THE DAILY EVENING TELEGRArilffllLADKLrfllA, THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1870. 5 THE PRUSSIAN PREMIER. Count Von Bismarck. BawSSiSSBBSBaBaMBBWiaaanaeBeBat The Man of 11 Iron and Blood." The Master-Mind of Germany. Zlis Wonderful Career. William I, as King of Prussia, is the nominal heal Of the North German Confederation, ana the personal antagonist of Napoleon in the struggle now going on in Europe. But behind the throne of King Wil liam stands Count Otto Edward Leopold von Bis marck, the C hancellor of the Bund, its creator, the master-mind of Germany and the moving spirit of Prussia's present greatness. Without him King William might get along at resent, might possibly conduct the present war to a successful issue. But without hlra King William could never have wrested Schleswig-IIolsteln from Denmark, humiliated Austria at Sadowa, annexed to Prussia a dozen of the surrounding kingdoms and principalities, and on the ruins of the old Oermanio Confederation built tip the new Confederation of Korth Germany with Prussia at its head, and hold ing the position of the most formidable power on the Continent. He la reported to have said recently probably at the time of the Luxembourg imbroglio in 18G7, a that would make the dates tally: 'Sixteen vears ago I was living as a country gentle rrau, when the King appointed ine Envoy of Prussia at the Frankfort Diet. 1 had been brought up in the admiration. 1 might almost say the worship, of the Austrian policv. Much time, however, was not needed to dispel my youthful Illusions. The humili ation of mv country, Germany, sacrificed to the in terests of a foreign nation, a crafty and peril' lion 3 line of policv, these were not things calculated to Klve me satisfaction. I conceived the idea of snatch ing Germany f rorq Austrian oppression at leaBt that part of Germany whose tone of thought, religion, manners and interests, Identify her destinies with Prussia Northern Germany." To this gigantic task he Inspired King William, and through his cunning statecraft and Indomitable will, even more than to the needle-gun at Sadowa, Its consummation was Indebted. Now that Napo leon, alarmed at the gigantic strides made by Prus sia under his inspiration, has taken upon himself the task of undoing his great work, the life of this man of "Iron and Blood'' becomes a vital portion of the history of the pending struggle. Otto von Bismarck was born on the family estate of Schocnhausen, in the province of Brandenburg, on the 1st of April, 1815. The Itlsmarrk Family. lie came of a family which belongs to tho ancient gentry of the country, and has furnished many ofll cers and servants to the Electors and Kings of Prus sia. On the banks of a small stream known as the Blese, in Alt Mark, lies a quaint old town of pictur esque appearance, which was once of considerable Importance within itself, but is now chiefly interest ing from its associations with the traditions of this Illustrious Bismarck family. By some antiquarians the origin of the name Is traced to its situation on tlieBiese; by others to the Bismarck family, whose early seat It was; but the more generally received opinion Is that, having been a possession of the Bishops of Ilavelberg, who erected there a strong fort or castle for the protection of their territory or Mark, the town was originally called Blscopes niarck (Bishopsmark). In process of time the name became shortened to Bismarck. Anciently the town had an ecclesiastical Importance, from the presence of a holy cross, which was said to have fallen from lieaven. Little is definitely known respecting theorlgia of the Bismarcks. One tradition asserts that they were a noble family of Bohemia, settled by Charlemagne in the Alt Mark, and the founders of the town that bears their name ; but they are now generally be lieved to be, like most of the families of knightly rank in the Alt Mark, the descendants of German warriors who, under the Guelph, the Ascanlan, or other princes, had conquered the Slavic lands on both sides of the Kibe for Christianity and German civilization, and had then settled them selves on those lands as fiefholdcrs. The Bismarcks, according to this view, belonged to the warrior family that held Biscopesmarck; and, when surnames came Into use, called themselves after their dwelling-place, and thenceforth were known In German annals as Von Bismarck, retaining the name after the loss or cos slon of their original seat. Like many other knightly families of the Alt Mark, the Bismarcks gradually Bpread towards the east, conquering larger territory for German Christian culture, and subduing the Wends, or driving them back towards the Oder. Then, at the beginning of the fourteenth century, the Bismarcks appear as warrior knights In Pricg- nltz and the region of Huppin. On the other hand, the German historian Ktedel traces the family of the great Prussian statesman to a plebeian origin. It appears to him credible and plausible that the chivalrlc race of Bismarck found at the commence rment6f the fourteenth century In Prlegnttz should nave descended from the castellans at Bismarck, who were provided with territorial llcfs on the down fall of the episcopal castle; while he holds it for a certainty that the Von Bismarcks of Prussia arose from a citizen family, and attained their rank as a re ward for distinguished military services. HerrKieJel lays great stress on the fact that in the four teenth century Claus von Bismarck appears as rrceman of the Guild of Tailors In Stendal, the .circle or county to which the town of Bismarck be- longs ; but this proves nothing by Itself. It is well known that in early times many knightly families settled In towns and took part in municipal govern ment, which at first was always more er less patrl clan in character ; and the noblest families were fre fluently associated with citizen guilds, as patrons or honorary members as in modern times, for example, the Worshipful Company of Merchant Tailors In London made tne Duke of Wellington free of their guild. Bat, whether noble or plebeian, the first ancestor of the Bismarck family of whom we find any certain mention in German annals was not a man to be ashamed of. This was Rulo or Rudolf von Bismarck, whose name appears in the records from 1309 to 1334. This personage was a respected member of the Guild of Tailors, often its presiding omcer, as well as a ra'mleipal magistrate, lie was held In high steem for Bis prudence and wealth ; but, by found lng a system of common schools in Stendal, aroused the opposition of the clergy aud gave rise to a dispute which was not settled until long after his death. As a reward for important sar- vices rendered by Claus vtm Bismarck, his eldest son, to the Margrave Lud rig, the latter, In the year 1345, granted the castle of Burgstall, one of the stroagholds of the country, protecting the southern frontier of the All Mark towards Madgeburg, t Clans von Bismarck and his descendants as a fief Thus the Bismarcks entered the first rank of the nobility of the Alt Mark as castellans. The family of Bismarck remained in undisturbed possession of Burgstall until tne year less, when the hunWoving Electoral Prince, the Margrave John Georgefln order to obtain wider presort es, attacked their ancient privileges and forest rights, and ten years later compelled them to exchange their an cestral seat for Crevese and Suhoenhausen. To the branch ef the family settled at the latter place be longs Count von Bismarck, the Chancellor or the Ivorth German Confederation. ' III) Enrly Life. Born at Schoenhansen, as already stated, on the 1st or April, 1816, he was christened Otto Edward Leopold. Bis father was a captain of horse, who died in 1S45; his mother, a daughter of the Cabinet Secretary of King Frederick William III, Menken by name, Is said to have been a remarkably clever and ambitious woman, who always wished that her son plight enter the diplomatic service, but died long before his brilliant public career began. His parents had removed to Pomeranla In 1818, and it was here that the first six years of his life were passed, on the knightly estate of Kntcphof, to which, together with Jarchelln and Kulz, In the circle of Naugard, the family had succeeded through the death of a cousin of young Bismarck. To Knlephof also he always returned In his holidays from Berlin, where he re ceived his early education. At the age of seventeen, In 18SS, he was transferred to the University or Got- tingen. Before this event he had already fought his first duel. Ills opponent was a brave lad named Wolf. Both were rather unscientific In the use of weapons, and Bismarck retired from tho contest with a wounded leg, while his antagonist only lost his speotaclcs. Having acquired a taste for the wild student life which prevails at the University of Hel delberg, he had been anxious to enter that Institu tion, while his mother, fearful that he might there acquire the to her detest ful habit or beer drinking, desired him to enter the University of Berlin. Bat young Bismarck was anxious to bo emancipated from the social and academic restrictions that make student life in that city so tame in companion with that of other university towns in Germany, and Got tingen was fixed upon as a compromise. Ill Wild I Diversity Cnreer. At Gottingen he soon became famous, not for application to his studies, but for the wildest ex travagance and frequent participation in duels. According to his own account, he attended lectures but twice before passing his examination and led a wild and reckless career generally. The following story is told of this portion or his life: For some aggravated offense he was one day cited to the presence of the Dean, w itli a careless bravado very characteristic of him he appeared before that awful functionary wearing a tall hat, a gay dressing-gown, with riding-boots that reached above his knees, and accompanied by an enormous blood-hound. Startled out of hi a senses by this un expected apparition, the poor Doan sought refuge behind a chair, and only left his hldinsr-place after the audacious student had sent the dog out of the room. On leaving the Dean, who had fined him for having the dog in his possession, young Bismarck encountered a party of four students belonging to the Hanoverian Corps, who amused themselves by making sarcastic remarks on his extraordinary costume. High words ensued, followed by a chal lenge from each of the four Hanoverians. Indeed, during the first threo terms of his univer sity life, he was engaged in over twenty duels. He was wounded In one Instance only, and that by the breaking of his adversary's sword-sludc, the scar being visible on his cheek to this day. His Entrance upon the world. After leaving the university he was employed as a subordinate functionary in varlo.is government offices ; but, growing weary of this dull routln", soon retired to his estates at Kaicphof, which lie successfully tried to relieve iron tin embarrassed condition Into which they had r illen through neg. Icct and mismanagement. He was then. .about twenty-three years of age, and t.a 1 already entered the Jager Guard, to f alfil ihe military duties incumbent upon every Prustian. When, througn his excellent manage nent, the ustates bejjan to rise In value, and he was able to rely upon bis subordinates, he grew dissatisfied with the con tracted lire around him, and plunged anew Into the wild excesses that had marked his student's career. In his youthful fancy he had formed a certain Ideal of a country Junker, or squire. He owned no car riage, and performed all his journeys on horseback, ustonishing the neighborhood by riding twenty or thirty miles to evening assemblies. Despite his wild life and actions, he felt a continually In creasing sense of loneliness; and tin same Ble. niarck who gave himself to jolly carousals among the officers or neighboring garrisons, sank, when alone.'.lnto the bitterest and raort tie lolate state or reflection. Throughout the snrrouulinj co mtry he received the title of "mad Bismarck," an ! strange stories were told about his riding, hunting, and drinking huge bumpers of porter and champagne. In the very midst or these carousals he would sometimes retire from his Jovial companions and remain shut up in his library for days and nights, reading hard metaphysics, history, and politics ; then sallying out on long rambles accompanied only by a huge mastiff, and afterwards boring his friends with long political dissertations. He also diversified his country life by several journeys to England and France, and ln;i847 he married Frauleln von Puttkammer. The parents of the lady on whom he had bestowed his affections were quiet, pious people, and therefore con siderably alarmed when he, a man as yet only famous for his eccentricities, . proposed to Ihelr daughter, but were thunderstruck when the maiden firmly though bashfully declared that she loved him. They, however, consented, and never had reason to repent it, for in all the vlclsst tudes of his political life. Bismarck has proved a model husband and father. He Is now the father of three children, and his married lire Is Ball to have been extremely hapby from the first, as his wife enters enthusiastically into all his plans, and acts as his secretary and amanuensis. Having settled down as a country squire at Schoenhansen, he was not des tined to remain long In that quiet character. He became Dyke Captain thero, and afterwards Knlghfs Deputy in the circle of Jorichow in the Saxon Pro vincial Diet at Merseburg. In that capacity he at tended the first meeting or the United Diets in 1817, on which occasion he first attracted the notice or the public to himseir in more extended circles. Ilia flatly Political Career. King Frederic William III had died without ful filling the solemn promise, made in the crisis of 1815, of granting to his people a national represents tion. His successor felt that things could not go on as before, and was willing to admit representatives or the people to a certain share in the Government, So Frederic William IV, after long and fatal hesita tion, issued on February 3, 1S47, the letters patent granting a representation, composed of delejrats or the provincial Diets, but this royal grant caused general disappointment. The first step or the new Assembly was to declare that the Convocation or the United Estates (Verelnlgter Landtag) could not be considered as a fulfilment of the royal promise or 1815.. This declaration was strongly opposed by Bismarck, who had taken hi seat as a delegate or his provincial Diet. The wars or 1813- 16, he said, had not given to the Prussian people any right to demand a constitution ; their object was to shake off the foreign yoke. The Prussian kings held their throne not by the grace of the people, but by divine right; their power wasaV facto unlimited, and every concession they maaej was a free gift, In the same spirit he opposed a bill for re- moving the civil disabilities of the Jews. In tjiort. Bismarck spoke In that Assembly as a member of the extreme right, or reudal party. When shortly afterwards the storm of 143 swept away the United Estates, and the King, in spite or nis xormcr Declarations, granted a paper constitution, Bismarck in the last sitting of the Estates protested in a manful and dignified way, and then retired to his country-seat, deeply regret ting the weakness of the Government, whose adven turous flight he was unable to follow. But he lost neither heart nor hope ; and when soon afterwards the Socialist follies of the democratic party drove even the Liberals into opposition, he bec ame the nucleus or a new conservative party, and One or the most trusted advisers or Irederlc William IV, whose personal acquaintance he had made in Venice on his wedding tour. The courage and energy which Bismarck showed in those stormy times deserve to be acknowledged. He never bowed to the revolution even in the moai critical days, and took a chivalrous pleasure In de tying the menaces or the demagogues; but at the same time he expressed a withering contempt or popultr rights and public opinion, and identified the Liberal leaders with the heroes or the barricades. He was at that time also a most ardent adversary or an projects oi uerrom unity, and dense 1 that the nation at large really desired it. lie Hepreaeata Haul at the Diet. In 1861, Bismarck was sent as Plentpo:enUary to Frankfort, where he remained for eight years. It was during this period that his political ideas under weut a great cuange. lie arrived la Frankfort la the full fervor uf a partisan of the Holy AUla&ce, and a champion or tue reaction. But It he was ready to act a faithful ally or Aus tria, he remained nevertheless a Prussian, and claimed from his country a co-ordinate position in the Oermanio Diet. Die Convention from the Austrian Policy. The working of the German Federal Constitution before 1849 had in fact only become possible by a tacit agreement between Austria and Prussia, Prince Metternlch taking the lead In all European questions, but leaving Prussia a certain liberty of action in North Germany, and particularly in all questions ol material Interest, like the Zollvereln. Bismarck had, as he himself says in the passage a! already quoted, grown up In admiration, nay, even adoration, of Austrian statesmanship, and on his arrival at Frankfort he Immediately started on a pilgrimage t3 Johannlsberg to pay his respects to the Nestor of European politics. He returned from this visit with the hope that Austria would acknow ledge It to be Just and wise to give Prussia, after the reconciliation which had taken place, such a po sition In the Confederation as would induce the Ber lin Cabinet to exert Its whole strength for the eom mon Interests of the allied German Powers. But under Prince Schwarzenberg's premiership things began to wear a very different aspect. That haughty Minister was resolved to use his victory in the most relentless manner, and to realize the Idea of an empire of seventy-seven millions by making Austria enter Into the Confede ration with all the countries subject to her sceptre. Bismarck was not the man to submit to such a policy. "Soon after my arrival at Frankfort," he afterwards wrote, "the scales fell from my eves. I saw that many or the qualities with which I had hitherto counted did not exist; that the Austria which was before my mind did not exist In reality; and that therefore it was Impossible to go along with her." A short time afterwards he was sent on a special mission to Vienna, and there tried to persuade the Emperor to take a more friendly position towards Prussia, but he failed in this attempt. He was most courteously received, but obtained nothing. Thenceforth Bismarck became a decided adversary of Austria, and his whole activity at the Diet was a protracted struggle against the paramount influence of the Vienna Cabinet. In this struggle he was not much supported by his Govern ment. The King was deeply discouraged, even broken, by the late events, and consented to Aus tria's entering the Confederation with her wholo empire, which was only prevented by the protest of England and France. When, soon afterwards, the Eastern difficulties began which led to the Crimean war, Ulsniarck was with heart and soul on Russia's side, and contributed powerfully to estrange Prussia from the allied powers, and to keep her in that one sided neutrality which proved so. useful to Russia. nis influence at that time was great ; he was fre quently summoned to Berlin, and more than once his name was put forward ror the Premiership. In 1857 the King was taken ill, and a year later the Prince Regent, on his accession, dismissed Baron Manteunel's ministry. The event was unexpected by Bismarck. Some or his mends advised that he should forthwith resign ; but he preferred waiting till the new ministers showed their colors. Made minister to Rosain. Towards the end or the year he was recalled rroni his post, and sent as Minister to St. Petersburg. He expressed his disappointment to tho Prince Regent, because he thought he might have done good ser vice to Prussia In Frankfort under the new state of affairs; but he accepted his new destination, which was honorable In itself, and allowed hlin to keep aloorrrom party straggles. He left Frankfort with the conviction that the existing federal Institutions were unprofitable, and in critical times most dan gerous for Prussia, without offering those equiva lent advantages which Austria derived from them. UN (.rand Prussian Policy Announced. He therefore advised his government to profit by the opportunity offered by the Italian war in order to obtain a revision of the Federal League, which would ameliorate the position or Prussia In Germany. When the Cabinet or Vienna, after the ominous words or the Emperor Napoleon to Baron Hubncr on New Year's Day, 1359, began to prepare tor the con test; when all the minor courts and the German press, guided by Austria, were raging ror war; when in regard to Prussia it was said at Vienna, "If the Emperor commands, the Margrave3 must obey," Bismarck pressed his government to assume an Inde pendent position, and to consult only Prussian Inte rests for her future policy. . But the weak and Indolent Minister who then directed Prussia's policy could not muster courage for an energetic course or action. He declared, it Is true, that Prussia, willing as she was to defend every German interest, would not allow the Diet to dispose of her army; but he lost time in fruitless attempts at mediation, before and during the cam paign, till the world was astonished by the news of the armistice of lllnfranca. Austria had preferred to sacrifice the province of Lombardy to making any concession to her hated rival in Germany, whom after the peace the Emperor accused openly as the chief cause of his defeat. Long before these events Bismarck had retired to his new post at St. Petersburg, and, disappointed in his expectations from the new ministry, was glad to be removed from party strife to a position where ho could observe the march of political events from a distance. But he always kept up his connection with Berlin; strengthened his relations with the Prince Regent, now King William I, by frequent personal Intercourse ; and his political ideas became more and more ripened. His letters from St. Peters burg show at that time he was already considerably estranged from his old convictions. The liberal ministry that went Into power in 1359 was a weak and vacillating one. The only reform that the King insisted upon or would listen to was a reform in the army, which the Italian war convinced him was unequal to maintaining the standing of Prussia as a great power. Trouble with ihe House of deputies ensued, precipitated by the haste of the King in carrying forward his project for the increase ot the army before the budget had been definitely acted upon. The House, In March, 1S81, passed a resolution requiring a more specific budget, where upon It was dissolved and the resignation of the Cabinet ensued, followed by the election or an over. whelming opposition majority to the House of De puties. The new ministry proved as weak as the one which had preceded it, and the eyes of the King were turned upon Bismarck as the man or all men upon whom he could rely to assist in the execution or his plans, in the teeth or the people and their representatives. Made IlJlolater to Pari In May, 1862, he had been transferred front St, Petersburg to Paris. Soon after his arrival at the latter place, he made a visit to England and en deavored In vain to win Lord Palmerston over to his anti-Austrian policy, and Immediately after sought the presence of the Emperor Napoleon at Biarritz. kle Is Appointed Premier. On bis way home, at Avignon, he was met by telegram which summoned him to Benin. The long-expected crisis had at last arrived. The House of Deputies had finally refused to vote the Increased military budget Baron von der Heydt declined to spend the money against this vote, and resigned, together with Count Bernstorff, and Bismarck was appointed Premier and Minister for Foreign Affairs La September, ISO.' His position was one of extreme aimcuuy. The majority in the House or Deputies was largely against him and the policy which he represeuted, His tone was therefore one of conciliation, and on the 29th of September he announced the withdrawal of the obnoxious budget, "because the Government considered It their duty not to allow the obstacles towards s settlement to Increase in volume." . The Man of "Iron ao4, Blood." His poiloy was then aunouueed, in as plain lau guage as he dared use: "The conflict has been too tragically understood and too tragically represented by the press. The (inveruuaent sought no contest. If the crisis coul, be honorably surmounted, the Government would irladiv lend a hand, it was owing to the great ob stinacy of individuals that It was difficult to g.i vera with the constitution In Prussia. A constitutional crisis was no disgrace: It was an honor. We are, nerhaus. too oivlTUed to endorse a constitution: we are too critical. Public opinion changed : the press wasuotpuouvonituoo; u ws weu tnowa now t'ie press was upheld. The Deputies had ttle task Of de termining Its opinions, and to stand above It. Ger many does not contemplate the liberalism of Prus sia, but her power. Bavaria, Wurtemberg, and Beden might Indulge liberalism: but they are not therefore called npon to play tne part of Prussia. iTuasla must hold her power together for the favor able opportunity whtob has already been sometimes neglected; the frontiers of Prussia were not favor able to a good State constitution. The great que tion of tlit day vere not to be decided by epeeche and maioritie thin had been the error of 133 and 1849 but by iron and blood " He went to work at once, and the nouse of Depu ties having, on October 7, declared all expenditures not sanctioned by it unconstitutional, that body was dissolved on the 13th, and to meet the crisis which he had thus provoked, he promulgated the theory, apparently sustained by the peculiar constitution or Prussia, that the last budget voted would remain in force until harmony was restored between the two branches of the Legislature and a new budget voted by the Deputies and fully concurred in by the Upper House. He therefore undertook the task or gvernlng without anew budget, and In absolute defiance or popular clamor. Troubles with Austria Arl"c. Previous to this time Austria had been conceded the leading position In the Germanic Confederation but Bismarck at once decided that Prussia must be accorded her proper place as an equal. He asserted the right or the latter country to form a closer political union within the bounds of the Confedera tion, a pretension to which Austria an 1 the middle States, which were subject to her Influence, objected. The Bismarck ministry thereupon revenged Itself by recognizing the kingdom of Italy, and signing a commercial treaty with France which Interfered with many of the advantages which Austrian com merco with tho Zollvereln had enjoyed. The Influ ence or the Austrian Government was sufficient with the middle States to Induce them to decline the treaty, and to press through the Frankfort Diet a project against which Prussia protested providing for a popular representation by delegates of the local legislatures, Austria was then given to under stand that, ir she continued to insist npon her policy at Frankrort, Prussia would withdraw from the Confederacy, and in this critical situation the ques tion was left for the time. He Defies the Representative of the People. The year 1303 was a stormy one. The convention with Russia Into which Prussia entered for the sup pression of the Polish Insurrection not only aroused great indignation throughout Europe, but provoked the bitter opposition of the House of Deputies, which, in its reply to the King's address, accused the Government of violating the Constitution and governing without a budget. This address the King refused to receive in person, rebuking the Chambers for their audacity in presenting It, and Bismarck himself declared that "constitutional conflicts may be decided In other countries by a change or minis try, but this is not the custom In Prussia. With us," he continued, with characteristic arrogance, "ir two political bodies which cannot go to law are unable to agree, circumstances decide which or the two Is the strongest!'' Thus he became, ror a time, the most unpopular statesman In Germany. But Ihe War with Denmark, which was terminated by the treaty of Vienna, Oc tober 39, 18C4, and the releasing or the Danish hold upon Schleswig-IIolsteln and Liuenburg, aroused the national spirit and tended greatly to restoro his popularity. Asa trlbut) to his services In the conduct or this, the King bestowed upon him the Order or the Black Eagle the highest mark or honor In his gift and in 1S0S further testified his acknowledgments by creating him a Count, his patent of nobility being dated September 10. lie Precipitates the Quarrel with Austria, Having rid his hands for the tlnn being or the vexatious Schleswlg-Holstein question, he again turned his attention ty Austria, and by every means In his power precipitated the conflict of i860. He determined upon the annexation to Prussia of the Elbe Duchies, with or without the consent of Aus tria, did all that he could to maintain the estrange ment between the sovereigns of the two disputing countries, and labored earnestly to detach.from the Austrian interest the minor German Statej. An Attempt Upon Die Mfe. About this time the attention or the people was still more pointedly directed to hlra by an attempt which was made upon his life on the 7th of May, 1806. On the afternoon of this day, as he'was re turning on root from an Interview with the King, he was twice Area npon by a misguided enthusiast by the name or Blind. With great presence or m'.nd ElBmarck turned and seized his assailant by the throat. Blind contrived to fire two more shots, one or which took effect, but without inflicting a serious wound. The assassin was handed over to the mili tary authorities, and Bismarck walked home as ir nothing had occurred. The news or the event spread like wlld-flre through the city. The King, the royal princes, many or the civil and military autho ritles, as well as private citizens, went to bis bouse to congratulate him on his escape. Blind com mitted suicide before he could be given a trial, and It was never known whether his crime was that of a misguided enthusiast alone or the result of a con spiracy. Popular belief conneoted the attempt with Austrian intrigue, without the slightest ground, and ascribed the minister a escape to the direct interpo sition of Providence. The War with Anatrla. Meanwhile the trouble with Austria grew apace, the situation being rendered more orltlcal every day by the snort-signtea policy or tnat country. A conference of the great powers was held at Paris, but It failed to accomplish anything. Austria then appealed to the other States represented in the Diet of the Confederation at Frankfort, to assist her in maintaining hor rights, to which Bismarck replied by announcing that favorable action would be the signal for war. The warning was unheeded, and on the 15th of June, 1366, orders were sent by telegraph for the Prussian columns to move. The King's last scruples were removed, and he entered zealously into all the schemes of his Prime Minister, reassured by the Intense enthusiasm with which this decisive action was received by the people. On the 89th the first tidings of viotory reache 1 Berlin, which was thrown into the wildest excitement and enthusiasm over them. On the following day Bismarck left the capital, in company with the King, ror the scene or the con rlict, and during the few days of the memorable campaign, terminating on the 3d or July in the deci sive victory or Sadowa, which utterly prostrated Austria, the two fearlessly sought the front in every battle in company. The result of the grand system of intrlgu e by which this triumphant conflict on the battle-field was brought about was the formation of The North German Confederation. practically as it at present exists. The claims of Aus tria upon Schleswlg-Holstein were yielded up to Pruss'a, which annexed also the Kingdom of Han. over, the Electorate of nesse-Cassel, the Duchy of Nastau, the Free City of Frankfort, and portions of Bavaria and Hesse-Darmstadt. Austria renounced all connection with the Germanic Confederation, and a new confederation was formed, under the leadership or Prussia, consisting or all ihe States north or the river Main, including the Kingdom or Saxony and twenty otherdnchles, principalities, and free cities, Prussia, however, comprising more than four-fifths of the population of the confederation, In the negotiations which followed the war and brought about this consolidation, Bismarck was the master spirit, combining boldness and energy with foresight and prudence, displaying moderation to wards such of his adversaries only as he had not decided to crush. In a confederation made up of the North German States he could be, as he had long desired to be, the supreme controlling spirit, The annexation of the Southern States would ea danger bis supremacy, by creating a possible coau terpoise to the authority and inaueuce of Prussia, la the 'Hole" ofa Peacemaker. But tne ueuimve struggle wun Austria wts scarcely over before he was confronted by the ques tion of the neutralization of the stronghold or Lux embourg. Concerning the pretensions of France, Bumarck sa d at tins point : "Ere a fortnight is past we shall have war on the Rhine if France insists on her territorial demands, Bho asks of us what we neither can nor will give Prussia will no, cede an Inch of German sou we cannot do so without raising the whole of Germany agafnst us, and If It be necessary let it rise against t rance lather than OHrselves." War with France was, Indeed, Imminent, but Bis marck sought as earnestly to avert it as he had sought to precipitate the conflict with Austria, and his diplomatic skill was again crowned with success. In fact, after the battle of Sadowa, his policy was most emphatically a policy of peace, and he was not content with consolidating the newly-acqulred power of Prussia by maintaining friendly relations with all the world, but extended his good offices all over Europe, averting a conflict on the Danube in 1308, by requiring the dismissal by Prince Charles of Roumanla or his nnrnly minister, Bratlano, and afterwards taking the initiative or proposing the Coherence or the Great Powers at Paris which pre vented a war between Turkey and Greece. Ilia Enforced Retirement to Private Life. After a visit with the King to Paris, in June, 1807, Bismarck retired for a few weeks to Varzln, an es tate In Farther Pomerania whic h he had purchased, returning to Berlin, however, in November, and re maining until the spring of 1803, in attendance npon the Diet or the Confederation. His health again gave way, and the greater part or this year was passed Incomplete seclusion at Varzln. Emerging again from his retirement about the close or the year, his time was occupied during 1309 In attending to his duties as Chancellor or the Confederation and Prime Minister or Prussia, and in the arduous task or thoroughly con solidating the power or Prussia and maintaining in tact his own paramount influence in the Confedera tion, until falling health again drove him back to the seclusion of Varzln. For several months previous to the present agita tion in Europe, Bismorck was living almost entirely in retirement on his Pomeranian estate, and ror some weeks last spring his health was in such a precarious condition that his life was despaired of. The Candidacy of Prince Leopold for the throne of Spain, however, appears to have inspired him with all his old vigor, and for some weeks past he has been figuring as actively and prominently as ever in the diplomatic manoeuvres of the Continent. The precise part he took In the candidacy of Prince Leopold It is Impossible at pre sent to define. It was on the 11th of June that General Prim gave the- first Intimation or having made any overtures to the Prince of HoheDzollcrn, but Ills words were so purposely ambiguous as to mystify, if not mis lead, all Europe. General Prim at this time Inti mated that his nameless candidate could not be brought to accept the offer, but the acquiescence of Prince Leopold was finally made public on the Cth of July, and the war cloud at once began to gather aud lower over Europe. That the preliminary ne gotiations were carried on between Prim and Bis- marck there can be no doubt. It has been asserted that scores of telegrams passed between them before the secret negotiation leaked out. Whether this be true or not, it Is unquestionable that Bis marck entered into Prim's project earnestly and willingly, although the intimation on June 11 that the at that time nameless candidate was unwilling to contest the crown of Spain may possibly afford a clue to the ractthat Bismarck entered into the scheme with extreme caution and some misgiv ings. It is, or course, a waste or time and space to indulge in speculation at present as to whether he foresaw the objections or Napoleon and anticipated the struggle npon which France and Prussia have entered. Since the Treatv of Prague which termi nated the conflict with Austria in 1SC0, he had pur sued an ostensible policy of peace ; but his manage ment of the trouble between Prussia and France.at the time of and previous to the Luxembourg Imbroglio, was so adroit and successful as to render an appeal to arms not less Inexpedient than it would have been unjustifiable. When the candidature of Prince Leopold was finally withdrawn, In response to the protests of Napoleon, the dignified stand taken by King William in relusing to make further conces sions and guarantees was doubtless inspired by him, and probably with the full belief that France was merely seeking a pretext ror war, and would find a pretext or some sort, unless Prussia consented to such relf-abasement as would practically and morally undo the work or the past five years. And now that war has been inaugurated, and the hostile armies are racing each other on the Rhine, Bismarck is In his place as Chancellor or the Con federation and the moving spirit of the Prussian cause. To the herculean task now before the nation which he has built up, he will bring all the audacity and nnscrupulousness, as well as all the zeal, energy, and patriotism which nerved him throughont the struggle with Austria; and aside from the struggle in the field, Napoleon will find him, as he has found him In the past, more than a match in the wiles and tricks and intrigues of diplo macy. Ilia Character. In the winter or 1849, Bismarck had remove i with his ramlly to Berlin, and since then his atten tion has been almost wholly absorbed by politics. With his entrance upon married life in 137. ho abandoned the wild and reckless manner or lire to which he had been wedded at Gottingen and Knlep hof, and became thereafter a man of unexception able character In his personal relations. He is de scribed as being, In private Hie, unusually attrac tive, of genial and friendly disposition, sparkling in conversation, sharp at repartee, and remarkably good at telling a story. But In his public character, as will be seen from the sketch or his lire which we have given, he is reckless, obstinate, seir-possessed, imperious, and unscrupulous, brooking no restraint and hesitating at no device to secure the accomplishment of his ends. Ambitions to an Inordinate degree, his pa triotism is nevertheless unimpeachable, and his own personal aggrandizement happily la never brought into conflict with the best Interests of his country as a whole. His moving spirit is emphati cally one of personal repression ; all his inclinations and associations are aristocratic; his sympathies are never enlisted In the cause of popular rights or individual freedom; the King, to him, rules by divine right, and not by the consent or approval or his subjects. The grand aim or his life has been to render Prussia the controlling power in Germany, and to make himself the most consequential person in Prussia. If to succeed tor the time in both these tasks constitutes him a statesman, he is entitled to a place in the very front rank. In pep3on, Bis marck is tall and well-formed, of great bodily vigor originally, and with the fair hair and light blue eyes thai are typical of his pure North-German ex traction. Blamarck and tho United States. In this connection, the following extracts from a letter published in the New York Tribune in 1306, detailing an afternoon's conversation with Bismarck, will be found Interesting. The conversation touched briefly npon American topics when Bismarck said: 'In our relations with the United 6tates, I never had a doubt. The Tory party in Prussia, to which 1 am supposed to belong, at the outbreak of yonr war, besouffbt the Kin to recognize the South. I op posed it Inflexibly. To me it was clear that the North only could be the true ally of Prussia ; with the South we had nothing in common. The Gov ernment of Prussia never wavered In Its friendship lor yours. LThe sentence was uttered proudly, and the burning eyes flashed brighter than ever. ) It Is a traditional poucy wun us, rrenericK ine ureat was, I think, the first European sovereign to recognize your Independence. I am heartily glad to know that America understands aud reciprocates the friendly feeling we have steadily maintained. ' "And here," continues the correspondent, "follows a curious statement, a fact not known to me before, and I think unpublished In America." "At the bearinnlna- of our war," aaid Count Bis- mart k, "Austria was stronger than we on the water, and Italy was not sure to us. It was proposed to me that the leading Southern nayal officers should join us with tciuo men and suitable vessels. They were not to come at all as the Confederate navy, but m tiwiividuaia. and the most eminent officers anions them were included in the offer. 1 consulted your Minister to snow wueiuer in acc-eptaace oi mis trr wnntd be offensive to the American Govern. meet. Mr. Wright was In doubt, and wrote to Washington. He received instructions to oppose the scheme, and I at once declined having anything to do wun it. enamel maae me proposal. plIIK HTATIUIf U11V, a KM 9, MOROOBAMS. I1XUM I H A TIN (3, KTO, DHRKA. lost OUE8NUT btri, 9-l E3c:rr al e?.aUaw ?l titUi tirr rrcimia Alpaca Sacra. Drsp d'Ete Backs. Linen Hunters. White Duck Pants. . Fancy Linen Pants. White Duck Vests, White Marseilles Vests. All kinds of Summer Clothing sold at prices GfAR aktikd Lower tuan ant othkk. Halfway ( Bfnnktt & t!i)., between Towkr II am.. Fifth and Stxtn streets. I 619 Market Street. Mr. Wilmav W. Cassidt, the Jeweller at No. St Boath Second street, has one of the largest and most attractive stocks or all kinds or Jewelry and Silver ware In the city. He has also on hand a fine assort ment or fine American Western Watches. Those who purchase at this store at the present time are certain to get the worth or their money. Thk Mother's Treasure. Mrs. Winsi.ow'9 Soothing Syrcp Is the prescription or one or the best remale physicians and nurses In the Unite-! States, and has been used tor thirty years, with never-railing safety and success, by millions or mothers for their children. It cures wind colic, re gulates the bowels, corrects the acidity, and gives rest and health to the child. Phalon's "Vitalia" for the Hair can be found everywhere. It la clear, and has no sediment. This wonderful preparation Is Phalok's Vitaua, or Sal vation kor.the Hair. Poured on the hands, it leaves no stain. It is, nevertheless, the most effec tive article of Its class ever advertised. Sold by all druggists and fancy goods dealers. Binder's Family Sswnra Machines, Tin dalUrtOMb- BiUnee In monthly instalments. O. . Davis, No. 810 Ohesnat street. New Style Pictdbk. The German Ohromos mde A, K. P. Traak, No. 40 N. Eighth streaU They mast be en to be admired. itiAitiii:i. Jack Shoemaker. On the soth instant, bv the Rev. B. F. Barrett, Dr. Louis Jack and Miss 0 arc link Shoemaker, all of Philadelphia. Caldwell. On the raorninir or the lftli Instant. at Woodbury, N. J., Acsah, wife of James B. Cald well, of Davenport, Iowa. The funeral will take place on Friday, the 22d in stant, from Christ Church, Woodbury, N. J., at 19 o'clock A. M., to which the relatives and friends of the ramlly are respectfully invited, without further notice. Howell. Suddenly, en Wednesday evenlnir. July 20, Kebecca L., wife of Zophar C. HowelU Due notice or the funeral win be given. " Cum,, rm ft. a OI at Inafnnl Vnn i n TT pn,. mam a E7aiiaHvu i lie (id, luDvuuif, jmTAn , uuijr null KJ I Rebecca J. and the late Charles Shepard Smith, The relatives and mends or tne family are respect fully invited to attend the funeral, from his late resi dence, No. S33 N. Sixth street, ou !3ecoud-day morn ing, the Mth Instant, at 10 o'clock. DRY GOODS. LE MAISTBE & E0S3 HAVE A NEW LOT OF HAMBURG EDGINGS AND I1VSERT11VGS Suitable for Pique Trimmings; ALSO, 1EUV CHEAP. No. 212 North EIGHTH St. it PHILADELPHIA. "AT THORNLEY'8." ANOTHER SWEEPING REDUCTION. GOODS MUST BE SOLD. I am determined to clean out my SUMMER STOCK. If the community need goods at HALF their usual price. 1 have went right through and marked prices down in some CASES TIFTV PER CENT., and in MANY CASES TWENTY-FIVE and THIRTY PER CENT. Lace Polntes from f 4 to f 55. Lace Sacques from $10 to 125. Thin Mixed Press Goods. Lawns, Percales and P. K's. Black Hernanles and Grenadines. Linens and Japanese Grass Cloths (for Suita). Black Silks, Pongee Silks, Japanese Silks. Eld Gloves, Parasols, Corsets, Skirts, etc. etc. A full stock or STAPLE and DOMESTIC GOODS, "AT THE OLD ESTABLISHED STAND," NOB. THE AST C0BKEB EIGHTH and SPRING GARDEN Sts., JOSEPH H. TH0RNLEY, 1 8 thstnj PHILADELPHIA. M R B. R. D ILLON. HOB. S33 AND SSI SOUTH STREET. Ladies and MiuM Orape, Gimp, Hair Pamela and Straw Round and Pyramid 1UU; Kibbona, Sktini, Bilka, Velvet and Velveteens, Orapea, feathers, tlowcra. Frames, Sua Ribbons, Ornaments, Uoarning Millinsrf Orape Veils. to. 14 EXCURSIONS. BECK'S PHILADELPHIA BAND, NO. I. SECOND GRAND EXCURSION AiiUUfcD NEW YORK BAY AND STATED ISLAND. LAUDING AT NEW YORK ONE HOUR. Leave Philadelphia, from WALNUT ST. WHARF, THURSDAY, July 81, 1S70, at 1)4 o'clock A. M. FAHK iOR THE EXCURSION: Single Tickets $Z W Gentleman and Laay 4 50 Tickets tan be procured at theOnlceof Beck'i Band, No. Wis Market street ; of Charles Brlntzlng horier, No. 935 Market street; or Enos C. Renner, No. 601 Girard aveuue; Ticket Office, Ho, t2S Cheunut street, and at the wharf on the morning of the Excursion. T 18 8t -KrrmmK DAILY FIRST-CLASS EXCURSIONS XaV? frrto those cool, delightful, and shady "i'iiLlsS at GLOUCESTER POINT. Always a breeze blowing. Take or send the family. Steamers with every accommodation. (Ice water, etc.) Leave SOUTH Street every few minutes. 6 80 1m 4p CUTLERY ETC. JgODGEfiS A WOSTXNHOLH'8 POCKET; KIUTES, Pearl and Stat handles, and bMatlfml noLki Bodxere1, and Wade Batohers Raton, aadtheeal Strated Xieeooltro Base I Ladies' BoImoa, la eases, of tad 0nest qnaUtri Bodaers Table Outhtry, Oarvers and rerksj Basoc Strop, Cork Screws, Xte. Eat Uatraaeats, U is hnH"li el the Baas approved eonatraotloa, at r. M ADKIBA'S. 09, Uf TB3TTJ Sttttti b? low ghee!; . ..r,ll it. . II ! I ;tj: 1 mi oiH -itft v l,M(ITIrVlliaiVI I'M t i' ...;-iri ....
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers