New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-08
BISMA RCKIA Va.
NOTES on THE OLD CHANCELLOR BY
ONE WHO KNEW HIM.


ONE WHO KNEW HIM.
Prince bismarck has been called Kings
man. which is certainly msnomer He was
essentially a Fatherland man. His devotion 70
his sovereign meant a devotion in earlier years
10 the head Of the Pruesian Government, ana
in later life TO the German Emperor as the head
'of Bismarck's own great work, united Ger
many As for the individual man occupying
this exalted position. the Princes loyalty did
not prevent his sometimes Judging him severely.
once in spea King to American friend. the old
Chancellor remarked I'm his usual forceful style:
When arguing "a question with monarch II
is not always easy 10 gay Your Majesty when
you wish to say you fool
Independence and self-sunlclency were marked
characteristics of Bsmarch's. and often showed
themselves IN small matters. He read English
well. but 50 kc it with some hesltancy. occa-
slorally pauyirg for a word. hut II this was sug
sestcd by al other the pause was usually pro-
rongcd and the Prince sought a Synonymous
expression rather than accept the one offered
- him. HIS tastes were simple and his home
life unconventional His old servants seemed
TO stand in no awe of a man before whom kings
had tremblcd. After a small dinner some years
ago the informality Of one OF his men servants
them now and fashionable but want the old
iac,s around me" Just before this same din
r.r one Of his great Danes had been badly cut
hv the glass Il "A low hothouse. The Prince was
most ANXIOUS about the dog. sent for DR..
Srhveuinger 10 dress It's wounds. and frequently
during dinner had servant bring him word as
IN the animals condition. AS II In explanation
OF his anxiety he said q his neiehbor at table.
Their. are many men friends could better lose
than that faithful dog.
~ the time ~ his resignation In 1870 Berlin
VAS suil ~ mysterious tales In regard To his
difficulties with the Emperor. Some said that
tho Emperor had requested him 20 have no pri-
vato discussions with Windthorst. the Ultramon-
tame leader. unless the Emperor himself were
rr.s.ut AZ the interview. but that the Chan
ceuor paid no attention 20 this royal wish or
command When somewhat angrily called TO
account hy Ills Majesty FOR d!sregarding this
Injunction the Prime" replied that the discussion
between Windthorst and himself dealt only with
personal affairs. "A statement over which the
world Il Berlin shrugged IL shoulders.
Another more dramatic story relates To din
ne- given bv the Chancellor at which The En-
reror vas present. IT took place shortly after
the suinmoulng 10y imperial order of an inter
national congress TO discuss labor questions.
H.. present At any entertainment. were all az
semhl,d carly. and filed one Of the large roolns
~ IN. Chnnccuor's palace. \ member OF the
Rechstag who stood in the group around the
Prince remarked to him: "Exccllency. you have
Gathered here REPRESENT tives OF every party In
IN. R.ichstaC save the Social Democrats"
wait" WAS the reply. as the Prince waved his
hand toward the end - the room his quick ear
having discerneI the sound OF sabrcs and spears
outside AT that T. nnent the folding doors were
thrown opcn and the Emperor entered. There
must have been Bismarck haters present. whose
tongues were bound t. repeat the incident To
ROYAL ears To appreciate the severity OF the IN
situation that the Emperor belonged To TINS
outcast party one must realize That even Radi-
Gals. holding far less extreme views than those
OF the Social Democrats, are looked down upon
and regarded a. n common order by aristocratlc
society. To a FresinnIge member OF the Reichs-
tag bismarck once made remark That GER
tainly reflected upon his own courtesy and re-
nncmcnt: he inquired, Il would Ike to know,
1Iorr -. who wears your clean linen?"
4 German Of high rank ana official position.
whose life was Intimately connected with the
! Court and who also great friend OF the
Chancellor's family. is authority for "A plausible
| theory I'm regard TO the early estrangement be-
+ tween Bismarck and the Emperor. certain
major. who had occupied the position OF his
military tutor. was promoted to an important
! position at Court when his pupil became En-
neror. This major was a well-neaning but not
! a discerning man. He was an Intimate 81 the
! bismarck household. and conveyed TO them the
idea that an iron hand was all that was needed
! 10 control the young Emperor. The major may
have correctly Judged the pupil. but he had no
fIa Inn
Prince Bismarck and his son. Count Herbert,
received a wrong impression OF the best means
Of dealing with the Emperor However. II Is
doubtful If the Iron Chancellor ana the present
Emperor could long have pulled together under
tho hest of conditions. The famous statesman
vho had so long guided the affairs of Germany
,o,nd IN his new sovereign a will inherited from
,ha maternal side that neither his father nor his
4 -.