The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-08-20
German Politics.


copyright, 1855. by the New York Associated Press. ]
BERLIN. Aug. 18.-Prince Bismarck had with
him during the week at Friedrichsruhe Herr Won
Herrfurth, the new Minister Of the Interior, aud
the National leader, Herr Won Benniesen, whose
visit is associated with the near elections for
members Of the Landtag. Only once before has
Herr Benniesen obtained the rare honor of be-
ing a guest Of Prince Bismarck, and that was at
Varzin, In 1878, when negotiations were pro-
ceedine for the representation of the Nationals in
the Ministry. The growing condolences of
the Nationals in the result of the
election leads to the expectancy that Herr Won
BennIesen will obtain Office. The recent re-
ports of new combinations under which the Ma
tionals, feeling their own strength sufficient,
would rupture their alliance with the Conserva-
tives, are replaced by semi official statements
that the cartel will be maintained in full. This
change of front. coincident with the Bennigsen-
Bismarck interview, is a plain declaration that
Prince Bismarck does not see any way to dis.
psnse with the existing coalition of government
parties.
The North German Gazette, which has hitherto
supported the Nationals, is taking an inde-
pendent attitude, and having changed its tone.
advocates the continuance of the carte,, but
warns the Conservatives against aeitating. in
conjunction with the Clericals. on the question
of increased grants to the schools. with increased
privileges to the clergy for controlling them.
The Kreuz Zeitung attributes this change TO
the influence of the Emperor, whose
sympathles with the Conservatives remain
strong. As long as the maintenance OF
the cartel remained uncertain, the overtures OF
the National-Liberals to the Progressists for
concerted action with Richter and other leaders
of the Progressists were declined. Richter de-
clared that the party would not be mixed up in
electoral intrigues, but would act upon the basis
OF its well-known principles. believing that it
would thereby best preserve both its interests
and its honor. The irreconcilable attitude or
the Progressists. at the same time, checked the
approaches of the leaders Of the Center, who,
while couquetting with the ultra-Conservatives.
were throwing out feers to the Progressists.
The sum OF the position is that the elections
Will proceed upon the same basis as the
last election. The ACKNOWLEDGMENT will be
slightly strengthened. but practically the bal
ance OF the parties will remain unchanged.
Herr Liebknecht's return to the Reichstag from
the Sixth district Of Berlin is fully assured.
Inc efforts OF the government agents to obtain a
candidate supported by a coalition vote of the
National-Libersls and Procressists are increas-
ing. but their chances Of success are slight The
Socialists are hopeful of an increase of 5000
votes. The anti-Semitics promote the can
didature of a man with Christian Socialistic
views. The election will be watched with in
tense interest everywhere. as q test or the
growth or decline of socialism.
Coming Congress OF German Catholics
BERLIN. Aug. 18-A congress of German
Catholics will meet at Gribourg, in Breisgau, in
September. The two leading questions to be
discussed are religious orders and the regime OF
the schools. DR.. Windthorst is still. in feeble
health, but he promises TO animate the proceed
ings of the congress by his presence. His ut
t~erances. in view Of the Lsndtag
elections, will be tantamount to q
declaration Of the platform Of his party,