed of the clericas who now side with the
Chancellor and now with his adyersaries, according
AS he makes concessions to them or fights them on
their religious ground. IL is with this third party
that Bismarck has allied himself to carry out his
scheme Of protective customs duties
The opposition leader thinks the motive of Bis
marck's projects is to procure means for sustaining
the present military organization OF the Empire
without loading TOO heavily the annual budget IL
the Government can obtain large sum from tarlh
duties it can increase its Army expenditures with
ont asking Parliament to vote more money in the
H. - hat ha
question of protection or free trade does not enter
into the struggle and that the issue is not therefore
an economic but purely political one The pur-
pose of the Chancellor IN breaking his connection
with the National Liberals was to escape from the
restrictions they placed upon him. His alliance
with the cercals, Lasker thinks, viii be of short
duration. Bismarck, nc says, IS not one of those
small-minded politicians who feel bliged to per-
sist in an error, but is strong enough, with
his great popularity and his remarkable skill, to
change his tactics whenever he thinks best. An
interesting part of the interview is Laskers COM
parlson of Bismarck to Wellington after the battle
of Waterloo Like Wellington Bismarck uses his
popularity to place himself above political parties
and in spite OF many mistakes and strong oppOsi-
ton IN Parliament, remains master of the SITUATION
because he has behind him the masses OF the public
who see only their favorite hero and think only as
he thinks. Inc COMPARISON often mdue between
The Chancellor and Cayour could only be just
Lasker says, had Bismarck died after accomplish
ing his work of uniting all the German states under
one sceptre. Surviving, Bismarck is not a Cavour /;
he is what the great Italian patriot never was-an
adversary of liberal ideas
tits pleasant TO read at the conclusion Of two col
umus of such frank talk as this that the
Liberal chief wants It understood that he does not
say Prince Bismarck is not a great patriot and
statesman Of whom the Germans should feel proud.