Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-03-29
Tor him Of all those who lore an homeland
chiyslrous spirit.
rbe Central Figure in Europe.

Az might have been expected the niends
~ BISMARCK deny that there Is any truth
IN the story that in 1906 be proposed TO
France TO form an alliance offensive and
defensive for the purpose OF dividing west
ern Europe between Prussia and France.
The truth Is the denial was hardly necey-
sarv. for the story seemed to carry alb
surd,ty on its face. That the idea OF ab-
sorbing German Europe might have
entered tie ambitious brain OF BisMAhck
when he was planning for Konigsgratz,
which resulted in crushing the Austrian
hone Of ever becoming the head OF new
German empire, is possible, but that he
sbould have thought Of asking the support
OF Fran q in consummating such scheme
"a utterly inconsistent with his reputation
for craftsmanship and acumen In reading
the sentiments Of the German masses. but
aside from this, even had the German peo-
ple been willing that France should have
hIsace-I lorraine confirmed to her. the fea-
ture of the alleged proposed compact when
refers to Belgium does violence TO BIS
x.pcx,s well known desire regarding the
Netherlands. The autonomy OF both BEL
p;um and Holland is perhaps entirely due to
the fact that the friendship of England 10
worth more to Germany than would DC
their possession.
Nevertheless, the story Is only another
evidence that BISMARCK is the central figure
in European politics. Every dayit becomes
clearer that the period since his retire.
ment from the chancellorship OF the en-
pire has been season OF recuperatlon
as regards influence and power. MS
every movement is watched and chronlcied
and made the subject of speculation. and
in the absence of any real foundation LOT
starting q sensation touching his plans
past. present, and future. one Is con-
structed In the fertile imagination OF some
correspondent. Pori passu with the IN
creasing prominence being given the old
Chancellor has been the interest mani
tested in his candidacy for the Reichstag'
and that interest has been Tremendously
stimulated during the last week by the re-
port that the understanding between
France and Russia had eliminated
in formal alliance. The renewed in
reference of Russia in Seryian al
fairs. the concessions of the Car to
the Firms and the movement OF Russian
troops give color to the assumption that
that Power is preparing to bring about
crisis in European affairs. In such event
II would be safest for Russia to have the
assurance of aid from France, and IN view
of the recent circumstances tending to the
isolation of the latter there could be no
more opportune moment fo- securing
pledge of that aid.
BIsMAncx is the father of the Dreibund
and hispopularity shows that the drift OF
German sentiment Is towards return 10
the old policy. The natural conclusion Is
that he will have more influence upon the
parties associated with Germany in that
alliance than any other man. and that
when he shall have returned TO the Reich
stag it will rest largely with him whether
Russia shall be called upon to settle the
issue by fight to the finish or Europe
shall continue to be an armed camp
and resound with notes of prepa-
ration for an indefinite period. Despite
his efforts to preserve the peace OF Eu-
rope by diplomatic advances to France
the German Emperor is known to have
declared that the maintenance OF the
present German armament was worse than
war, and should the Dreibund conclude to
enforce peace through decisive clash OF
arms that conclusion would afford basis
for compromising all of BIsMARcK's and
WILLIAMS differences as to policy in
manner that would not iniure either in
the eyes Of the German people.