New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-06-23
BJSU4RCK AND THE CEOUN.

The fourth chapter of Mr.. Smaley's remi-
niscencss of Friedrichsruh refers to Prince Bis
marcks relations TO the German Emperor and
to the political tendencies which have been
developed since his retirement from office. The
veteran diplomatist who described himself early
in his career as a Kings man and loyal ser
want of the monarchy, cannot depart from the
practice of his Life nor put off the uniform which
he has always worn. He has no word TO say
against an Emperor whom he docs not like
and who has not treated him well. AS our
correspondent interprets the great statesman
thoughts. there is an odd mixture OF respect
for the Emperor as Emperor, and OF something
that is not exactly respect for his Abilities anu
character as sovereign. Subordlnanon as a
Kings man has been the habit of his life and
he cannot alter it, This secular Richelieu, who
has devoted all his energies and abilities to the
service of the Crown, will remain to his hfes
end LOYAL to his King. lie will reserve the
right, however, as a veteran, to his own opinion
rs 70 whether the Kings business is now man
aged well or i'll.
Prince Bismarck attitude toward the En-
peror is clearly illustrated by cur correspond
ent's account of the Gorlitz affair lie was
invited to attend the unwilling of the monu-
ment to the great Emperor. He wished to go,
especially as his own and Moltlles statues were
supporting figures to the august sovereign; but
he was not anxious TO meet the Emperor and
thereby TO invite reconciliation. He waited
for the Emperor to send an invitation which
he would have felt bound to regard as mill
tary order but when it did not come, ne eX-
perienced feeling of great relief and remained
at home in contentment. The old statesman,
who had made religion OF loyalty all his hfc,
was still the soldier awaiting command from
the Throne and prepared to obey it. His life
had been series of battles for the Crown
first against republicansm next against Aus
tra: then against France next against the
Vatican; and finally against parliamentary fac
tons and Socialist tendencies. As a veteran
gray IN service he could not show any lack OF
respect for the sovereign; but he was also
proud. and was glad to be relieved from the
necessity Of humbling himself before sover-
eicn who had virtually discharged him from
public service.
Our correspondent, after explaining the
Princes attitude toward the Throne, outlines
his structures upon the policies which have been
adopted since his retirement. Our readers will
find in the closing portions of the letter a most
luminous commentary upon transition period
in German politics. Prince Bismarck had Gre
ated an Empire in which the most efficient
principle was royalty. There were constitu-
tons. parliaments and universal suffrage; but
for every concession to representative govern
ment and democracy there was new buttress
for the Throne and the substance Of power was
in the Kings hands That was the situation
when Prince Bismarck retired from office. Now
everything has changed. There has been
marked decline of that sentiment Of loyalty to
the Crown which the great Chancellor indus
tliousy and successfully fostered There has
been decadcnce of principles of action which
once made the House of Hohenzolern strong
ard Germany united coherent Empire. The
Rechstag is increasing in power; the Crown is
losing popular allegiance and support. The de-
velopment of parliamentary institutions in the
end may be great gain for the German people
but the old Kings man can hardly be expected
to console himself with the philosophy Of
optimism. The new tendencies, which are de-
velcping potency and intensity, are forces
which he has considered dangerous and has
stoutly resisted all his life long.