Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-18
BISMARCK AND THE EMPEROR.

BISMARCK AND THE EMPEROR
The prominent feature in connection with
the celebration of Won Moltke's ninetieth
blrthday-Bismarck's entire absence from
the ceremonies-is emphasized by the later
reports of the reason for his absence. The
whole world knows that in the construction
OF the German Empire the statesmanship
and diplomacy of Bismarck bore a more
vital part than the military triumphs of Won
Moltke. Yet the young Emperor omitted
Bismarck from the list of the guests; and 1t
is now learned that the reason was that Bis
marck had refused to submit to the imperial
inspection and censorship the proofs OF the
lie of William l., which the ex-chancellor
has been engaged in writing. II is further
reported that in order to escape the censor
ship of the German press laws, Bismarck
has been compelled to have his work printed
in England, which step may lead to more
ultra retail iation on the part OF his imperial
pupil.
History can hardly discover more shock
ing example of bad taste and ingratitude
than is presented by the spirit which is thus
displayed by the present Emperor toward
the old statesman whose skill and genius
brought the German Empire to its present
commanding position. However we may
sympathize with the enthusiasms of the
young man on social questions, it is
impossible to avoid perceiving in his course
toward Bismarck the demonstration of that
unrestrained selfshness of absolute power
IL af f,1Aa
or fidelity rs bound to give away to the
self-esteem or supremacy OF the ruler. 1t is
we'll enough to understand that the recogni-
ton of Bismarck as the creator of the Ger
man Empire, and the fact that while he was
in power he dwarfed the personality of the
new Emperor, were the causes of his dis
missal. That was sufficient as a striking
illustration of the motives which may pre-
vail in an Imperial Government; but the
same spirit is carried to an unparalleled de-
gree when the young Emperor undertakes
to establish censorship over the Chancel-
!or's writings concerning his grandfather's
rule, and excludes Bismarck from the cele-
bration of the event which he directed, be-
cause he refused to accede to that extreme
assertion of power.
Yet, while fully recognizing the pettiness
of the Imperial action, and the magnitude
of the character which the Count is pursu-
ing even in his retirement, it is impossible
to omit the perception of certain degree of
poetic justice, in assertion of a vexations
authority of the Chancellor's course little
short of tyranny. 1t is the significant and
instructive fact that the system of govern
ment which enables the Emperor to throw
aside the statesman who created his
empire like and old glove, and then
to assume the right of dictation
over what he shall, or shall not, write, is of
Bismarck's own creation. Had he not in
sisted on giving the Empire its absolutist
features, and on creating the restrictions of
the press In. Germany, this course would
have been as impossible for the German
Emperor as it is for the Queen of England
to follow Gladstone into private life with
similar vexatious assertions of power over
his writings and utterances. The fact that
the situation is Bismarck's system turned
against himself appears even in the details.
The right of censorship which is now as
serted over his writings is exactly the same
which he asserted against Count Won Arnim
and Prot. Won Geffcken. The enmity of the
Emperor toward him is more ungrateful,
perhaps, but hardly in worse taste than the
indignities to which, when Bismarck was in
power, the mother of the present Emperor
was subjected. If the reports we're true
which were heard at the time of the EN-
peror Frederick's death-that his son s course
was due to the instructions of the Chan
cellor; that for the maintenance of the Ger
man system he must cast aside all flial and
sentimental restraints-then it is a remark
able illustration of both personal and
political characteristics brought into exist
ence by the man against whom they are now
directed.
How much Of these details are true, and
how much unfounded gossip, cannot be told.
But it is beyond dispute that Bismarck now
stands before the world as the most remark
able illustration of a statesman, who, having
created and absolutist system, has at last
lived to be the victim of it. Whether this
remarkable result will convert him to liberal
ism at the end of his career is not certain; but
except for the exposure of imperial human
nature, it can hardly be regretted that after
the man of blood and iron has spent his life
in freeing the German throne from responsible
ity and raising it above criticism, he should
learn by his own experience the evils of such
a system.
1t is possible view of the position to
think that Bismarck previously recognized
the ability of the Government under his sys-
tenn to inflict injustice on people out OF
power; but believed that he would remain
on tine ruling side to the end of his days. If
So he is the wiser for learning his mistake.
But it is more creditable to believe that he
spent his life with a sincere conviction that
freedom from restraint and superiority to
public opinion are essentials to a strong
Government. If he learns from the present
situation the greater wisdom of liberal laws
and the protection of individual rights, he
will end his career with broader views than
those which guided his craftsmanship
through life.