The Springdale news., 1915-06-25

able,' observed the ambassador, turn ing round in his chair as the curtain fell on the first act of Sardous "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 have myself witnessed during my diplomatic career?"
 For instance?" I 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 illfnformed 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 telerably 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. It is this which caused him to cherish the idea of again attacking France at disadvantage, and finally crushing her by dismemberment which would reduce her to the rank of a second class power.
 TIT fa 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, calamity which was only averted by the personal interyen- ton in our favor of Alexander Il of Russia.
 The relations between the two countries were consequently still very strained when, shortly after the access 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 imprudenee. He has not held post in any recent cabinet.
 "M. Fleuriot was charmed to re- eeive the assurances rendered to him by the German ambassador, assur- ances which were confirmed by Bis marck himself in 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 tie decline. He there fore embraced, with all the more conf denee, the offers of friendship and alli- ance which were made to him by the imperial ambassador. This parsonage even went so far as to hint to our min- ister that it was not intended that Bis marck should be priyy to all the de. tails of future negotiations between the two governments.
 Matters having arrived at this stage, the ambassador commenced to Sttf lr understanding arrived at 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 Asaee-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 l do not share in the general feeling of my felloR-eountrymen towards Great Britain On the contrary. la ment the hatred with which your na- tion has pursued us ever since their defeat at Waterloo
 Defeat. NJ fAmbassadeur?" 1 yen- tured to lnter1ect
 Defeat, without doubt" returned his excellency with frmness. Do you pretend that if the Prussians had not arrived single one of your country men would have been left alive?'
 l preferred to waive this discussion.
 Tt is this recollection. so galllng to a brave people, that has doubtless prompted the incessant intrigues of your government against the greatness of France, Fortunately. a Frenchman knows how to be magnanimous in the face of provocation. Surrender Egypt to us. and we consent to overlook the other aggressions of Albion.
 The ambassador paused and glanced around the theater before resuming his narrative.
 The English ambassador in Paris at this time was a close personal friend of mine. Being at the moment