VISIT OF AN AUSTRALIAN COLONIST TO PRINCE BISMARCK.

Evening Star, Issue 3206, 30 May 1873, Page 3

VISIT OF AN AUSTRALIAN COLONIST TO PRINCE BISMARCK.

A communication, translated from the Australieche Deutchfi Zeitung by the 8. A. Register , says that the German societies of Victoria entrusted Mr Carl Berghoff, prior to his departure for Germany, with a testimonial to the Premier of the Fatherland, assuring him of the unbounded admiration and high esteem in which he was held by the German colonists of Victoria. Many persons at the time blamed the committee for sending the letter, thinking that the great man who was daily consulted by kings and princes would not care to be bothered with a paltry congratulation from so remote a corner of the earth. By the latest huropeaa mail a communication was received from Herr Berghoff, telling what success had attended his mission. The Premier, on being informed of the circumstances, gladly consented to an interview with Herr Berghoff. He received that gentlemen with great friendliness, shook him by the hand, expressed high gratification at the recognition by kinsmen in the antipodes of his services to his country, and mentioned the peculiar interest he took in our well-being, showing at the Same time considerable knowledge of the affairs of these Colonics. This con versa-ion ought surely to have satisfied all expectation, but the Premier was not of that opinion. He did our representative and the Colony peculiar honor by inviting him the same day to his family table. 'Jhere were preset, t the Prince and his lady, their daughter, Princess Marie, their two sons, the Dukes Herbert and Wilhelm von Bismarck, a young lady companion of the Princess, and two officials. Mr BerghofTa description o' the evening he thus spent of the family circle of the great statesman is very interesting. It unfolds to the fancy of the reader a picture of refined education, happy domestic life, and me-ry jokes, intermixed with profitable converse. At the table our visitor took his position, between the Prince and Princess. During the meal a telegraphic message was delivered to the host, announcing the recently-occurred death of the ex-Emperor Napoleon. Before they moved from the table the Premier rose and proposed the health of the Germans outside the boundaries of the Fatherland, not only those of Australia, but of all countrymen wherever they may live, who have by their patriotism and exertions aided in the late war, and otherwise promoted the welfare of their native land. Herr Berghoff, in the name of those included in the toast, returned heartfelt thanks. Then followed several hours in the plvafcant society of the Premier and his lady, during which assur ances of goodwill were repeated, and the portraits Of the ducal family presented as a souvenir. By means of Herr BerglwfTs communications, which on his return he will probably furnish in full, we are enabled to obtain such a glimpse into the inner life of the Prince as we have never before been favored with. He appears to have thrown aside pro tern, the cares of the public career, and to have given himself up to domestic enjoyments ; no stiff etiquette is visible—all is harmony and comfort. To us Germans, however, the reception accorded to our delegate must be a source of infinite gratification and pride. On the following day, January 10, Herr Berghoff was enabled, by means of an autograph letter from Bismarck, to obtain an interview with Vos Mdltke, who also evidenced much interest in the Germans in Australia.