THE TWO BISMARCKS.

Mt Benger Mail, Volume 17, Issue 850, 29 August 1896, Page 3

THE TWO BISMARCKS.

Li Hung Chang arrived at Friediichsruh on the afternoon of June 25 on a visit to Prince Bismarck. His Excellency was received at the chateau by Count Herbert Bismarck and Count Rantzau, who, after being introduced to the various members of the Chinese Envoy's suite, conducted the party into the house. Prince Bismarck is reported to have said to Li Hung Chang : •• Both of us have assisted our masters for a long time in governing a great country." To which the Viceroy replied: " I have only been able to do something for China, but you have benefited.the whole world." Then the Prince remarked that while he was in office he had always desired to effect a rapprochement between Germany and China, adding, significantly : "But the obstacles, which did not originate with me, were too great." The visit lasted about two hours. Towards three o'clock Prince Bismarck, wearing a cuirassier uniform, appeared outside with Li Hung Chang, whom he conducted to his carriage. The two venerable 'statesmen shook hands warmly on parting. Li Hung Chang was the day before received by the Emperor at the Old Palace, Berlin, with all the pomp and ceremony befitting the representative of a great Eastern Power. All the dignitaries of Court and State awaited him, companies of horse and foot soldiers, selected specially for the brilliance of their uniforms, were grouped outside the palace. The Berlin correspondent of the ' Standard' gives this pen picture of the veteran:—"Li Hung Chang, now a mau of seventy-four, walks with a deep stoop, and he was supported by two men as he entered the palace. His moustache and beard are snow white. He wears spectacles, but his eyes seem to indicate rare sagacity and energy. He appeared in a magnificent robe of purple silk with violet collar, and with the far-famed yellow jacket, which attracted general attention." The audience lasted about three-quarters of an hour, the Emperor speaking German and Li Hung Chang Chinese. The German manufacturers are making arrangements for conducting Li over the great factories, particularly those for the manufacture of munitions of war.