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 ....