The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-26
CONSUL MUELLER'S REPORT.
He0nly Did His Duty, and There Is Moth
ing Unusual in His Statements.
Prince Bismarcks Policy of Federation-The
Tramp Problem in Germany, and the
Empires Colonization Schemes.

WASHINGTON, Dec 25.-The recent report of
Consulgeneral Mueller which has caused 80
much comment, was not seen by Secretary Bay
ard uutil he read it in the newspapers. He was
interested in it as an item of information and
news but, officially, he did not concern himself
about it. Mr.. Mueller is very competent and
efficient official, said Governor Porter, Assistant
Secretary of State; 'since his appointment, in
May last he has answered very ably and very
satisfactorily all the calls made upon him.
There was nothing unusual in the manner Of
his reports He took no unwarrantable liberty
and violated no principle of diplomacy. 1t is not
only his right but his duty, to discuss and re-
port everything that may affect the commerce of
this country. as far as his observations extend,
and he is an observant man-far seeing and of
keen insight Beyond question, the Consurs
comments will be reproduced in the newspapers
of Frankfort on the Main, and it is easy to un-
derstand that some of the people Of that city
will not be favorably impressed with them.
Men with whom he comes in contact there
may turn the cold shoulder to him, but
beyond little social GOODNESS, the publication
cannot operate to his prejudice. 1t is not under
stood by governments to be the duty of a consul
to eulogze the government Of the country in
which he may be stationed: neither is it his duty
to withhold his free opinions A German con-
sui in this country may criticize our protective
tariff or any of the principles of our government
as sharply as he chooses, and this
government will not take offense or
seek to suppress him. We may not agree
with his opinions, and may not like them, but
we will not deny his right to hold and express
them. 1t is not to be expected that all the
consular reports sent to foreign governments by
agents in this country are couched in terms of
praise. have no doubt that some German con-
su1s in this country indulge in criticism as free
as that of Mr. Mueller. The relations between
this country and Germany were never more
friendly than now, and it is idle to talk of a
rupture Of diplomatic relations because of any
thing contained in Mr.. Muelers report"
Mr. Frederick Raine, the American Consul
general at Berlin, in the introduction to his an
nual report writes briefly of the rise of the Ger
man empire Cautiously but steadily he says,
ga system of government was carried into
execution. The utmost uninterrupted flow of
new laws was apparently not retarded by even
parts of structure that long before its erec-
ton. was planned by far-seeing statesman.
Sufficient means were abundant. With
the establishment Of the empire,
moral force, for centuries neutralized by petty
rivalry between Individual states of the confed-
Grafton. became available. With their aid, he
was enabled to forge formidable instruments for
the erection Of new political and other organiza-
tions hardly thought of before"
Mr. Raine embodies in his re-o1t series of
tables from which he dedncts several interesting
facts. The population of the area now com
prised IN the German empire, which was q, $751;
600 in 1876 had increased to As. 234 900 in 1880,
and at the present rate of increase it
doubles once in forty seven years. This is in ex
cess of the growth of population in any of the
neighborng powers. Great Britain, Mr.. Rane
says, doubles her population in fiftv-one years;
the Netherlands in ifty-two years; Denmark in
ffty-four years; Aursrria in 60a years; Belgium
in sixtv-one years, while France requires 200
years to double her population at present rates.
The immigration from the Empire shows
steady and marked decrease since 1884, from
which fact Mr.. Raine argues that either the
economical condition of Germany has improved,
the attractive features of America have decreased
or Bsmarck's colonial principles are proving sue
cessfu. The German Colonial Association,
formed two years ago, spread with great rapidity.
The first acquisition was made by Bremen firm
of traders, the being 900 German square
miles in South Africa. The traders applied for
and received recognition from the home govern
ment, and other traders speedily followed the
example Possession being thus acquired in
East Africa CAMERON. Paquena and other
South sea islands. 1t is now proposed that all as
sociations and companies which endeavoring
to promote German colonial interests shall be
federated, and the question, Mr.. Raine says,
will be considered at meeting shortly to be
held in Berlin. The government has recently
subsidized two lines of steamers to run between
the parent country and the colonies, and third
line has just been established by private enter
prise between Hamburg and the Congo.
Mr. Raine describes another colonial enter
prise of novel character, which is now in sue
cessful operation. Three or four years ago. he
SAYS, several hundred thousand tramps infested
Germany and drew from the people many
millions annually, bestowed in charity. A
clergyman first suggested the plan of coloniZ-
ing these people. and with the aid of men of
wealth, secured tracts of waste or partly Guilt
waited land in Westphaia, where he organized a
''workiDgnen's colony" The plan worked we'll,
and tramps were compelled to emgrate to the
colony in large numbers. There they were
washed, provided with clothing, and furnished
with employment as farm laborers. Gradually,
in the progress of colonization, they found work
1T their respective trades, and many of them
became useful members of society. The rest
found their way to the workshop. The Emperor,
and many influential men of the Empire, took a
deep interest in the matter, and at present such
colonies established in all colonies and states
of Germany.
Mr. Raine discusses exhaustively the condi
tions of German trade and industries. and the
influences including the new protective policy
of the government, which are affecting them.
He finds that manufacturers are complaining
more of low prices than Of want OF opportunities
to dispose of their goods. The prices obtained
do not yield the desired profits, but nearly all
branches of manufactures have plenty Of work,
and new industrial establishments are being
created.
LIGHTNING LETTER-CARRIERS.
An Invention That Is to RevolutiOnize the