The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-09
BISMARCK AND BEAcoNsFnLD.
Notes From John Booths Remi-
niscences.

(trOm the London thrOncleJ
This little book contains lots of other
striking remarks By the first German
Chancellor. During the walks in the
woods of Freidrichruhe frequent reference
was made to The European statesman with
whom Bismarck had to deal in friendly
and inimical manner. Until now it was
not known in what high respect Bismarck
held Lord BeaoOnsfield. One had bean ac-
customed to assume that Bismarck who
( always had some fault to find with the En-
glish. ran down Beaconsfeld. Not for a
moment could the brutal matter-of-faet
German statesman enter into Giadstone's
idealism. Said the Chancellor to Booth on
one occasion:
Had brought as great misfortune upon
Germany as Gladstone has on England, I
should long ago have shot myself.
BY contrast. he seems to have spoken in
high terms of Beaeonsheld, the COnssrva-
tive. although no other than himself is
meant by Count Ferrol in Disraelfs En-
dymion" During the Berlin Congress they
became well acquainted with each other,
and from that time dates Bismarcks spe-
cial regard for Beaconsfield, who many an
evening went to the Princes house. Re
garding this intercourse Bismarck said;
las he tBeacOnsfeld) was not well. he
came only on condition that We should be
alone and so | had an opportunity Of be-
coming more nearly acquainted with him.
l must say that notwithstanding his fan
tastic novel writing, he was an excellent
statesman. standing far above GOrtchakof
and many others, and one can negotiate
with him very well. In a quarter Of an
hour one knew how matters stood-au ex-
act line was drawn. showing you how far
you might 60 and after a rapid review OF
his thoughts you had done"
IL
leagues melodious English and his fine
voice. During the Berlin Congress the
Crown Princess cue day remarked to Bis
marck that surely BeacOusfield must speak
French very beautifully, to which the
Prince replied that up till then ne had not
heard him. But at the Congress-9''
added his questioner. He speaks nothing
but English" Bismarck interrupted her.
How did that happen At the time OF the
Congress Lord Odo Russell y British
at Berlin. a man combining
grace with prudence. On the eve Of the
first sitting Of the Congress Beacousgeld
arrived at Berlin. and was received with
great marks Of honor az the British Em-
bassy. He was accompanied by several
secretaries. One OF them in c0nsterna-
ton went up to the Ambassador and said
to him
Lord odo. we are in a most unpleasant
situation. Lord BeaconfeId in
sists on making a French speech. He has
written out a tremendous Grafton. and
learned it by heart: we shall be the laugh
ingstcck OF Europe. He prOnounces
epicier as if it rhymed with 'Overseer,'
and the rest Of his pronunciation is about
on a par. We cannot tell him so. Per-
haps you can help u.s."
4 will see what is to be done" replied
n
the bedroom Of His LOrdship. who was
just making his very circumstantial and
elaborate toilet for the night. Lord Odo
set the ball rolling by saying.
My dear lord a terrible report has
reached our ears"
Really, what is it,"
we have heard that you intend speak
ing French
Well, Lord Odo, what do you mean by
.hat?"
We'll. we all know no one in Europe is
more competent than you. But taking
every thing into consideration, you must
admit that making a French speech is
something quite usual There are half a
lozen members Of the Congress that could
10 it, il not quite, yet. nearly as well as
Ou. But who can make an English speech
ike you; Nobody. All the pleuipotentia-
les from the different courts Of Europe
AVE come here In the expectation or the
reat OF hearing the greatest living master
Il English speak. The question for you.
ny dear lord. is: VIII you disspp0int
hem?'
Lord Beaconsfeld after a moments
bought replied: There is much truth in
what you say. l will consider the matter"
Following this suggestion Beac0nsfeld
poke English at the Congress. The few
,ersOns who were aware OF the natter dif-
cred as to whether Beaconsheld was vain
nough to take RusselFs flattery seriously.
u whether. on the other hand. he vas
cute enough to understand the hint. and
o saved himself from the danger OF be-
oming ludicrOus with his French pronun-
iatiOn. Bismarck, despite the esteem in
fhich he held Bsacousfield. must have
cen convinced OF his vanity
BY drinking Hsurich's senate Beer son wiu
rink A beer worthy of 4 King fplore "a A.