National Republican., 1883-12-08
DIR. EDUARD LASKER.
A Short Sketch Of the Great German Liberal
and His Constitutional Attitude.
What He Thinks OF Americas Marvellous
Growth and General Prosperity.

For some days past the famous leader Of the
liberal wing of tho German parliament, DR..
Eduard Lasker, has been in the city, receiv-
ing the courtesies of prominent Germans re-
siding or temporarily sojourning here. A
representative of THE NATIONAL REPUBLI-
CAN called upon him at his rooms, and was
pleasantly received by gentleman of rather
small stature, but compactly built, ap-
parently some "a or 55 years old,
with grayish black, bushy hair, full
beard. and very intelligent, mobile facial
expression. This was DIR. Lasker. the German
liberal, who, during the memorable and con-
stitutional struggles of the Prussan people in
the reign of King William V, the predecessor
of Emperor William, had the courage to defy
royal displeasure by telling the king, in an
interview between the latter and some of the
Prussian representatives, that it was "the
misfortune Of kings that they would not hear
the truth told"
through the United States and spoke very
pleasantly of tho favorable impressions re-
ceived.
1T had been my desire for many years."
he said, ito visit the United States and form
my opinion of them, their condition, and
their future from personal observation. But
IL was not until some months agothat could
Oub my puEpubOs Nlo-
tied the Pacific coast, travelling over the
north Pacific as far as Portland, Greg, and
through Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
What / have seen Is far beyond anything
could have imagined, although | bad read
and heard much about your country. One
must travel through it to obtain anything
like an adequate conception of its terri
bewildered by the impressions re-
ceived during the past few months. What
has been o great cause of surprise and
wonderment to me is the general readiness,
even at the extreme borders of American
civilization, to uphold judicial authority and
establish an organized state Of society, politi-
cal and otherwise. You seem to have no mob
that needs to be held down by force of arms.
Everybody appears to consider it a matter of
course to conform with the existing order
and laws. Another source Of agreeable sur
prise to me-" continued Dr. Lasker twas the
extent of the German influence upon the
general development Of this country Way
down in Texas even l found entire counties
settled exclusively by Germans and SO all
over the west. | found them an active
element in all spheres of life and aiding
materially in building up the prosperity and
progress of the United States"
In reply to question what attitude he and
his party were at present assuming toward
the imperial government tho doctor replied :
tion, as the present tendency of the imperial
government is what we call reactionary
Since my soiourn i'll this country, however,
some of the advices received tend to show an
inclination on the part Of the government to
seek more satisfactory understanding with
the liberals. We cannot support it in its
present policy, however. More particularly
is this true of its tariff policy which has lead
to high protectionists measures"
us it likely that the prohibition against
the importation of American hogs and hog
products will be repealed soon ?" asked the
reporter.
II hope so, but do not think it likely. The
prohibition, as you know, rests upon imperial
decree, not upon any legislation of the parlia.
mont. We (the liberals) protested against il
ns unnecessary and impolitic, and if the meas
ure had been before parliament for ratfica.
tion it would have been defeated. We were
especially hostile to it because we expected
that congress would resort to retaliatory
measures, and these in turn would lead tt
unfriendly legislation on Germany's part, un
til feeling was engendered on both side.
that could only result injuriously to botl
countries"
"What changes may be expected in the
German policy i'll the event of Emperor Will
iam's death? ?"
'"The general policy of the imperial govern.
ment will undergo no material change" re-
piled the distinguished visitor, $50 long az
Prince Bismarck remains at the helm for
although he enjoys exceptional powers at the
present time, and will continue SO during tn,
lifetime of tho present emperor his service,
to Germany secure him the lasting gratitude
of his country; and while his powers may bt
somewhat limited in the event of the acces
sion sot the present crown prince to tn,
throne, he will always occupy in Germany
as q man of such distinguished services to hi
nation would in any other country, much O
that influence and prominence which he en-
joys in his present station"
DIR. Lasker has been frequently spoken o
by newspapers as a socialist while he is no
at all q radical. He represents the grea
German liberal party, which is quite distinc
from the socialist organization and com
prises all the progressive elements of th
German parliament The latter, under tn,
law of 1868, has 297 members, an average o
about 10000 of the population of the empire
to each member, although under the peculia
organization of the German empire, some o
its states having population Of not more thai
10000 are represented by member.
A grand banquet will be given in honor o
of the German club at Abner's hall Tomorrow
evening. Mr. Paul Schulze, president of tn
club, will preside, and toasts will be offere,
as follows: "The President of the Unitet
States" "Our Guest" responded to by DIR
Lasker; "The United States" responded Il
by Hon. Lorenzo Brentano, ex-member o
congress; "The Congress of the United States,
responded to by Hon. X. Guenther, of Wis
consin. Other toasts will be proposed aftel
the regular order has been disposed of. A
number Of distinguished guests have been in
vited, and will be in attendance.
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