New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-02-21
"THE TRAGIC COMEDIANS"
FERDINAND LASSALLE'S STORY.

TIE TRAGIC COMEDIANS, A STUDY IN WELL,
KNOWN STORY. BY George Meredith. with an
Introductory note on Ferdinand IAssale. by Clement
shorter lomo PIP. xxxvi, "os bos'oh'
Roberts Brothers
The story Of the tragedy which cut short the
brilliant career Of Ferdinand l.assallc has been
often told but it has been reserved for George
Meredith 10 apply the art Of the novelist to an
ANALYSIS Of the passion whose stormy and crratc
course was the cause Of his death. In order That
the readers of The Tragic Comedians may he
enabled TO test the fidelity with which he has fol-
lowed the main course Of tie facts, Mr.. Meredith
has prefaced his study with a brief narrative OF
Iassale's fatal courtship. Mr. Shortcr's sketch
moreover supplies what some readers OF the pres
ent time may need, namely an explanation OF the
sensation caused throughout Europe Try the rcvc-
lation OF the romance of the reformers life. The
man who fell under the bullet Of Racowitza
recognized as one of the forcmos. spirits Of his
tine Seventeen years after his death Prince Bis
marcll, speaking in the Rcicbstag. said of him
He was one OF the most intellectual and gifted
men with whom | ever had intcrcoursc,-a man
who was ambitious in high style, but who was by
no means n republican; he had very decided ma
tonal and monarchica sympathies. aud the idea
which he strovc 20 realize was the German Empire
and therein we had point of contact. Las.
10 talk with whom was very instructive Our
conversations lasted for hours. and was always
sorry when they came 70 an end
The poet flcinc thought 30 much OF Lassalle
that he characterized him the Messiah Of the
Nineteenth Century. Ills burning cloquence ana
the humanitarian and socialist doctrines which he
clothed with IT made him the idol OF the German
people and rs he passed through the country on
his specchmaking and canvassing tours his progress
was a triumphal procession. lie had reached the
age Of thrty-ninc, and was AT the height of his
reputation and political influence when he met,
and at first sight fell deeply in love with, girl
Of nineecn-IIclcnc Won Donniges. His passion
was rcciprocacd. In truth the two had been
waiting for one another, for mutual friends had
frequently told them that they were wonderfully
alike in their views and gifts. Helene Won Don
niges was renowned for her intellect. wit, and in
dependence. Her curiosity had been awakened
by the mention of Las,allcs name in connection
with her own She knew that he was a Jew, how
ever. and she had somehow associated him with n
carcature OF Semitic features Really he was an emf
nently handsome and distinguished looking man,
as the very good portrait given in Mr.. Shorer's
sketch sufficiently indicates, and Helene herself was
very bctutful Her family, however, belonged 10 the
narrowcst minded of the minor German nobility,
and i.assalle in their eyes the most obnox-
I cious and impossible Of connections.
| The mere mention Of the Jewish Radical threw
| old Count Won Donniges into transports Of fury.
| and he would certainly rather have buried his
| daughter than have married her TO such man.
The fair Helene indeed was already bcthrohcd to a
young Polish noble named ianko Racowitza, whom
she only tolerated, though forced 10 rccog-
nize his devotion and imertnrbabe good nature
under trying circumstances. For she rather
| - I. \
self under her lovers eyes. When Lassalle APP
pcarcd she told ianko condidly that ut last the
right man had been revealed 10 her, and forthwith
she gave the reins to her passion for the reforner
They contrivcd TO meet in Switzerland often enough
10 rivct the bonds of their affection but at last
| old Won DonnipcS lccarnc thoroughly alarmed tool,
almost forcibc possession Of his daughter. and from
| that moment Lassalle never 10 see her again
There are myst .ric5 which Mr. Meredith has sought
| to clear up: psychological perplcXitcs in the main
Helene Won Donnigcs gave her own account Of the
love affair 10 tie world Some time after Iassale's
death, but il has always been taken with many
| grains Of allowance for she put on her defence
and public opinion was strong against her.
| IL was said that shc perhaps recognizing her owl
weakness. proposed to Lassae that he should cope
| with her. But he refused on the ground that such
a step would react injuriously upon his public
standing. Moreover, he was very proud, and he
heved in his own ability 10 overcome all obstacles
and 10 secure the consent Of llcene's family. liz
had not realized their 0bstinacy and the depth
OF their class and race prejudice, however, and nc
sooner was Helene in her fathers custody again
than a course of persecution was entered upon
which WAS well calculated to break down any but
a very resolutc woman. For some time she wa
actually imprisoned in her room. Every member
nj her family MANAGED scolded, urged and entreatet
her Meanwhile iassalle was greatly excited, ant
moving heaven and earth to get once more within
reach OF her Her efforts were desperate but futile
and his enemies were aided by llelencs resentment
at his refusal to adopt the only course which, sh'