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

(From the London Chroncle)
This little book contains lots OF ether
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 Beae0nsfieid. One had been ac-
customed to assume that Bismarck who
! always had some fault to find with the En-
glish, ran down Beacorsfield. Not for a
moment could the brutal matter-of-faet
German statesman enter into 1Gfadstene's
idealism. Said the Chancellor to Booth on
one occasion: y
Had l brought as great misfortune upon
Germany as Gladstone has on England.
should long ago have shot myself.
By contrast he seems to have spoken in
high terms of -Beaconsfield, the Conserva-
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,
aud from that time dates Bismarck's spe-
cial regard for Beaconsfield, who many an
evening went to the Princes house. Re
garding this intercourse Bismarck said:
LAS he (Beaconsfield) was not we'll. he
came only on condition that We should be
alone, and SO l had an opportunity of be-
coming more hearty dCVudiuteu Win
/ must say that notwithstanding his fan
tastic novel writing, he was an excellent
statesman. standing far above Gortchakoff
and many others, and one can negotiate
with him very well. In quarter of an
hour one knew how matters stood-an ex-
act line was drawn. showing you how far
you might go, and after a rapid review OF
his thoughts you had DONE
Bismarck also praises his British col
leagues melodious English and his fine
voice. During the Berlin Congress the
Crown Princess one day remarked to Bis
marck that surely BeacousGetd must speak
French very beautifully, to which the
Prince replied that up till thea he had not
heard him. But at the Congress
added his questioner. He speaks nothing
but English. Bismarck interrupted her.
How did that happen? At the time of the
Congress Lord Odo Russell - British
Ambassador at Berlin a man combining
grace with prudence. On the eve OF the
first sitting Of the Congress Beaeousaeld
arrived at Berlin. and was received with
great marks Of honor at the British En-
bassy. He was accompanied by several
secretaries. One Of them in consterna-
ton went up to the Ambassador and said
to him:
Lord Odo, we are in a most unpleasant
situation. Lord Beaconfield 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 par. We cannot tell him SO. Per-
haps you can help u.s."
Il will see what is to be done" replied
Lord Ode. So the ambassador went into
the bedroom of His Lordship. who was
just making his very ,circuIIstantial 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 ito"
We have heard that you intend speak
ing French
We'll, 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 th-,t making a French speech is
something quite usual. There are half a
dozen members of the Congress that could
do it, If not quite, yet, nearly as well as
you. But who can make an English speech
like you? Nobody. All the plenipotentia
ries 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 dissppoint
them?"
Lord Beaconsfeld after a moments
thought replied: There is much truth in
what you say. l will consider the matter"
Following this suggestion. Beaconsfeld
spoke English at the Congress. The few
persons who were aware of the matter dif-
fered as to whether Beaconsfeld was vain
enough to take Russelfs fattery seriously,
or whether on the other hand he was
acute enough to understand the hiat. and
so saved himself from the danger OF be-
coming ludicrous with his French pronun-
citation. Bismarck, despite the esteem in
which he held Beaconsiield. must have
been convinced OF his vanity.