The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1890-03-27
Xh4 J4#F##t.
CAMDEN. Sc, MARCH z, 1890.
BISMARCK.

The resignation of the greatest living
statesman and diplomat as prtmier Of the
German Empire, caused by the interference
Of the Emperor in the sole control Of sub
ordinates in the Office which by "A rule estab.
lished as far back rs 1852 the Chancellor
had right to exercise, has awakened world
wide surprise and criticism, and has given
rise to multifarious Surnises rs to what 1t
means and what will be its outcome.
Bismarck and Germany have been so long
identified that it is difficult to disconnect
them in anything Nppertainingto the inter-
es.s or welfare Of this creation OF his mighty
genius. When called to the Chancel.orate
in 1862 BY the stern but ratriarchial Old
William, he found Prussia scarcely recov-
cred from the perturbations of 1913 AMI in
the throes of agitation between const'tu-
tionalism and absolutism, while Austria
was the recognised head Of the German
States. He began forthwith TO lay his plans
for the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of Prussia and uiti-
mate absorption and ccr traization Of power
by excluding Austria, ard then unifyns
Germany under the King of Prussia: We
cannot follow him as, like s.cnth hound,
he pursued his scheme 'craftily, boldly
relcntlessly in the Schcswick-Flolstein war,
and Wrestling these provinces from gallant
little Denmark nor on the flaming heights
OF Sadowa, where Moltlie hurled his concen-
tratcd lccions on the front and flank OF the
Austrian host, and the Hapsburg eagle
bowed in defeat TO the Prussian standard,
and that naughty Empire was eliminated
forever frcm German hcgemony-nor in
the sanguinary, steady and ever victorious
march from the Rhine to Paris, irrad!ated
by the spiendors of Gravelotte, Sedan and
Metz, the shortest. bloodicst and brainicSt
war in history, eliminating in the crown
ing of the King rs Kaiser Of United Ger
many at Versailles. in the palace of "le
grand Nlonarque," January, 1871, followed
bv the treaty of rcace in which le belle
France paid five miliard of francs indem-
nifty and lost fair Alsaceand beautiful Lor-
rainc.
His purpose was accomplished, but the
difficulties OF unifyng and satisfying the
respective Kingdoms, ard building up the
superstructure OF empire on Il deep and
lasting foundation, stared him in the fscd
lie had, too, q foreign policy to inaugurate
which should steer between the insidious
Vaccinations OF tie Pope, the craftine<s
end jealousy Of Russin, the bitter memo
r;es of Austria, and the malignant, burn
ing hatred Of France, while the regulations
of The domestic economy Of the Empire
and development Of IFS resources engaged |
his most earnest and serious attention.
For twenty years he has held the helm |
as Chancellor cf this unified Empire, and
has devoted his energy and brain to its wei
fare, and leaves Germany the wonder and !
admiration of the world. The young En-
peror, although en- absolutist, had deter
mined to bow to the gathering storm Of |
socialism, with suspected predispo-
sition for war At-any~rate he and the
iron Chancellor, the originator and fash
ioner Of his Empire, and tie trusted anS
beloved counsellor Of his grandfather, have
agreed to disagree and his resignation has
been accepted. Capriayi, 4 soldier, has
been called to his portfolio, with no appar-
ent special qualifications for the position.
Europe stands agapc, and developments
arc anxiousiy expected. The young En-
peror is either scatterbrain, war-wi!d en-
thdsiast, or an able and earnest statesman.
We shall see. His acceptance Of Dismarck's
resignation was bold act and indicates an
unexpected degree Of self-reliance and SELF
confidence
Thus retires the central figure of Eu.opq&
and the greatest political intellect of this
century. rallyrand was net more astutc.
Mettcmich more far-seeing, nor Gortscha-
koif more insistent. He combined all Of
their ability, with more action and magnetic
influence They dallied, he acted. They
resorted to subtcrfuges, lie went at his
mark with the fo;cc and whizz Of rife
bull, and yet when occasion demanded
could trim aud mislead too.
Neither Cromwell nor Louis NlVth cXer-
cised more influence on their epochs than
this great man, and no one in modern
times, unless It be Napoleon. has domina-
tod Europeans to greater degree. Can
Germany 10 without him at this juncture:
Events develop men, and the Young En-
peror may prove Il new Johna TO the great
Fathcrlnnd.