Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-03-22
BISMARCK'S HOME.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MECCA OF GER
MAN STATESMEN.
The Chancellor's House at Friedrichsruhs
Very Plain Structure-Objects Of
Luxury In the Interior-His-
torical CuriOsities.


There is scarcely anything remarkable in
the chanccllors house at Friedrichsruhe ex-
cept its absolute plainness. Jewish plutoc-
racy may gloat in displaying gorgeous
tapestry and rare bric-a brac, but Bismarck,
after all, is only poor man. His state ap
pointment is not worth even 5000 pounds
sterling; Schonhausen is valueless; Varzin
does not yield much, and the estate at Fried
richsruhe, although estimated at $50, 600
pounds sterling, brings at the most 5000
pounds sterling. 1t is true that this is no
reason why his walls should be white washed,
why his furniture is Of the simplest descrip-
ton, why his art treasures consist of COM
paratively worthless photographs and paint
ings of his daughter and his sons, Of Moltke,
of Cardinal Hohenlohe, of ThierS of Beacons-
field, of Friedrichsruhe itself.
Yet there are several objects of luxury
and ease, and others of decidedly historic
importance. 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, sometimes two or
three in one room. On the chimney pieces
are the bronze bust of Moltke, crowned with
huge laurel wreath, plaster cast Of Char
lemagne, and a small copy of Schluter's
Great Elector. The dining-room is adorned
with the bronze statue of the emperor, given
by him to Bismarck in ISL But particular
mention is due to the bronze imitation Of the
Niederwald monument which stands on
fine oak cupboard in the smoking room A
leafet is attached to it with the following
words, written by the emperor himself:
christmas, 1888; the crowning stone of your
policy: festival which was destined chiefly
for You, and which you unhappily were not
able to attend-W"
Not less interesting as historical curios-
ity is a small card table in the princes
study. When folded up it presents on the
top board little inlaid brass plate. bsaring
the inscriptions: "On this table the prelim-
mary peace between Germany and France
was signed the Goth of February, 1871, at
Versailles, Rue de Provence, No. l6" When
opened there appears the central round Of
green cloth with the very candle-spots of
yore, when Bismarck and Favre put their
names under the treaty. 1t wanted good
deal Of diplomacy on the part Of the chan
cellor to possess himself Of it His landlady
Of the Rue de Provence obstinately refused
to part with it for any consideration Of
money until the prince at last called in a
cabinet-maker, ordering him to make
dhotAoi taolO SAaetAJ W tuas ouc.
When the twins were put side by side the
landlady of course decided in fav or Of the
better-looking of the two and allowed Bis
marck to carry off the original one.
The princes own room is not only one Of
the largest in the house, but every ything it
contains bears due proportion to the size of
its inmate-the gigantic mahogany writing
table, the huge inkstand, the militia Of im-
mense goose quilts and large pencils. Even
the far stretching view from the window is
in harmony with the discursive mind Of the
man who is reclining on one of the couches,
while giving ample scope to his thoughts
The guest rooms are situated on the first
floor. 1t need scarcely be added that they
are distinguished by comfort, ease, and
luxury from the Spartan nakedness Of the
rest of the house. 1t bodies peace and friend
ship to the state whose representative is in
vited to Friedrichsruhe. Here Bismarck
puts out the torch Of hatred; for the
hosts duty he considers to be to cultivate
under his own roof amity and good under
standing.