Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-03-27

of the old Emperor William. Gen.
Caprivi remained at the head of the navy
until June, 1888, when he retired in con-
sequence of some disagreement in relation
to matters of organization. The emperor
then conferred upon him the Grand Cross
of the Red Eagle, and placed him in COM
mand OF the tenth army corps, which is
stationed in Hanover. This position he
held at the time of his present appoint
ment.
BERLIN, March 22.-The North German
Gazette tonight supplies some light on
the causes leading to Bismarck's resigna-
ton.
The tone of the Gazette only feebly indi-
Gates the anger which exists in Bismarck
ian circles. The papers have heretofore
avoided touching on the dangerous and
delicate question Of the emporer's inter-
ference in ministerial responsibility
but the Gazette's frankness will lead to
discussion which NAV awaken
the emperor to the fact that the personal.
direct system government has not yet OBJ
tanned supreme hold upon the German
people. The complacency with which
Blsmark's retirement is now generally re-
garded may soon be replaced with regret
that the country is left at the mercy of the
seIf-willed autocrat. The cabinet order of
so has always been held by Bismarck as
interpreting the Pruissian constitution and
to mean the president Of the ministry
ought to appoint his own cabinet, choos-
ing men having political opinions and
principles in harmony with his own. The
emperor refused this and maintained the
right of the monarch to appoint ministers
having direct responsibility, not to the
president but to the crown. The appoint
ment OF Baron Won Berlepsch as minister
Of commerce was the thin edge of the
wedge. The direct instructions which
the emperor gave Berlepsch affecting the
economic policy of the empire evoked
warm remonstrance from the chancellor.
The emperor In a written communication,
send by him to Bismarck early last week,
explained his views in monarchial prerog-
atives, of his conviction that the chancel-
lors claims were an encroachment on
the rights Of the sovereign and
finally that the determination to exercise
general and absolute control. About the
same time direct overtures to WindshOrst
and other leading officials from persons in
the emperors encourage, aiming to take
the guidance of negotiations out of Bis
marck hands produced the climax of the
crisis. On Saturday the emperor got, as
he probably desired and expected, the init
nation of Bismarck S resignation, and on
Tuesday in a closely written document
of twenty folios, which he has kept from
the papers, the emperor received the
chancellor s reasons for resi- gning.
Bismarck has not parted with the en-
peror In sulks or apparent anger for the
emperor followed his recommendation, ap-
pointing General Won Caprivi. Since the
crisis, Princess Bismarck has held daily
receptions which have been crowded.
Bismarck appeared and seemed more alert,
cheerful, chatty and bright than he has
been for years.
Count Herbert persists in his intention
to withdraw from the foreign office at the
earliest possible moment. Herrin. Migul,
Bennlgsen and Hintzpecer are mentioned
as possible ministers, and Count Euenbery,
now Civil Governor at Hesse Nassau. as
successor to Herr Hsrfurth in the ministry
of the interior.
Advices from Vienna point to the retire
ment of Count Kalnoky. Kainoky's policy
suited Bismarck, but not Emperor Josef,
who will now seek man able to give
Austria chance to assume an equal foot
ing with the German diplomacy. Tie
Austrian government distrusts Emperor
Williams leaning toward the Gar.
The committees of the labor conference
have agreed upon the following decisions:
Only males over fourteen years of age are
to be employed in the mines; female labor
under ground is prohibited; children la
Dor in factories is dependant upon their
completion of the prescribed school course;
employment at night of persons under
ployment of children in unhealthy or dan
gerous trades is prohibited; Sunday is to
be day of rest in all employments except
in cases where it is necessary or where
work can only proceed during certain sea-
sons.