Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-02-20
Bismarck at Friedrichsr g
London World.

There is scarcely anything remarka-
bic in the Chancellor's house at Fried
richsruhe except ITS absolute plaiDsess.
Jewish plut0cracy may eei,oat in dis
playing gorgeous tapestry and rare brio
a-brac but Bismarck, after all, is only
a poor man. His State appointment is
not worth even $4,000; Schonhausen is
valueless; Narzin does not yi.ld much,
and the estate of FREDERICKSBURG, al
though estimated at ESQ, 900, brings at
the most $4,000. 1t is true that this is
no reason why his walls should be white
washed, why his furniture is of the sim
pleSt description, why his art treasures
consist of comparatively worthless pho
tographs and paintings of his daughter
and his sons. of Moltke. Of Cardinal
Hohenlohe, of Theirs, Of Beaconsfield,
Of FREDERICKSBURG itself. Yet there are
several objects Of luxury and ease,
and others of decidedly historic import
ance. There is the rich carpet, ex-
tending through hall. and rooms the
number of chimneys, where, the
whole winter through, fires burn
perpetually, and an abundance of
couches-soinetimes two or three in
one room. On the chimney-pieces are
the bronze bust of Moltke. crowned
with a huge laurel wreath. a plaster
cast of Charlemagnc, and q small copy
of Schluter's Great Elector. The dining
room is adorned with the bronze statue
of the Emperor, given by him to Bis
marck in 1881. But particular mention
is due to the bronze imitation of the
Niederwald monument, which stands on
fine oak cupboard in the smoking
room. A leahet is attached to ii with
the following words, written blythe En-
peror himself: Christmas, 1888 the
crewning-stone of your policy; festi-
val which was destined chiefly for you,
and which you unhappily were not able
TO attend.-W."
Not less interesting as a historical
curiosity is a small card-table in the
Princes study. When folded up it pre-
seuts on the top board little inlaid
brass plate, bearing the inscription
ION this table the preliminary peace
between Germany and France was
signed the Goth February, 1871, at Yer
settles, Rue de Provence, No. lG.'
When opened there appears the central
round Of green cloth with the very can
dle-spots of yore, when Bismarck and
Fayre put their names under the treaty.
1t wanted good deal of diplo,
macy on the part of the Chancellor tc
possess himself Of it. His landlady Of
the Rue de Provence obstinately re.
fused to part with it for any considera.
ton of money until the Prince at las,
called in a cabinet-maker, ordering hin
10 make another table exactly similar
10 that one. When the twins were put
side by side the landlady of course de,
cided in favor Of the better-looking o.
the two and allowed Bismarck to carry
off the original one.
The Princes own room is not only
one Of the largest in the house, but
everything il contains bears due pro.
portion TO the size Of its inmate --th,
gigantic mahogany writing-table, the
huge inkstand, the militia OF immens,
goose quilts and large pencils. Ever
the far-stretching view from the window
is in harmony with the discursiye mind
of the man who is reclining on one o.
the couches, while giving ample scop,
TO his thoughts. The gnest-rooms
are situated on the first floor
II need scarcely be added that they
are distinguished by comfort. ease, and
luxury from the Spartan nakcdness Of
the rest Of the house. II bodies peace
and friendship 10 the State whose rep.
iesentatiyc Is invited 70 FREDERICKSBURG