The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-31

nails gave voice to his sentiment, and
when the question of the Spanish sue
cession was cunningly contrived by Bis
marck to give mortal offense to France
Napoleon had the nation at his back,
and the hasty declaration of war was
greeted with joy.
The Empire Started.
With the result of the memorable con-
flict between France and Prussia all the
world is familiar Paris was besieged
and fell after a prolonged struggle. and
the German empire. of which William
of Prussia was declared emperor, was
proclaimed in the palace Of Versailles.
The title OF Prince Bismarck Schoen-
hansen, chancellor Of the German en-
pire, was conferred upon him at the
close OF the Franco-Prussian war. Bis
marck's fame was now at its zenith.
Recognized everywhere as the diplo-
matte giant of the century, he was
really the handspring and ruler of unit
ed Germany. The emperor was as clay
in his hands. With all his virtues, the
kaiser's hand was not steady enough nor
his mind strong or broad enough to di-
rect the ship of state in safety through
the political breakers.
Bismarck, who mapped out It's course
toward unification. was needed to keep
a firm hold on the helm and steer it
amid the rocks and shoals which at
times theatened danger and destruction
For 20 years he ruled the empire with
a rod OF iron. He was the same forceful
character that had kept the Prussian
parliament in hot water. The measures
he adopted to preserve his authority
were not such as to commend them
selves to mankind. Crown Prince Fred
erick and Bismarck had been at swords
points for years. Bismarck had opposed
Frederick's marriage TO Victoria eld-
est daughter OF the queen of England.
After the marriage he lost no oppor-
tunity to annoy the princess. He seem-
ed inspired with unreasoning hatred
toward her. and he took an especial
delight in turning the heart of her eld-
est son away from her. 1t was on this
boy. the present Emperor William H..
that Bismarck depended for a continu-
ance of his power Frederick had an in
durable malady. and when he succeeded
TO the throne in March. 1sSs. his death
was only a question of very short
time.
AFTER Old Williams Death.
The people expected great deal from
Frederick. who was liberal and progress
sive in his ideas. They viewed with
dismay the rapid progress of his fatal
malady. They witnessed with anger
which could scarce be repressed the evil
influence of Bismarck upon the crown
prince. The triumphant Iron Chancel-
lor saw the marks of estrangement
4 III
became more and more apparent. Bis
marck foresaw a new lease of power
for himself. He believed he had the
unnatural young kaiser completely un-
der his thumb. but he was destined ID
be rudely awakened from his fond
dream.
For time everything seemed to IA
vor him. But the young man was noe
altogether bad. Bismarck's methods
and manner palled upon him. He was
as little inclined to submit to dictation
as the chancellor was 10 forego it. The
weight OF the crown inflated his self
esteem. He felt his own importance as
the ruler OF the great German empire
and quietly intimated 10 Bismarck that
much Of his advice and meddling was
too officious to suit his imperial pleas
ure. The chancellor was astonished.
and for the first time in his career
found himself a pleader for favor. Will
liam was obdurate and persisted in
having his own way. and Bismarck
submitted 10 the inevitable with as
much grace as he could summon.
When the End Came.
But finally, when the old chancellor
got angry at noncompliance with his
wishes and made one of his BLUFFS at
resigning. William promptly took him
at his word. and on March Is. 1880. Eu-
rope was shocked by the news that the
great Bismarck. the diplomatic giant Of
the century. had severed his Official re-
lations with the empire ne founded.
Bismarck went into retirement on his
estate at Friedriehsruhe some eight
years ago. and. from that day 70 this.
except on the occasion OF visits OF ex-
change. under the forms OF reconcilla-
tion with the emperor. the tidings from
him have chiefly concerned his health.
with an occasional word that has NOT
greatly Interested the public. in refer
ence To passing questions OF state