New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-01

Frederics despotic rule was intended TO De Denen-
cent, and, so far as his lights carried him. IL was
So His main theory Of successful State he de-
rived from his father. He sought 10 estaolsh q
purelv Maternal Government He lnterfered with
everything and everybody, and regulated every
thing and everybody. lie thought trade and
manufactures could be managed by Government
bureau: tina, the rotation of the crops could De
dictated by official bulletins; that the occupations
OF the nation should be determined in the same
way. and that nobody should be allowed ever 10
change anything without the permission OF the
authorities He might have done much more
mischief than he did with these experiments
Fortunately his people were generally not thin-
skinned and so accustomed to tutelage that nothns
in that kind surprised them. One great good he
did accomplish in the reform Of the judiciary ana
Of civil and criminal practice though the genius
Of Cocceji was really the motive force III TINS
matter.
II, however, the people had no liberty, they
were at least protected against spollahon Taxa
ton was not intolcrable and IL was all PAID INTO
the State Treasury. No scandals of revenue-iarm
ing such as those which in France did so much
to rpen the Revolution, were possible in Prussia.
The Civil Service Of the latter-in peace-was an
admirably efficient machine, which performed its
promp tness leaving nothing to be desired. The
people hated this loyal and effective Civil Service
but then the people under despotic forms OF gov
eminent always hate the bureaucracy and that
of Prussia, though doubtless offensive, was probably
not more so than every bureaucracy must be from
the nature of things By such a system, odlous or
not Frederic believed, and perhaps rightly he
could alone secure the force that was necessary
to maintain and extend his kingdom in the race
of the opposition which more and more strongly
reared itself against him. That the PrussIans
would have continued to make the sacrifices de-
manded of them by the Kings wars had they not
been so drilled to obedience and so Systematically
deprived Of independence, is to say the least, I'M
probable and without the stod endurance IN
which they were trained even the military genius
Of Frederick would probably have failed to eX
tricate the country from the ruin by which it was
repeatedly threatened Whether the game was
worth the candle is an altogether distinct question:
and one the determination Of which belongs more
properly to the Prussans themselves than to the
world at large.
Professor futile has thrown new light upon
Frederc's domestic policy. and in so doing has
made il easier TO understand both the capacities
and limitations of that ruler lie also gives en-
phass to the deficiency Of the King in real patriot
ISM and illustrates the sefshness OF his dynasnc
ambition IN demonstrating his almost absolute
neglect of and indifference to the development OF
Geman letters and art. The American writer
moreover exhibits more clearly than Carlyle the
superfoiality of Frederics intellect, which really
extended to his military achievements His gift
Of rapid perception in emergencies repeatedly stood
him in stead of that profound grasp Of complicated
situations which was so signal a Characteristic OF
Napoleon in his prime. Frederic did not look FAR
enough ahead to avoid great dangers; but, when
confronted by them he developed marvellous
power Of prompt and felicitous action No one
could fight battle better but many could plan
better campaigns. In dealing with such matters
of judgment and analysis, and in dIsentangIlng
and weighing the confused and insincere diplo
matte Juggling of the European Courts. Professor
Tuttle is at his best. lie never attempts to be
picturesque but tells his story simply. clearly and
ia so moderate and cautious manner that when
be expresses strong opinion it carries the more
weight The evidences of thorough research are
abundant in his volumes and its steady i'm
partiaty, breadth Of view, and lucid style, must
secure deservedly high rank for his history.