The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-01
A GIANTS BIRTHDAY.

It is not difficult for student of human
nature and of the trend of ideas in these
days to believe that not all of Germany s
heart is in the celebration of Prince Bis
marck's eightieth birthday, which occurs
to-day. The news that we receive is of
those spectacular demonstrations, which
constitute news. If any bitterness turks
in the shadow it is close-housed and
yoiceless, and the news-gatherer' function
ceases at its threshold.
Carlisle has shown us the force and value
of hero-worship, and the fact that, in one
sense, Bismarck is one. of the greatest
heroes that the world has produced, is
alone sufficient to explain why even some
of those who may not like him Will toss their
caps in air under the prevalent infection of
alteration.
For having been the moving spirit in
shaking off Austria's domination and in
the consolidation of the German empire
the two most important and benefcent
events in the history of the Teutons- and
for having organized and maintained a
military force which has been the most
powerful of the agencies for securing the
stability of Germany and of the whole of
Europe, Bismarck deserves the gratitude
of every German citizen.
At the time when his power began to be
felt the disciples of Prudhon were spread
ing the doctrines of socialism, which had
invaded Germany from France by way of
Russia, and it was Bismarck who with the
aid of his royal master, William l, out
lined the idea of collectivism-th organ
ization of the producing classes into vast
industrial enterprises conducted by the
state. This was modified socialism-in
reality paternalism-an it seemed to in
dictate the great statesman's desire in his
younger days for the happiness of the
individual, as well as the strength and
prosperity of the nation.
AS time passed on and his power in
creased the idea grew stronger and stronger
with him that instead of the ruling power
being an instrument for securing the hap
piness of the people the people were an
instrument to be used in securing the
strength of the crown, and this idea was
given direct expression in his recent
speech when he declared that the security
of the dynasty was the paramount con-
sideration. During these years socialism
had taken formidable strides in Germany
and had secured bold voice in the Reich
stag Against its encroachments the Iron
Chancellor opposed the whole weightof his
character, and as in its higher and more
intelligent form it embodied not only the
sentiment of political liberty but also of
those gentler humane considerations which
lie at the basis of Christianity his iron
methods of repression struck at the heart
of many things which humanity the world
over regards as sacred.
1t was doubtless this that estranged him
and the great-souled Frederick, whose
heart beat for his people as a brothers as
well as kings, and who loved kindness
better than the sword. The pettish anger
of the present Emperor, which drove the
giant from the Chancellor's chair, was the
act of a boy jealous of his new and mighty
power. For, immeasurably different from
his royal father, he is the embodiment of
Bismarck's idea of the divine right of
kings, and now that experience and re-
Election have taught him wisdom he raises
storm among Bismarck's old enemies by
taking the great statesman again to his
heart. j;
There will not be unanimous glorifica-
ton in Germany to-day, and whatever de-
preston OF spirit shall exist will be as
much through dismay that the young
Emperor has virtually proclaimed his
acceptance of Bismarck's idea as through
bitter reflection upon the course of Bis
marck himself. The crown first, the
people next; that is now what Germany
must face, and in part that is the mean
ing of the great celebration to-day.
1t is interesting that two great men,
Bismarck and Cayour, born nearly at the
same time and both engaged in the same
grand work-Bismarck in the unification
of the German States and Cavour in the
regeneration of Italy-should have pro-
ceeded on lines that stretched in so oppo-
site directions. Both succeeded Bismarck
by the use of blood ana iron and Cavour
by the employment of those broad, mas
terful and everlasting principles which
govern the minds and morals. of men,
Bismarck was the rapier and Cayour the
star. If an invincible Government, by
whatever means invincibility be secured,
is the best thing for humanity, Bismarck
will be remem bered as the greatest states
man in history; but the memory of Ca
YOUR will be treasured in the hearts of men.