The state herald., 1890-04-11
GERMAN POLITICS.
Emperor William Wants to Have His
Own Wav,

I Own Way.
BERLIN, March 22.-The North Ger
man Gazette tonight supplies some light
on tho cause leading to Bismsrck's resig-
nation. II says the chancellor did not
wish to depart from the cabinet order Of
1859, relating TO the intercourse between
Prussian minister's and the sovereign, but
desired to retain his control and right Of
CO. operation. The opposition he encoun-
tered In the matter finally brought clearly
to bin tho necessity for his resignation
Negotiations between Bismarck and Wind
thorst with reference to the Guelph fund
and the attitude Of the clerical party was
only connected with the crisis SO far as
that the chancellor refused TO subject his
Intercourse with the deputies TO any con-
troll.
The tone Of the Gazette only feebly indi-
cates tho anger which exists In the Bis
marckian circle. The papcrs have hither-
TO avoided touching the dangerous and de-
licate question of the Empcror's interfer-
ence in ministerial responsibility. The
Gdzettc's frankness will lead 10 discus
sion which may awaken the Emperor to
the fact that a personal, direct system of
government has not yet obtained supreme
hold upon the German people. The COM
placency with which Bismarck's retire
ment is now generally regarded may soon
be replaced with regret that the country Is
Tne cabinet order of 1859 has always been
held by Blsmarck,.as Interpreting the Prus-
sian constitution to mean that the presi
dent OF tho ministry ought to appoint his
wn cabinet, choosing men having political
pinlons and principles In harmony with
his own.
Tho emperor refused, and maintained the
right Of the monarch to appoint ministers
having direct rcsponsibility-not TO the
president, but to the crown. The appoint.
ment OF Baron Won Berlepsch as minister
OF commerce was thin edge Of wcdge.
The direct instructions tho emperor gave
Berlepsch affecting the economic policy OF
tho empire evoked warm rcmonstrance
from the chancellor. The emperor In a
written communication sent by him to
Bismarck early last week explained his
views Of monarchical prcrogativcs His
convictions, the chancellor claims, were
an cncroachment on the rights Of tho min.
lister and finally determination to oxer-
else general and absolute control, and
direct overtures 10 Windthorst and other
clericals from persons in the cmperor's
confidence, aiming to take the guidance Of
negotiations out Of Bismarcl's hands pro-
duced the climax of the crisis.
On Saturday tho emperor got, what he
probably desired and expected, informa-
tion of Bismarck's resignation, and on
Tuesday, in closely written document of
twenty folios, which he has kept from the
papers, the emperor received the chancel.
lor's reasons for resigning. Bismarck has
not parted from the emperor in the sullss
or apparent anger, for the emperor fol-
flowed his recommendation in appointing
General Won Caprivi. since the crisis
Princess Bismarck has held daily recep-
tions, which have been crowded. Bis.
marck appeared and seemed more alert,
cheerful, chatty and bright than for many
years.
1t is stated that the Reichstag has such
perfect confidence in General Won Caprivi
that any extra supplies for military or
naval purposes. which he might choose to
ask for, would be readily granted, without
any of the opposition which has hitherto
been displayed toward all demanded cred
its for the army and navy.
His appointment to the imperial chan
cellorship is heartily welcomed in Austria,
where he is known TO be strong upholder
)f the triple alliance. This makes 1t pretty
certain that so long as he remains In officc
The present status will be maintained,
whereas his retirement might well signify
IN intention on the part Of the kaiser to
begin hostilitics against the ancient foes
of the Hohenzollerns, which he burns to
10, Notwithstanding his pacific prostesta-
lions and his recognition Of the value and
lesirability OF peace.
Reports are In circulation that Bismarck
ias declined the dukedom OF Laurenburg
and the appointments OF colonel general OF
The cavalry and field marshal general
offered him by the Emperor. The report
causes great sensation. II is also re-
ported that Herbert Bismarck is pressing
the Emperor to accept his resignation Of
the onice OF imperial foreign minister.