The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-03
ELECTION OF BISMARCK.

The complete returns from the district In
which Bismarck has been candidate for the
Reichstag shows his election by a vote double
that which was received by his opponent,
the Socialist Schmalfeldt Not unnaturally
the ex-Chancellor is highly pleased by the
result as it gives him at once political i'm
portance which be has not enjoyed since his
removal from power.
During the extended interval which has
elapsed since the latter event be has been
fretting against the inaction into which he
was forced contrary to his own wishes and
every instinct of his proud and domineering
nature. The opportunity has now been pre-
sented TO him to re-establish himself in
measure In the conspicuous position which he
formerly occupied in the general affairs of his
country, and it Is not likely that he will per-
NIT this opportunity to go untitled.
Bismarck as q simple member of the Reichs-
tho. and Bismarck as a member of the Reichs-
tag and also the Chancellor of the empire,
are two different persons; but there can be
little doubt that Bismarck, in spite Of his un-
official character in the assembly, will be con-
sidered and justly SO, the second individual
in the empire in the mere point of personal
weight and importance. II is true that Won
CapriH is now Chancellor, the most august
person, in an official sense, in Germany after
the Emperor, but he IS only the mouth piece
of the restless and ambitious youth who now
occupies the German throne.
In many respects Bismarck and William are
very much in sympathy with each other, for
both are firm believers in arbitrary methods.
In very many particulars, however, they are
Numerically opposed to each other in opinion
as TO national policies. Bismarck will take
his seat in the Reichstag as a member of the
opposition, and will continue so unless he
uses the opportunities which his new position
will furnish to recover the good will OF the
Emperor, with view to realizing by diplo-
macy his, declaration on his removal that
William would recall him.
It is difficult TO imagine the sturdy and
outspoken ex. Chancellor adopting for such a
purpose course of conduct that would stultify
his previous actions and utterances, however
great ano tempting the prize to be gained IN
his recovery of the Chancellorship. The pro-
liability is that the enmity which now
exists between him and the Emperor will be
intensified rather than weakened. Neither of
these two men are compromising in their ma
lures Both are set upon having their own
way, and are disposed to look upon every
form of opposition as hostility pure and sim
pie, which has to be met and overcome at any
cost, irrespective of the methods.
We anticipate still more strained feeling
In the relations of William and Bismarck, with
the probability that it will lead to words and
scenes that will be equally discreditable to
both. The Empire is not big enough for
them both, and one has to be master. Will
liam occupies the position of advantage, but
the prediction may be ventured that he will
yet have reason to regret the day when lie
raised up such an opponents the EXCHANGED
lor, the greatest man whom the German race
so fertile in great men, has produced in the
whole course Of its history.