The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-05-07

After the Berlin Labor Confercnce--Whnt
He Thinks of German Affairs.
NeNcaAtlc. Eng Leader

He Thinks OF German Affairs.
Newcastle. Eng. Leader.
Thomas Burt, NJ. p, who was appointed
by the English government to represent
the mining interests 1t the labor conference
at Berlin. on his return home was inter-
viewed by reporter. and gave his opinion
of the various members of the commission
and of the notable people whom he met.
What was your opinion of the German
emperor, Mr.. Burts" asked the reporter.
Well, think his general appearance
argues want of weight and balance. His
head betOkens energy rather than breadth.
But he struck me rs sincere. He is ex-
tremeiy well informed. He talked with oil
the representatives. each in his own lam
guage. The Frenchmen were very much
astonished at the excellent way in which
he spoke their tongue. He has certainly
energy -perhaps too much. but the Hohen-
xollerns have always made reigning busi-
ness. and have conducted il with the same
laboriousness. the same industry and the
same activity Is . man pursues profess
sional career"
rs there much feeling against him in
Germany with regard to the retirement OF
Prince Bismarck?
II had no great opportunities of mixing
with Germans, but l found nowhere. ex-
cept perhaps At the English embassy, be-
lief existing that the resignation OF Prince
Bismarck had been voluntary. 1t was TO
the effect that he had probably resigned, or
offered his resignation as he had often done
before, but that in this case the difference
had been that it was accepted. l was told
by persons whose opinion l believe is of
weight. that in internal politics of late
years the influence Of Bismarck has not
been of the most healthy character. 1t
has been throughout too repressiye"
"But, Mr.. Burt, Is not the attitude Of
the emperor himself based upon the idea
of repression 2"
"That may be, but he. at least in the
opinion of some of the Germans, is making
an effort TO meet the new ideas of social re-
form2"
lyon are not much Of q courtier, Mr..
Burt: how did you get over the ceremonial
part of the receptionf"
.well, could not say that enjoyed IL;
but went through whatever was to be
done. From . spectacular point Of view
the reception Of the emperor and empress
was the most brilliant affair I have ever
seen. The generals in uniform. the cos
tunes OF the different nationalities,
glitter of stars and medals, of
lace and steel. made a scene such
as one witnesses. but seldom, If ever, in .
country like ours. where state ceremonial
is reduced TO narrow limits. One or two
world wide celebrities were there--Moltke,
Count Herbert Bismarck and others. Bis
marck looks like great man. the veteran
general does not He is thin and spare OF
feature. and seems . man who Is special
ist rather than of broad and general gran
deur OF character"
.'were there no state receptions but this
one7D
"oh. yes. The Empress Frederick had .
uncticn at her house. 10 which all the En-
glish representatives were invited and
which they attended. Ii Was not an occa-
sion OF great ceremony. / was very greatly
struck with the fine character and
bearing OF the widowed empress.
She is not specially popular In
Berlin. The BerIiners think she
might be more lavish in her spending. In
the course Of the evening the Prince Of
Wales came In, and made himself very
agreeable. his hearty laughter making
everybody nj home. T"
Had you any talk with him7" ts~-
"a little.
popular king yetf'
VERY likely. Considering that I have
been ali these years voting against royal
grants In parliament / think 1t was very
good of him TO be so very EVIL"