Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1898-09-01

Bismarck did not long survive Glad
stone. The Grand Old Man whose
craftsmanship was so great factor IN
the progress of England in the last half
century closed his earthly career but
a few weeks before the death messen-
ger called from the scenes Of his use
fulness the author and maker Of Ger
man unity. These two great men OF
Europe were as much unlike in all their
characteristics as two men could we'll
be, yet each held a place In the affec-
tons of his countryluen and in the esti-
nation of the world not unlike that Of
the other Bismarck's character was
rugged, his manner bluff. He was a
man of blood and iron, while Gladstone
was q man of quite different manners
and temperament yet one who inspired
much the same sort of admiration
which Bismarck inspired. The great
German was a many sided man. He
was grim, relentless and even stern.
In diplomacy he was artful and auda-
cious, and in guiding the destinies OF a
great empire as chancellor and adviser
to the monarch he was full of deter
mination and bulldog pertinacity yet
as husband and father he was kind and
indulgent, and as benefactor Of his
people was regarded with passionate
devotion which 1t was beautiful to wit
ness on the many occasions when his
popularity was evidenced by some dem
onstration in his honor. Prince Bis
MO roll 1ilxo G1oIctann yuac most foYfr1-
nate in his choice Of helpmeet, and
like the Grand Old Man often bore tes-
timony to his wife's influence in max
ing him what he was. His peaceful
domestic life was in strong contrast
to his stormy political career. He was
devoted to his wife and children and
his spouse watched over him with con-
slant faithfulness to guard him from
the ill health his excessive labors might
cause AS a student Bismarck was
wild and uncomfortable, but his mar
raige and domestic life seemed to COM
pletely sober him. From the stand
point Of democracy and republican in
situations it is Of course impossible to
approve of many acts Of Prince Bis
to judge him from this standpoint. Bis
marck must of course be judged and
the value of his achievements measured
by standards different from those of re-
publican countries where conditions ap-
preaching democracy prevail. A man
Of his strong, determined, autocratic
and even imperious disposition was
needed to solve the problem Of German
unification. 1t is perhaps too soon to
Judge of the good or i'll effects Of many
of his policies but of the value Of his
work in moulding into one great empire
numerous separated although more Or
less related kingdoms and in thus
strengthening the bonds of German
unity, his work In preserving the peace
of Europe through alliances and the in
crease OF the efficiency of the army
there can be no doubt. Some Of Bis
marck's career. But 1t Is scarcely fair
defend. His character does indeed pre-
sent some strange Inconsistencies. His
resignation Of the CHARACTERISTIC in a
quarrel with the present Emperor was
a remarkable episode in a remarkable
career. The ceremonies attending the
burial of this great German statesman
were most imposing and significant.
He was never more loved by the people
of the Fatherland than at the time of
his death and the mourning for him
was deep and sincere.