magnificent exuberance. We should be
inclined to rank him as one of the greatest orators, and the very
greatest debater, of the House of Commons.

PRINCE VON BISMARCK[18]

By PRINCE OUTISKY

(1815-1898)

[Footnote 18: This sketch was written by Prince Outisky in
1885. The Emperor William I. died in March, 1888, and his son a
few months later. The views of the young Emperor William II.,
thus advanced to the throne, did not at all coincide with those
of Bismarck, and he retired into private life in 1890. Four
years later a somewhat ostentatious reconciliation took place
between him and the emperor; but Bismarck did not return to
power, his great age perhaps incapacitating him for active
work.

As regards his early life, he was born at Schoenhausen, April 1,
1815, educated at Goettingen, Berlin, and Griefswald, and at
first entered the army. He became a member of the General Diet
in 1847, was successively ambassador to Austria, Russia, and
France, and in 1862 became Minister of the King's House and
Foreign Affairs in Prussia. He was created a count in 1865; and
in 1871, having achieved his great aim in the coronation of his
king as Emperor of United Germany at Versailles, he became
Chancellor of the Empire and Prince von Bismarck-Schoenhausen.]

[Illustration: Bismarck. [TN]]

The "aureole of unpopularity" which encircled Bismarck's brow during
four short years of inaugural premiership has, to all appearance,
vanished under the influence of unbroken success, making room throughout
the world for a confiding deference to his capacity and forethought,
that every year seems to intensify. It is he, in the belief of most
governments, who has preserved to them what never was more indispensable
for their very existence--peace in Europe. With supreme adroitness, he
avoids entanglements for himself and his country, bears many an affront
patiently before retorting, keeps up the appearance of a good
understanding after its substance has long passed away, but, when fairly
engaged in diplomatic contention, lays out his field in a manner that
insures success. People agree, therefore, that it is best to take him as
he is. And it is in the nature of man when he has once accorded that
favor to a fellow-creature, to "take him as he is," that he ends by
liking him. T