The Nevada County picayune., 1915-06-25
THE CHANCELLOR'S FALL


able" observed the ambassador, turn fell on the first act of Sardou's s "Cherchez la Femme"--we were in his excellency's box at the Comedie Fran caise. Yet in what is it more extraor- dinary than some of the scenes which l have myself witnessed during my diplomatic career?"
 For instance? l suggested, seeing that be was in communicative mood.
 For instance. in that affair of long ago which led to the downfall of the Bismarck family, regarding which so many absurd accounts appeared in the illinformed European press Some of those accounts" the ambassador added, taking up his opera-glass, were no doubt inspired by those who had their own reasons for not desiring the truth to be known; nevertheless. they ought not to have imposed on per sons of intelligence"
 Tt is tolerably well known that ever since the Prince von Bismarck per ceived the marvellous recovery of France from the disasters of 1870, he lived in perpetual terror of the re- venge we might be inspired to take. 1t is this which caused him to cherish the idea of again attacking France at a disadvantage, and finally crushing her by a dismemberment which would reduce her to the rank of a second class power.
 The late M. de Blowitz, the famous correspondent of the London Times. and a man who was not to be de- spised, had told the world of the scheme which this Prussian conceived for falling upon us in 1875, while we were still weak from the effects of the former crime, a calamity which was only averted by the personal interven- ltion in our favor of Alexander II of Russia.
 The relations between the two countries were consequently still very strained when. shortly after the access laion of the present German kaiser. our foreign office was agreeably surprised to receive an intimation that this pol icy of hatred inspired by fear was to he abandoned, and that the imperial government was now anxious to work cordially with ours in the field of Flu ropean politics.
 The portfolio of foreign affairs was at that time in the hands of M. Fleu- riot. a worthy and patriotic man, but liable to fits of imprudence. He has not held post in any recent cabinet
 M. Fleuriot was charmed to re- ceive the assurances rendered to him by the German ambassador, assur. ances which were confirmed by Bis marck himself in a confidential inter. view with our representative in Der lin. The German chancellor explained with,characteristic bluntness, that this change of front must not be attributed to him. but to the personal initiative of Wilhelm II.
 These admissions of the chancellor convinced NJ. Fleuriot that Bismarck s influence on the foreign policy of Ger many was on the decline. He there fore embraced, with all the more conf dence, the offers of friendship and alli- ance which were made to him by the .mperial ambassador. This parsonage even went so far as to hint to our min tster chat 1t was not intended that Bis marck should be privy to all the de tails of future negotiations between the two governments.
 Matters having arrived at this stage, the ambassador commenced to throw out suggestions that the friendly understanding arrived at should be put upon a practical footing. He invited M. Fleuriot to indicate some object which Germany might cooperate in se- curing for France, as the price of her definite abandonment of Alsace-Lor. raine. M. Fleuriot at once thought of Egypt, that prey so treacherously seized upon by the British lion.
 You, my friend, are we'll aware that do not share in the general feeling of my fellow-countrymen towards Great Britain. On the contrary. l la ment the hatred with which your na- ton has pursued us ever since their defeat at Waterloo"
 Defeat, NJ. rAmbassadeur?" ven tured to interject
 Defeat, without doubt" returned his excellency with firmness. Do you pretend that if the Prussians had not arrived a single one of your country men would have been left alive?'
 preferred to waive this discussion
 Tt is this recollection, so galling tC brave people, that has doubtless prompted the incessant intrigues oi your government against the greatness of France. Fortunately, a Frenchmar knows how to be magnanimous in the face of provocation. Surrender Egypt to us, and we consent to overlook tho other aggressions of Albion"
 The ambassador paused and glanced around the theater before resumini his narrative.
 The English ambassador in Paris