Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-03-10

: that the good of the people is also their
I own good.
In the subject of this sketch, however,
taking him in his final completeness, we
are compelled to recognize in him the in
itial germ of great and noble principle
early in his life, the constant retention and
development of it during years when it
must often seemed an ignis fa.uus and a
hopeless ambition. 1t is the most SYM
metrical and stately career that European
or any history can present. At time in
life when nothing but personal indulgence
and pleasure are considered the natural
ambition of the rich and powerful, he
aimed at the greatness of his country,
though there was no certainty that he
would live to see its realization. His
predecessors and contemporaries afforded
him no precedent for the business
of his ambition. As King
he was an anchronism. In times
long before his inspiration would have
been ascribed to him. The very means he
deemed to be the most effective for the
perfection of his great scheme he knew to
be the element which caused him derision
and unpopularity. He had seen thrones
lost for lesser reasons, yet, firm in his con-
victions, he never wavered. 1t was OBJ
obstinacy, but the obstinacy was tempered
by judgment and patriotism. The selfish
ness that seemed to shadow his course
events have proved to have been thought
fitness for his people and their ultimate
good-a good in which, in the course of
nature, he could not long expect to partici-
pate.
War, in its terrors and bitterness, was
opposed to his religion and his nature.
His gentle private life attests the truth of
this. He believed-his record showed
that he believed-that his country was
destined to lead in the annals of modern
Europe. To no one was this so clear as to
him. War, as means, his patriotism re-
quired of him to accept. Over 60 years of
age when omnipotence of kingship placed
In his hands the power to prove the truth
or falsity of his theories, he unhesitat-
ingly cast his decision in the scale. Such
a course would, in the then condition of
Germany, have portended ruination to
one not thoroughly selfreliant. One
marked popularity of his character was
that without which no man can retain his
reputation for brilliancy and solidity-his
perspicacity and promptness of decision.
A JUDGE OF MEN.
Like Napoleon, he was able to analyze
and estimate Alright other men. Almost
he may be said to have submerged himself
IN the renown of the famous men with
whom he surrounded himself. In diplo-
macy, Bismarck maintained pre-eminent
reputation. In the planning of a great
campaign Won Moltke led all the world.
The treatment of these distinguished men
by grateful master is sublime There is
no petty jealousy of their well-merited
celebrity. He loads them with honors.
and apparently ignores the fact that his
fame has become practically subordinate.
While such an absence of egotism as an
element in true greatness is essential, it is
remarkable for its rarity. There is no
doubt but that commanding portion of
those who might be called upon to esti-
mate him to-day would unhesitatingly
rank him as subordinate to his two dis
tIngulshed Ministers. He was subordinate
as the fertile inventor is subordinate to
the effectiveness of his machine. To Will
lam of Prussia belongs all the glory that
wreaths Germany in her entirety. Never
was there nobler national ambition than
that which actuated him. He aimed at
the accomplishment of his purpose purely
but unselfshly. The people whom he
sought to lead in the development of their
country were more selfish than he They
saw only Entertainments on their iealously-
guarded liberties, while he was seeking to
benefit them and earning only opprobri-
UNI. Never while he was in power could
1t be alleged of him that he used his
authority to crafty any personal hostility
toward the people or show resentment for
the obstruction of his cherished plans.
His was eminently judicial mind. In
any age and in any position he would have
att9lned distinction. He was steady, calm
and energetic. When differences arose be-
tween his Ministers it was the Emperor's
Judgment that decided. During the intense
activity of the French campaign this quail
ty IN the King was exercised repeatedly.
and IN most important emergencies.
While Bismarck is indisputablv one of
the most wonderful geniuses this age has
produced, yet it is no reflection on his
abilities to urge that without the man at
his back, who had the courage of his con-
victions, his diplomatic successes might
have assumed very different complexion
in national councils.
In the family relation the Emperor has
position that is nearly isolated in roy
atty. No shadow of a stain rests on his
purity. He was devoted husband,
gentle, firm, loving father. The puritan
parent could not point to his own record
with more of proud confidence than could
this mighty potentate.
In personal appearance he was tall and
diignited, kind in expression and of win
ming address. The Germans will, indeed
be fortunate and happy people if in his
successor they find his equal or one who
aims to attain his virtues.-S. F. Call.