The Monticellonian., 1915-07-01


 fell on the first act of Sardeu s "Cherchez la Femme"-we were in his excellency's box at the Comedie Fran caise. Yet in what is il more extraor- dinary than some of the scenes which have myself witnessed during my diplomatic career?"
 For instance?" suggested. seeing that he was in a 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 ill-informed 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"
 He directed his glass towards box on the opposite side of the theater in which were seated two ladies, appar- ently mother and daughter, attired in the latest confeetions of NJ. Worth.
 T gather that you are possessed Of better information" I murmured.
 That is a fine woman.' remarked his excellency, laying down the glass "The daughter is pretty, but without style. Believe me, my young friend it is not till she is forty that woman becomes truly interesting"
 You were saying something about Prince Bismarck" l ventured to re- mind him.
 "Ah, yes! Do you care to hear the story? There is, perhaps. time for it before the next act"
 'It would give me the greatest pleasure.
 settled myself comfortably to listen; and the ambassador, after tap ping thoughtfully with his fingers on the ledge of the box for few mo ments, began:
 Tt is tolerably well known that ever since the Prince yon 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. It Is this which caused him to cherish the idea of again attacking France at a disadvantage, and finally crushing her by dismemberment which would reduce her to the rank of q second class power.
 "The late NJ. de Blewitz, the famous correspondent Of the London Times, and 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 ayerted by the personal interven. tion in our favor of Alexander II of Russia.
 .The relations between the two countries were consequently still very strained when, shortly after the aeees- sion 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 be 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 Nj Fleu- riot, worthy and patriotic man, but liable to fits of imprudence. He has not held post in any recent cabinet.
 NJ. Fleuriot was charmed to re- ceive the assurances rendered to him hn= 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 Bismarek'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 aln- ance which were made to him by the imperial ambassador. This parsonage even went so far as to hint to our min fster that it 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 al should be put upon a practical footing He invited NJ. Fleuriot to indicate some object which Germany might cooperate in SC curing for France, as the price of her definite abandonment Of Alsaee-Lor- raine. II. Fleuriot at once thought of Egypt, that prey so trescherously seized upon by the British lion.
 You. my friend. are well aware that do not share in the general feeling of my feiloH-countrYnea towards Great Britain. On the eoatfary, I la ment the hatred with HAleh yoer na. ton has pursued us eyer since their deteat at Waterloo"
 Defeat. M. rAmbassadeary l ven. tured to interject
 Defeat. without doubt. p returned his excellency with Exmness. Do you pretend that if the Prussians had not arrived single one Of your county men would have been left aIive1s
 I preferred to waive this discussion
 Tt is this recollection. so galling 10 brave people. that has doubtless prompted the incessant fnfragues Of your government against the greatness of France. Fortunately. a Frenehman knows how to be magnanimous in the