The Washington times., 1917-02-13

kind the affairs at the German en-
hassy beinK numbered among the
most brilliant and delightful in the
memory OF many OF washingtons
social leaders.
Hns Had FrIends' Sympathy.
Until the outbreak OF the European
war the German embassy was the
scene of frequent pretentious and en-
iovable musicales, dinners, receptions
and similar affairs. at which large
numbers OF the ambassadors friehos
gathered and partook OF his gracious
and bounteous hospitality.
since the war began and relations
betveen the United States and Ger
many became strained because OF sub
marine warfare methods, Count Won
Bernstorf has had the sympathy OF
many friends in Washington.
Sought to Cement Friendship
From the outset it was known that
he did not agree with the war party
of his country in its attitude toward
the United States Count Won Bern
ator firmly believed the friendship DE-
tween his native land and the great
republic of the western hemisphere
SnOulQ De pTeSFINtus even ~ -
his own government.
For eight years he has labored here
to cement the friendship and to bring
the two nations together in closer
bonds of sympathy and understanding
each with the other. Today he is
crestfalIen and disconsolate over
what he calls his failure. His friends
do not agree with him that he has
failed, but take the view that his gov
eminent failed 10 appreciate his ell
forts here and ruthlessly took mat
ters out of his hands.
Had .Bard Row to Hoe.-
Probably no diplomat assigned to
Washington has had what Americans
call a harder row to hoe" than
Count Won Bernstorff since the Lusi-
tania was sunk and diplomatic inter
changes - artisticaIly veneered de-
mands and excuses-began between
this country and Germany.
Count Won Bernstor's friends say
he has been burdened with responsi-
biIities which would have caused men
OF less stern fiber, less courage, and
physical strength to quail and sur
render. Although at times distressed
control, Count Won Bernstorf main
tained his CHEEKY, debonair eSt0ior
and kept his disappointments and
trials within his own bosom, not even
seeking counsel with his closest
friends.
Realised Solution Not Here.
He realized, he said, that the So
luton OF the problems which con-
fronted him was not to be found on
this side of the Atlantic. That Count
Won Bernstorff appreciated the fact
that he represented a government
which refused to understand is known
to a few friends of whom he made
confidants.
At no time, however, did he ever
breathe a syllable sufficiently to show
what his feelings were. His friends
I! say he fought hard, fairly and honor
! ably TO present the views he was in
! structed to lay before the Govern
Z ment of the United States. As to how
much sympathy he had with those
views and how much real human
/ heart he had in the disagreeable
duties devolving upon him, his friends
decline 10 discuss for diplomatic rea-
sons.
Depressed Over Failure.
Today Count Won Bernstorn, some
/ of his friends say, is distressed by
| the thought that his eight years In
Washington have been wasted 1t Is
known that he would have regarded 1t
as a triumph of his life il the Eu-
ropean war could have been con-
| cluded without the severance of diplo-
matte relations between Germany and
/ the United States
| Count Won Bernstorff realized from
the first. however, that all the tenden.
/ cies were in that direction. He reso-
luteIy set about to combat those ten
denotes and il is because he failed
to master them that today he is down
hearted and depressed.
Received Honorary Degrees.
Count Won Bernstorff takes back
with him to Germany besides the
friendship, sympathy and admiration
of a host OF Washingtonians and
other Americans, degrees conferred
upon him by eight universities in the
United States because of his learning
and diplomatic achievements.
BY a singular coincidence one oi
those universities is Princeton. OF
| which President Wilson, who gave
Count Won Bernstorfr his passports
was at one time president. The othel
institutions are Columbia. Johns Hop
kins. University OF Wisconsin, Unior
University OF Pennsylvania, Univer
sity OF Pittsburgh. and Franklin anc
Marshall University.
Long Diplomatic Career.
Count Won Bernstorff was born u
London ON November II, 1852, beinG
the son of Count Albrecht and Baron
ess BernStorfH. Educated at Dresder
and Ratzeburg, he entered the mill
tary service OF his country as an OF
ficer in the First Artillery OF tn,
Guards Of Berlin, in which capacit!
he served from 1881 to 1883. On No
vember Il. 1887. his birthday, h
married Miss Jeannie Luckenmayer
daughter Of a wealthy New Yorker.