New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-10-05
BISMARCK AND FREDERICK.

,
printed in large part in yesterdays TRIBUNE,
explains why Prince Bismarck has fcrcely
resented it's publication. The evidence which
it furnishes of the Chancellor's personal rela-
tions with the Crown Prince in 1871 and their
disagreement respecting the policy to be pur-
sued in dealing with the South German States
is direct and conclusive. Prince Bismarck is
represented as scolding the future sovereign
and condemnng the opinions expressed by
him as improper for one in his station. The
Grown Prince did not take this rebulle in a
submissive spirit. He demonstrated vehement
ly against this pedantic method of Diminishing
the future sovereign's convictions respecting
Imperial policy. Prince BismarclI's defiant re-
ply was declaration that he would resign his
office whenever the Crown Prince should ascend
the throne but meanwhile he must adhere to
his own principles and be guided by his own
experience. The Diary contains not only the
record of this quarrel, but also evidence Of
Prince Bismarck's unwillngness to have his
plans for Germany interfcred with even by so
powerful parsonage as the heir to the throne,
and Of the bluntnesS with which he takes it
upon himself in an emergency to lecture MEM
bers of the Royal family on the prophecies Of
their position.
The occasion Of this quarrel was the uncer-
tainty existing respecting the South German
States during the war with France. For eight
years Prince Bismarck had been intriguing
against Austria. He had begun by asserting
Prussia's right to form a closer political union
within the German Confederation. Austria
was then firmly intrenched in the Diet, was
heartily supported by the princes and in ALI
ance with all the European Powers. BY drag
ging her into the Schleswig Holstein War
Prince bismarck contrived at the end OF two
years to isolate her from the princes and her
allies and to lower her in the estimation Of
Germany. Gradually war between Prussia and
Austria was brought on. When the Diet sup
ported Austria Prussia proclaimed the dissou-
ton of the Confederation. Prince Bismarck,
having led Austria from one folly into another,
crushed her in single battle owing his victory
mainly to the Crown Princes timely appear
ance with his division at Koenigsgraetz. Dur
ing the next four years he garnered the results
of that conquest with marked dehberatio1.
Prussia was placed at the head of the Nor;
German Confederation but toward the South
ern States a policy Of reserve was adopted the
Princes theory being that coercion was to be
scrupuously avoided, and that community OF
interests and institutions would ultimately
draw North and South together and complete
the uniiication of Germany.
The Crown Prince seems to have found fault
with Prince Bismarcks policy of inactlon. In
his Judgment the hour for procamng Ger
man unity was the one when North and South
were fighting together the battles Of the Father
land against French aggression. He had been
commanding the division Of the army recruited
in the South, and was confident that the States
formerly in league with Austria were ready to
accept the Empire under Prussian leadership
Prince Bismarck generally audacious, was
cautious and timorouS on this historic occasion
lie wished to avoid intimidation and force
and TO allow the South leisure for reflection
and hesitation before making its choice. The
Crown Prince, impatient of delay and weary of
diplomatic intrigue, desired to exert strong
pressure upon the States and to have the EN-
pire proclaimed without delay This was the
controversy which led to the bitter quarrel
recorded in the Diary
Before two months had passed the cause OF
disagreement was removed and the Prince and
the Chancellor were reconcie1 Events moved
rapidly, and the Empire was established. But
the foundations were neither so broad nor so
deep as the Crown Prince would have had
them laid The Diary has disclosed bis SYM
patty with liberal ideas and his faith in the
progressive development of German institu-