The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-14


Nachttisch were always two books-Thomas
kempiss De Imitatione Christi, and
Afndt 8 'Catechism for the German War
rlor anc Defender Of Ills Country: Inc
nrst IS new in appearance. the binding or
the other is old-fashioned and its edges are
fringed IN some places. Arndt's book of de-
before Bismarck was born. In March, 1890
when he was confirmed at Holy Trinity
CnuTch, In Berlin, he received 1t from one
or his uncles, military man. Young Otto's
mother did not like the present she de-
sired her son to follow in the footsteps of
ms nopie ancestors. that is, TO administer
70 ana improve his estates and live quiet
life in Gods natural garden, the fields and
the forests. The mother objected to any
thing that seemed to further her sons in
young Bismarck had to hide his uncle's
sight of it.
Seven or eight years ago the old hymn and
prayer book was discovered in forgotten
closet. The prince was delighted when he
heard OF the find.
My career is run he said Mother
would not object to my reading the Cate
cnism for the German Warrior and De-
render OF Homes now He took the book
condltlon SHOWS the good uses to which 1t
has been put
HE READ NOVELS.
During all the years when he was in Of
fee Prince Bismarck read little aside from
the newspapers and-horrible dictu-yellow-
backed novels, the first for general instruc-
ton and information, the others to rid him.
self of the thoughts Of business. Lothar
Butcher, Prince Bismarcks lifelong friend
and his honorary secretary and literary
helpmeet for many years, once said that
latter an exhaustive Cabinet meeting, after
protracted parliamentary session, or a
council of war, the chancellor used to take
from MS pocket volume of short stories
French writer
himself comfortably on lounge or in a
big armchair, become slowly absorbed in
the book. After five minutes or so, his brow
unknit, his mouth became less firmly set
eye"
In late years the prince read aside from
his newspapers, nothing but memoirs
memoirs OF people dead and living He had
a perfect mania for historical biography
ana read them always pencil in hand. The
habit Of making marginal notes had become
SO strong with him that he could not resist
the impulse to mark everything that fell
into his hands.
Like the great Napoleon, Bismarck was
always fond Of gossip, not for the sake Of
the gossip, but for the insight, seemingly
idle tattle opens into the characters and
motives of men, While he ruled Germany
and Europe, young men of good family
abounded in his wife's. salon, and they were
encouraged to tell all they knew about
everybody. The prince himself employed a
high salaried counselor who did nothing but
investigate the private affairs of the Off
Gals in the diplomatic service.
OF late years when guests were at Fried
richsrune, the prince took no part in the
after-dinner conversation. He stretched
himself upon his lounge and read the pa
pers, but If any one let drop an interesting
remark about any one else the prince was
very much in evidence Raising himself
minute he inquired further into the matter
and discussed and commented on it from
his own standpoint If the gossip concerned
a politician of the present era or of the old
school the prince was sure to throw some
new and interesting light upon the sub
ject.
IF the prince was not so curious my
work of keeping him in good health would
be materially lessened, said DIR. Schwen-
niger some time ago. Whenever he reads
of some new dish he will have it prepared
at FREDERICKSBURG as soon as the ingredients
can be procured. 1t is the same when he is
visiting somewhere; he will try every course
on the menu, and in this respect those
Hamburg senators have a great deal to
answer for. When the prince dimes with
them they always astonish him by some
new-fangled vegetable or dessert, which he
eats, whether I protest or not Several years
ago." continued the doctor, '.the prince read
somewhere that the emperor was very fond
of cucumber bowl. He ordered one made
the same evening and didn't like it. Now
I have drunk of every bowl ever invented. ,
he said, and can die in peace unless some
body gets up a kerosene bowl"