New-York tribune., 1891-12-27
CONTRASTS IN GERMANY.
A SCHOLAR HONORED IN OLD AGE-A BAR
ONESS TURNED SWINDLER
EarIin Dccpmber


Berlin. December 10.
Until December 4, 180l the pages of academic
history, in all probability, related no instance of
the appointment of a nonagenarian as a regular
salaried professor in university Such, however,
was the honor conferred upon Carl Ludwig Mich
eet the philosopher, on tn ninetieth anniversary
of bis birth. Count Hedlitz-Trnetzschler. MIN
lister of Education, called in person upon the
hoary-headed scholar, to inform him of his as
signment to the philosophical faculty Of the Un-
versity of Berlin. The Government organ, too.
printed the announcement in the traditional man
ner Although the savant is still hale and hearty
and able to attend to daily duties, it is not en-
pected that he will ever again ascend the Uni
versity cathedra TO proclaim his views. But Mich
eet enjoys the reputation, in all probability. OF
being the oldest active college professor in the
world
The honor came late, indeed. but it gave the
aged recipient none the less pleasure. 1t was
triumph aided indeed by strength of body as
much as by strength of mind. Mcheet became
a decent in the University more tnan tlreescore
wears AGO After the death of Heg5l, indeed, he
was called to continue the lectures of his teacher.
Despite his popularity among the students, how
ever his ambition to become professor ordinary
in his alma mater renamed ungratihed and he
left the institution in 1878, after lecturing fifty
two years without having received the salary
of professor His earnings depended entirely
upon the number of students whom he drew to his
lectures
The title of professor means much more in this
country than beyond the ocean. 1t means more
than in any country. 1t is conferred alone by the
| Government and carries with it certain rank
and certain privileges at court. Germans use
the title sparingly and never make it synonymous
,yitl. anba do A oivnp of
the title knows how to appreciate it. as it is
recognition of his services in the particular pro-
fcssien Of science 10 which he has devoted his
| life Inadequate scholarship. lack of devotion to
his profession want of distinguished services,
not responsible for Michelets non-pref2rment. Ills
| scholarship and his services were recognized lie
| was too democratic in his views. however, and
| served too ardently the opposition to meet the
favor of the Kings and Emperors who ruled over
Germany. In years past he saw many interiors
pass over his head, secure titles which he coveted.
| and receive hOnors which should have been his.
! These things caused him many bitter panss but
the pangs in vain. The present Kaiser has
been praised for hs action in comforting the honor
The gratitude of the Professor himself, however,
was deep and true. His last days will be happier
than they otherwise would have been.
AIichelet's name, however, will never be for
| gotten In Germany. He has not attempted to
found a new system of philosophy. but rather to
show the relation between the wisdom and knowl-
edge of the centuries and human life. lie really
| taught tn system TO speak, of applied phi
| losophy. Man" he says " is the sublimest phe-
nomenon of Divinity Every human creature is
called to he the emssary of God that is the re-
| ligion of mankind The true idea of religion
can only be expressed by merging the forms OF
| all individual religions NIicfelet has always
BEEN ardent admrer and true follower of his
| teacher, Hegel. lie disagreed with him, however,
| regarding the State and the relative Importance
| of the head of Government and the people who
compose the State.
Among the philosophers most important works
| is The History Of Mankind in Its Development
from the Year 775 to the Present Time" He
was the founder of the Philosophical Society
of Berlin, and the Berlin Society for the We'll
fare of the Working Classes lie is an ardent
! opponent OF war, and took active part in the
| Peace Congress of Naples in 1869.
On his birthday, December 4, the nonagenarian
was the recipient of many congratulations. The
professors of the University take pride in his ac-
| cesson to their ranks. and all Germans sincerely
wish the aged teacher many years of life and
| usefulness.
A sensation was caused by the announcement in
|
| noble and aristocratic widow in the west end
of town had lived for many years in great style
! by begging. IL was said at the time that the
| article was inspired by the throne to
| serve as warning to the gentle woman
| Another paper, however, investigated the matter
| and yesterday gave the wOman's TO the
| public 1t is Baroness Won Outflow, who bears
one of the finest names in Prussia, and is related
to many of its wealthiest and most distinguished
| families.
| The Baroness's husband was an officer in the
| Franco Prussian war, and at his death she came
into a pension Of 400 marks year. Although
the money, il appears, served to keep the family,
she found that it was not sufficient TO purchase
toilets TO move in society, and make and receive
visits With her two daughters, therefore, she
determined to replenish her exchequer, and began
to send begging letters TO relatives and members
of the Prussian nobility in various parts of the
country, feeling confident that they would not
allow one of her rank to be reduced to absolute
poverty" The letters were touching in the eX-
treme, telling of the struggles of the family to
earn daily bread, the starving condition of the
children, sickness, cold and want The letters
touched the hearts Of the recipients. They re-
sponded, often with large donations To prove
honesty of intenton. the young daughters at times
sent pieces OF needleworlS to the wealthy con-
tributors, which they had purchased at stores
They represented the work. however, the
product of their own hands, and asked those tC
whom they sent it TO purchase it at whatever
prices they wished.
The marks and thalers flowed rapidly into
the baronal treasury Now and then, some
Doubling Thomas" to the city and called
upon the family to investigate their condition
But the Baroness and her daughters were pre-
pared for such investiga tions They did not siv'
tie number of their handsome home in the Begging
letters, but the address OF small house in ano;hc
street, which they had purchased purposely TO in
sure success. The rooms of the house wer'