Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-27

utmost sangfroid. The story goes that i
was announced to him at a late hour, wher
he was in bed, and that he reused him
self momentarly and said to the mes
senger: "Oh, very we'll; the third portfolio
on the left" Long before he had drawn
and filed away all the necessary plans fol
the impending campaign, and when tht
critical moment came he was able to sleeI
as soundly as though nothing had hap
| pened.
Years before he had adopted a military
policy and to that policy he adhered through
out his life. In his published report on the
Austro-ltalian war OF 1859, he says: Scr
tainly the grave reasons against the hopes o.
successful execution of his plan did moi
escape the sagacity of the Emperor Napoleon,
but he could rely on his army and he acted
rapidly-by surprise-vigorously; and he
who acts in this way generally reaps ad.
vantages which the temporizing lose."
CROWNED WITH HoNoRS,
For his unrivaled services IN the war
with France General Moltke received an
other national gift and was also created a
Count and appointed Chief Marshal of the
German Empire. In 1872 he was made a
life member in the upper house of the
Reichstag.
An old man by this time, he saw clearly
that his active work in this world was done.
Germany, united and omnipotent, would
never again call on him to protect her
against arrogant neighbors. Instead of
the cannon and the sword, the ploughshare
and the spade would come into play, and
instead of spending his nights in evolving
astute strategical plans, Field Marshal Won
Moltke might safely devote his time to those
liberal studies which have always had such
an attraction for him.
He accepted the situation without mur-
muir and earnestly devoted his attention to
his pacific duties. A tall, thin old man. of
most gentle demeanor and all the attributes
OF thoroughbred gentleman, he has always
been the idol of the German army. The
soldiers speak of him fondly as "Father
Moltke, and are never wearied of lauding
him for his learning and unerring military
representations. His taciturnIty and lin
guistic attainments are also a matter of
comment among them, and they often speak
OF him as "the man who is silent in seven
languages"
A GREAT WHIST PLAYER.
At theaters and public concerts he is
seldom seen and only appears at court on
the most urgent occasions much preferring
home life to the gayeties of society. He is
very fond of whist and often plays with his
nephew, Captain Won Moltke, and other
friends. Even during the Franco-German
war he INDUCED in his favorite pastime and
required Colonel de Cleer, his Adiutant, to
provide him with suitable players. The
officers of the general staff would report the
news to him as he sat playing, and when
his turn came to 60 out of the game he
would follow the reported movements of the
enemy on map spread out in the next
room and plan with mathematical precision
The required counter movements.
He was deep In game on August %,
1870, wien news was brought that McMahon
was marching toward the Meuse. Report
after report made the enemy's intention
clearer to him, and late in the evening he
went to King William and told him that
he army must march, not to Paris, as had
been intended, but to the Meuse. This i'm
oortant resolution, so swiftly taken, which
ed to the colossal victory of Sedan, is the
pest proof of how quickly the Field Marshal
could grasp completely altered situation
md act Accordingly.
As chief Of the general staff he spent much
ime in the official building on the Koenigs-
llatz OF Berlin. His parliamentary func-
ions also required his attendance at the
,aplta!. Seldom missing a sitting, he rare
Y rose to speak, and then only on military
questions and after much preparation. His
vo!ce was un ortunately too weak to pene-
rate to the remote parts of the house, and
heretore on his manifesting an intention to
peak the members have Invariably Quilted |
heir seats and assembled around the |
ribune. When the sitting was over he re- |
1rned on foot to the general staff building, |
ntering, not BY the grand hall, but by a |
mall doorway in the left wing which was |
Intended only for servants. Then crossing
he court and mounting a winding STAIR |
ase he arrived at his official suite of apart- |
nents. completely furnished by the State in |
ccordance with his instructions.
NOT LIKE BISMARCK.
Won Moltke, indeed, would not be the |
Admirable Crichton that he is if he had not |
minded his own business so we'll. Unlike |
bismarck, whose work necessarily brought |
lin into frequent and not always harmoni- |
us contact with the other political leaders
n Europe, he has held himself sternly |
loof from all political complications,
moving well that, when the time ior action
anne, the country would not find him un-
Furnished are his weapons. we'll
ra1ned are his soldiers; whatever might be
be result of political misunderstandings
nd chickering's, he has always been alert
nd ready to march to the front,
Not that he loved war, as too manv OF the
Torld's conquerors have loved it. On the
ontrary, he loved peace, but peace with
onor. For the sake of his beloved country
e has gone forth to many battlefelds and
as spent many days and nights in un.
'earied study, and, old as he is, he would
nsheathe his sword and prove himself once
lore the greatest living strategist in case
ny power should be rash enough to insult
he German Empire.
Happily it is not likely that any such in
lit will be offered. The Field Marshal has
assed the last 20 years in peace, and The
w years that yet remain to him will as
lredly not be disturbed by the thunder of
Lnnon and the fierce music of battle. Ger
any is at peace with all the world and.
lergetlc as her young Emperor is, he has
ot as yet given any evidence of desire to
esh his maiden sword on field of battle.
THE SUNDAY CELEBRATION.
The Won Moltke celebration to-day was A.
agniicent success. Although it rained
| the morning the streets along which the
mperor was to drive were crowded at an
rly hour. At 9 o'clock 800 school chill
'en gathered at the house of Marshal Won
oltke, where they sang nymns and
ltriotic songs The Marshal came to the
indow and said few words of thanks.
ling his serenaders that music was an
,portanG factor in the education of the
tizens.
The Emperor started for Won Moltke's
lace at 1890. driving in coach drawn by
< horses. His Majesty carried with him a !
h field marshal's staff which he person !
ly presented to Won Moltke, whose palace !
Is crowded with the royal personages of !
e nation. The Empress Frederick and 9
r daughters were prominent among those
40 were most earnest in their congratula- !
ms. The Grand Duchess of Baden sent