The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-12-13
BISMARCK AS A PILOT.

The ulteranees of Prince Bismarck are
now so frequent and so startling that the
reader begins to suspect that some clever
person is pntting words into his mouth.
But as the ex-Chanceilor does not deny what
is attributed TO him the world has to read
between the lines, and one must endeayOr
to shape a conclusion in accordance with
common-sense. One of the Partisan papers,
of no reputation for yeracity. but widely
known for sensationalism, gives Bismarck
another instalment of the notoriety which
he now appears 10 c0yet. The Prince crates
in round phrases quite direct enough to STIR
up comment and give offense. He has
abandoned all intention of entering the
Reichstag or of governing men. To be o
private soldier in the arena Of political
power is uDbeeoming in q man who once
welded power. The logic OF this opinion
is weak, for statesman of ability may
render service to bis country in private as
well as in pablo capacity. Next to a
powerful Government is powerful opp0-
stion. But il is Bismarck's taste 10 con-
slider himself retired. Yet the ruling pas
sion of politics is strong in him. He will
criticize, and his criticisms are vehement
While General Caprvi is in straits to carry
his army bill, the ex- Chancellor thinks it
an appropriate moment to say that Euro
pean countries have something much more
important in hand than war. lie recon-
mends them TO join hands in REFRESHING
socialism. But is not his own policy re-
sponsible to a tremendous extent for the
creation and growth Of socialism? Social
ism has It's rise in misery, expressions Of
Government and the drain OF militarism in
the countries of universal service. 1t is
reasonable 10 expect that people may form
the opinion that governments can do some
thing more for them than compel them to
be soldiers and pay heavy war taxes.
Socialism need have nothing TO do with
anarchy, which is only the ra5id rawlings OF
a few fanatics and criminals. In Germany
socialism is political force with some aims
defined and numbers of others inchoate or
dreamy. We are far from seeing the
principle of collectiyism worked out into
any tangible or practical shape. But
clearly masses of people are drifting away
from the course that statesmen like Bis
marck would like them TO follow. They
can neither whistle them back nor command
them. Repression is q failure. When overt
acts of subVersian are committed then is the
time for the statesman 10 interfere with the
strong hand, but as long as an agitation is
constitutional it is unwise to interfere ex-
cept by constitutional action.
Bismarck throws out sop to France by
saying that an agreement between the two
countries is possible, and he hints that
Russia need not be consulted In case Of
disagreement with France because the
career of the Colossus of the North in the
BALKANS is of no material consequence to
Germany. This is a direct incentive to
Russia to maneuver for rupture between
France and Germany. Ii an abiding peace
is possible between the Gaui and the Teuton
it is for the latter to take the Initiative.
There are no signs Of collision at present,
but with such enormous ornaments no one
can predict how long the equilibrium will
endure.