Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-12
KAISER AND CHANCELLOR.
Graphic Description OF the Scene Which
Terminated Their Relations.


Terminated Their Relations.
From the London Daily News.
Swiss paper receives the following highly
interesting particulars on the subject of Prince
Bismarck's resignation from q man who is al
legged to be initiated into Berlin court secrets
as no other has been, and whose information
has always proved correct: On Saturday,
March 5, 1890, toward o'clock ia the morning,
while the prince still in bed, he was informed
that the emperor was waiting to see him in
Count Herbert Bismarck's apartments in the
Office of the secretary Of state. When the
prince entered the room the emperor received
him with the following words. spoken in tone
Of the most vehement reproach: "You a short
time ago forbade the ministers to make reports
directly to me, but absolutely wish that nv
ministers present themselves personally to
me-" "Your majesty" answered the prince
''by virtue Of law alone am authorized and
charged to make direct reports to your
majesty; this is absolutely necessary if the pro-
ceedings OF the government are to have firm
and united character. If, within the last few
weeks, some ministers have got into the way Of
making reports to your majesty. it is in oppo-
sition to the law, which gives this right alone
to the chancellor of your majesty. But as soon
as your majesty orders me l will yield to your
wishes and propose a change in the law. +"
Also in M the workinsmen,s question"
cited tone. my plans meet with your
persistent opposition. Hook to the measures
which l consider useful being carried out thor
oughly." II do not oppose the improvements
which your majesty thinks Of Introducing"
tell me that some Of them need certain modifi-
cations which are absolutely necessary. and
shall have the honor of submitting them to
your majesty" "No, no; no notifications"
interrupted the emperor. 81 wish my orders
to be carried out just as give them" The
severity of this expression of his will at last
exhausted the princes calmness. Il think
can perceive that my services are not fortunate
enough to please your majesty" he said, land
that some thoughts exist of getting rid of me-"
The emperor here made a confrmatory gesture
with his hand; if it was done unknowingly it
was not less significant "In that case there is
nothing else for me to do but to hand your mai
esty my resignation. would only like to beg
your majestyto let me remain in office till May,
SO that l may personally defend the military
would find 1t difficult to break the opposition
in parliament and carry the bill" While the
chancellor was speaking the emperor shook
his head several times and said at last.
mo, no." The prince bowed without say
ing word, and waited for a sign from
the emperor to withdraw. After few
painful moments Of silence the emperor
said, still most excited: There is still word to
be said about your mysterious negotiations
with DR.. Windthorst. l know you receive him
in your house, and forbid these meetings"
But now the chancellor, who the whole time
had kept his temper with the greatest trouble,
broke out and said: Il know quite we'll that for
some time have been surrounded by spies and
talebearers, who watch every step take. 1t
is true, and again l say it is true. that have
invited DIR. Windthorst in order to discuss
things with him. But it is not only my right,
it is my duty, to have communication with
skilled politicians, whether they be members
of parliament or not and nobody, not even
your majesty, will be able to prevent me from
doing So" After these words, spoken in the
greatest excitement, the emperor dismissed his
chancellor with simple movement of the
head. So ended this fateful scene. Between
the young sovereign and the old chancellor q
gulf had formed which never could be bridged
over. The newspapers may say what they like
"a reconciliation between the two is hence
forth ar impossibility. Even if the chancellor
wished it the princess and Count Herbert
would oppose it with ali their might, and it is
said that their influence over the chancellor is
greater than ever.