New-York tribune., 1900-04-01
Irom The London Chronicle.


1rom The London Chronicle.
This little book contains lots of other striking
remarks by the first German Chancellor. Dur
Ing the walks in the woods of FriedrichSruhe
frequent reference was made to the European
statesmen with whom Bismarck had to deal in
a friendly and inimical manner Till now it was
not known in what high respect Bismarck held
Lord Eeaconsfied. One had been accustomed
to assume that Bismarck, who always had some
fault TO find with the English, down Bea-
consdeld. Not for a moment could the brutal
matter of fact German statesman enter into
Gladstone's idealism. Said the Chancellor to
Booth occasion:
Had 1 brought as great misfortune upon
Germany Gladstone has England, should
long ago have shot myself
BY contrast, he seems to have spoken in high
terms Of Beaconsleld the Conservative, al
though no other than himself is meant by Count
FerrOl in DiSraelis "Endymlon. during the
Berlin Congress they became well acquainted
with each other. and from that time dates Bis
marcks special regard for Beaconsieid, who
many an evening went to the Princes house
Regarding this intercourse Bismarck said:
'As he Qeaconsfield) was not well, he came
only on condition that should be alone. and
80 | had opportunity of becoming more near
ly acquainted with him. l must say that. not
withstanding his fantastic novel writing he was
excellent statesman, standing far above
Gortchalloff and many others, and one can
negotiate with him very well. In quarter OF
an hour one knew how matters stood-ah exact
dine was drawn, showing you how far you might
60 and after rapid review of his thoughts
you had done"
Bismarck also praises his British colleagues
melodious English and his fine voice. During
the Berlin Congress the Crown Princess one day
remarked to Bismarck that surely Beaconsneid
must speak French very beautlIully, TO Whlcn
the Prince replied that up till then he had not
heard him. But at the Congress-" added his
uuestioner. He speaks nothing but English"
Bismarck interrupted her.
How did that happen? At the time of the
Congress Lord Odo Russell was British Am
bassador at Berlin, q combining grace with
prudence. On the eve of the first sitting of the
Congress Beaconsfeld arrived at Berlin. and
xyao iIyad wit a q
British Embassy. He was accompanied by sew
eral secretaries. One of them in CONSERVATION
went up to the Ambassador and said to him:
Lord Odo, We are In most unpleasant situa-
ton. Lord Beaconsfied insists on making
French speech. He has written out tre-
mendous Grafton. and learned it by heart; we
shall be the laughing stock of Europe He pro-
nOunces epicier if it rhymed with over
seer and the rest Of his pronunciation is about
on a par. We cannot tell him Perhaps you
can help us?'
IT will see what is to be DONE" replied Lord
Odo So the ambassador went into 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
ears"
Really, what is it?"
We have heard that you intend speaking
well. Lord Odo what do you mean by that?"
We'll, we all know no one in Europe is more
competent than you. But, taking everything
into consideration, you must admit that making
a French speech is something quite usual. There
half dozen members of the Congress that
could do it, if not quite. yet, nearly we'll as
you. But who can make English speech like
you? Nobody. All the plenipotentiaries from
the different Courts of Europe have come here
in the expectation Of the treat of hearing the
greatest living master of English speak. The
question for you, my dear lord, is: VIII you dis
appoint them?'
Lord Beaconsfed after moments thought
replied There is much truth in what you say
will consider the matter" Following this sug-
geston. BeaconSffeld spoke English at the Con-
gress The few persons who We're aware of the
matter differed as TO whether BeacOnsfield was
vain enough to take Russell's fattery seriously
or whether on the other hand. he was acute
enough to understand the hint, and so saved
himself from the danger of becoming ludicrous
with his French pronunciation. Bismarck de-
spite the esteem in which he held Beaconsfed
must have been convinced of his vanity.