The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-15
BISMARCK TOO BOLD.
Emperor William Threatens to
Prosecute the Prince.
ARMY CHANGES CRITICISED.
Retired Chancellor's Paper Causes Sem
sations--An Americas Blackmailer
Given Two Years In Prison.

BERLIN, Feb. A.--fNew York Associated
Press, Copyright, 1901. THE official invi-
tation of the United States to take part in
the Worlds fair at Chicago has been re-
ferred to the different states in order that
commercial interests may be consulted be-
fore reply il made up. It IL expected in
official circles that there win be . rush Of
German exhibitors, for whom 1t will be
necessary to secure the largest possible
space.
The crisis in the feud between Bismarck
and the emperor is becoming acute. In
conversation at an official dinner last
night the emperor remarked that the at
tacks inspired by Bismarck were aimed at
him. He feared he would soon be obliged
to take severe measures to suppress these
attacks, which were dangerous to the gov
eminent and the empire. 1t is reported
that Chancellor Caprivi has been instruct
ed to publish warning to Bismarck's pa
per, the Hamburger Nachrichtcn, to cease
publishing its pretended revelations of
government affairs, on pain of prosecu-
ton.
The Nachrichtcn published yesterday an
article which caused sensation. 1t de-
clared the recent changes in the army gem
eral staff were due TO the fact that Valdez
see and other officers were working to
bring on war with Russia. The article
repeats other charges that Waldersee has
already denied, but which have acquired
fresh significance from the removal of his
intimates, Majors Fjahn and Siebcrt, from
the general staff.
The emperor had 2 prolonged conference
yesterday with the chancellor and minister
Of justice. 1t is difficult to believe that
the emperor means to go to the length of
prosecuting Bismarck, yet his uncontrolled
intensity of irritation supports the rumors
that he will do so. The tome Of an inspired
note in the North German Gazette indicates
that a milder form of repression will be
tried before Bismarck is personally chal-
lenged. The developments Of the feud are
watched with the keenest interest. Adj
herents Of Bismarck say the prince does
not fear prosecution; he is ready to meet,
and perhaps wants to provoke it.
At an official dinner last night, represen-
tatives were present from every political
section in the reichstag, except the social
on all topics OF the day regarding legisla-
ton, etc.
A German-American composer named
Seifert, who was formerly piano-maker
in San Francisco, has been on trial here
on charge of levying hlackmail on
2 q, wealthy American S., widow; Mrs
intrigue after he had been divorced from
his first wife. The evidence submitted to
the court showed that for long period
Seifert has lived in an extravagant manner
at the expense of the widow. The liaison
attained crisis when Seifert transplanted
his affections and married the Widows
maid. He continued, however, to retain
his grip upon the widows purse, threaten
intrigue IN the 'R Police story 81 'i sr
nishing their portraits to illustrate
the articles, unless he was supported with
money. Friends of the lady assisted in
laying a trap to capture the blackmailer.
Detectives were hidden in the widows
room during an interview she arranged
with Seifert. They heard Seifert threaten
to shoot her If she did not submit to his
exactions. They pounced upon him and
placed him under arrest. The trial re-
suited 10 his conviction, and he was SEN
fenced to two years. Imprisonment.