The Sunday herald., 1886-09-05
THE HEIDELBERG FESTIVAL.
Warlike Professors Who Preach German Unity an
Gexunsn lIaxx-TIa Ia.

Warlike Professors Who Preach German Unity and
Germsn Glory--Tho down Yields to Arms.
Whosoever reads the accounts of the recent ceIe-
bration OF the quincentenary Of the University OF
Heidelberg will not fail to be entertained, according
to his TASTE by the description OF the numerous and
varied features Of the occasion. 1t lasted week,
and Included such distinctive features AZ q typical
religious service, solemn reception OF depufatiOns
from other universities, grand banquet, an ami
versary discourse, gigantic COnmers or students
drinking bout, comforting of honorary degrees,
reception by the Grand Duke OF Baden and a
HISTORICAL procession. Besides scant representa-
ton from America, France, Italy, and England, all
the German universities were represented. All the
learning OF Germany was gathered there to do
homage 70 an institution that did much to develop
the Intellect and culture OF Germany, and more 10
advance the ideal movement for the unincailOn OF
Fatherland
One would have supposed, then, from the nature
OF the gathering, from Its object and from the pro
fessional character OF those who principally COM
posed It, that professional talk-the talk OF the shop
would have permeated the atmosphere. There
was plenty OF that, in fact, well exuberance OF
that cdndddrfe which always distinguishes gather.
ings OF universally graduates. But the most notable
fact throughout the whole Of the celebration was
the universal expression, In conversation, In the
speeches that were made OF the banquet, at the
students night festival, on every occasion, about
oeIinhh unlty, herman mhteral strength, ana 9er-
man military glory. These themes took the place In
great measure OF what would naturally have been
expected on such an occaslon-such the condition
OF science, education, learning, and the march OF
Improvement In German universities. As one
writer remarked: "Whatever speaker began "a
speak about, be was sure to come round to the re.
established German Empire and the grandeur Of the
German people"
Evidently, ihen this body OF learned men, met to
celebrate the victories OF learning In the past
thought more and talked more OF war and politics
| than OF science, law, and literature. They had
| constantly In view the future OF Germany in itf
| material progress and political supremacy. They
dropped the discussion OF Intellectual achievement,
| TO talk about the inyincibty OF German arms
There was no public talk, It Ia true, of territorial
expansion, but nations do not stand STILL and It II
| safe TO say that these learned men represent tn,
feeling OF an unanimous German people TO stand by
the government In any aggressive war. There Is
thirst for German supremacy: burning desire fol
military glory.
When one sees the French nation saturated with
desire 10 enace the disgrace OF Sedan, and on IN,
other hand the Russian people with a policy tha
proyokes constant disturbance In Europe; when one
the Car sthe German does TO the Kaser-it Ia easy
70 predict That great continental ID not far on
may be postponed, but II cannot long be ayeried
Given the three controlling peoples OF Europe spoil
Ing Tor nght, and II In only question OF time aud
opportunity when II will break out.