Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-03-20
but between the Chancellor and bis two
previous masters.
n,smarck's Resignation Explained.

Bismarck's Resignation Explained
There have been many articles penned
In the last two days in all the countries in
Christendom on the subject of the rcsigna-
ton OF the Iron Chancellor. There arc
many differing opinions expressed In those
articles. These articles have been interest
ing, but We have come across no one OF
them that enters so thoroughly into the
subject as the following from the New
York Herald This must be admitted as
well by those who do not as by those VINO
do concur in the Herdlds unfiinching
probing into the case. The Herald says:
Tho resignation of Bismarck Is much
more than an incident in European diplo-
macy-it is an event. We can scarcely cay
that IL takes us by surprise, for every stu.
dent of German affairs has long teit that
the current was running IN that direction.
A now Emperor, n new environment new
policies and new ambitions have mace
new Chancellor inevitable.
Tho occurrence which is given az the
cause of Bismarck's action 49,. OF course
not its cause, but only its occasion. a oll-
ference of opinion with the Emperor on u
subject by no means vital simply ahOTds
the opportunity TO take step which mas
been contemplated .or months,
The prime reason for Bismarck's resigna-
ton is that William proposes TO DE sole
master of the situation.
Bsmarck's hand was on the helm lot
many years. He has been the despot OF
European diplomacy, feared by all. and re-
spected as well as feared, WIN large com
prehension. incompatible skill and the
inettle of unyielding determination, he hos
laid oil international questions under
tribute TO Germany. and in all fields has
reaped harvest of benefit for the Water
land.
The blood of warrior race runs in his
swift veins. Courage has sometimes car
RED him 10 the verge Of apparent reckless
ness in the accomplishment OF his pur-
poses. and an iron will, which never
bent except TO the seeming, has nearly
always given him the advantage III the
Council Chamber. -.
Napoleon was ambitious; Blslnarch
equally so. But the methods of the former
made st. Helena possible, while those Oh
the latter created a united Germany. DO
naparte crowned himself; Bismarck crown
cd his country. Both were Homeric he
roes, hardy fighters. supremely endowed
for the accomplishment of miracles. Inc
one has left memory in which admiration
is shrouded with q shudder; the other Will
leave the victories of peace as his lmperlsh-
able monument.
But age and youth make unequal yoke
fellows. The elder William, though proud
| and impcrious, surrendered to his ChanGei-
| lOr In matters of state. The younger VII
liam is impatient Of restraint, has ambl-
| tions which the man of seventy-hve can
not applaud and plans with which be can
not agree. The fire of age is not IKE inc
Ere ~ vouth. and therefore William and
! Bismarck are not mated. The Emperor
wishes to be surrounded by his contempt
raries-not the men of the past but the
men of the future.
If the Berlin Conference which is to in
miro into the condition of worklngInen
and to remedy the evils which Cypress
them is any indication of his imperial
policy il is certain that Bismarck can be OF
little assistance. In that field OF diplomacy
and to such grave problems OF statesman
shin the Iron Chancellor Is a stranger. II
he has ever given attention TO them 1t has
been to regard them with dlsdaln border
ing on contempt. He once said TO some ex-
treme democrats: IF your party has ITS
WAY life will not be worth living; If ours -
victorious there viii have to be executions
but they shall be conducted with polite
ness up 10 the last step Of the ladder"
Philanthropy Is not an element OF his CA
reer. He was brought up IN different
| school. is an advocate of the old regime, IN
which crowns came first, and the working
| classes We're uncOnsldercd. NOt Wanting
| in generosity. not withOuta degree OF sym
patty with rebellious poverty. genial IN
the company Of intimates though SPHINX
| TO the public, he would find 1t Impossible
either to appreciate the plans Of his SOW
ereign or TO materially assist III their ac-
complishment.
And further, Bismarck has so long been
dictator that he finds 1t difficult to be
subject. lie has been followed; TO follow
now becomes impossible. Others. even the
throne, have yielded TO him in the past
to be himself called upon in his old age TO
Weld seems 50 great hardship that retire
ment is preferable,
William, however, brooks no control.
He has the power. and will exercise II. He
is Emperor and Will ply the prerogatiyes
| of his throne. Hence this exigency and a
resignation which nothing could avert
What will be the consequence OGermany
! and 10 Europe it IL too early 10 predict. We
can only say that no one man. however
great. is necessary to the safety of nation.
| In our own country around scoreo leaders
| came when there was need for them. Ger
many, like America. will never want tor
statesmen. for with the opportunity the
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