THE EMPEROR FREDERICKS DIARY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1814, 10 November 1888, Page 3

THE EMPEROR FREDERICKS DIARY.

The Deutsche Rundscha, a monthly German review, publishes in its October number abstracts of the Diary of the late Emperor Frederick, which he kept during the Franco-German war of 3870. Prince Bismarck declares a great part of the diary to be apocryphal. The North German G. zstte declares that the diary was published without'the knowledge of the present Emperor, and adds that it is impoesib'e the whole contents of the diary could have been written by the Emperor Frederick. The Berlin Post does not express any doubt as to its genuineness, and is supported in this view by Professor Delbtiick, tha tutor of the late Prince Waldemar. The following are some of the most salient passages in the document; —

“WE RETAIN ALSACE.”

On Sept. 3, after the surrender of Sedan and the capture of Napoleon, he writes: “ Bismarck came to see me at Doncborry. We retain ALace in the German administration. Tiie idea of the federation of the Empire and the reestablishment of the Imperial dignity had scarcely been thought of. 1 noticed that he was only inclined to it conditionally, and I took care not to impress it upon him, although I was convinced that it must come about. Events are leading towards it, and circumstances cannot be more favorable th«n they are owing to this victory. On Sept. 30 I spoke to the King about the Imperial question, which was maturing. In the meantime, negotia- < tions with the German States have already commenced. The King does not think this question imminent. He referred to the remark of Dußoia-Reymoad, that Imperialism was antiquated ; there would be in future in Germany only the King of Prussia and the German duchies. 1 replied that the three kings of Saxony, Bavatia and Wurtemburg force us to take the lead with the Imperial title. On alluding to Napoleon, his opposition ai last became weaker.” BISMARCK NOT AWARE O? HIS POWER. Even Prinoe Bismarck seemed discouraged by the attitude of the Southern States, as is shown by the following entry;—“Nov. 14. In a conversation with Bismarck about the question of unity, be said he wished to get it settled ; bnt he said, shrugging his shoulders, ‘ what would you do to the South Germans!’ and he asked me whether I wished them to be threatened. I answered, ‘ Of course. There is no danger. Let us act firmly and imperiously, and you will see that I was right in sayiog that you were not sufficiently aware of your power!" Prince Bismarck protested against threats, saying that they would only drive tUose States into the arms of Austria. He had, when be accepted ois post, the firm resolve of making war between Austria and Prussia, but he took good care not to speak of it then to His Majesty, but bad waited till a suitable occasion presented itself. He in the same way wished now to gain time to see the German question

develop itself. The Crown Prince answered that be, who represented the future, could net regard such delay with '□difference. It was not necessary to use force. The risk of Bavaria and Wortemhurg daring to join Austria should be token. Nothing would be easier than to baye not only tbe Emperor proclaimed by a majority of the Herman Princes, bat to have the form of Government sanctioned <n agreement with the demands of the German people. That would be pressure which the King of Bavaria could not withstand. Frinct Bismarck remarked that tbe Crown Prince alone entertained such views. It would be better to let tbs suggestion come from the Reichstag.” AT CLOSE QUARTERS WITH BXSMAROI. On the late Emperor’s referring to the views of the Princes of Baden, Oldenburg, Weimar, and Coburg, the Chancellor said that His Majesty’s consent would have to be first obtained. The Crown Prince answered that be knew quite well that Prince Bismarck’s refusal would be sufficient to make the King hold back. To this the Chancellor replied that the Crown Prince reproached him whilst he knew of other persons who better deserved it. The independence of the King in political matters would have to be considered. The King read himself every mportant despatch, and even corrected them. He was sorry that tbe question of the Emperor had been discussed at all as it would give offence to Bavaria and Wurtemburg. The Crown Prince continues I remarked that the Minister of Hesse had proposed it. Bismarck thought my utterances would have a bad effect. tie thought that the Crown Prince ought not to express such views, I immediately protested against being forbidden in such a manner to speak, especially on such a question. 1 regarded it as my duly not to Ist anybody be in doubt about any ideas. Of course tiis Majesty could say what things I might talk about, or not, if 1 was not considered old enough to have my own opinions. Bismarck said ‘lf the Crown Prince orders 1 will act accordingly,’ I replied I had no right to give orders, upon which be declared be would for his part willingly make room for any other personage whom I should deem more suitable to conduct the business, but till then he must adhere to his principles, and act according to the best of his knowledge. We then came to discuss details. 1 remarked that I had perhaps become excited, but he could not expect me to b) indifferent at the neglect of such an important question.” “ THE DREAMS OF GERMAN POETRY ARB FULFILLED,” King William, who had grown up in the old tiohenzoilern traditions, felt very much taking leave of old Prussia. The Crown Prince pointed to the history of Prussia, and remarked how tbe Hohenzol'erns from being Counts became Kings. He answered, “My son has his whole heart in tbe new state of affairs, while I do no care about the change." On Jan, the Crown Prince writes : “ The hopes of our ancestors, tbe dreams of German poetry are fulfilled.” tie describes, then, in an impressiye manner, the coronation, and says, “ I only feel now a German. I know no difference between Bavarian and Badenese, but I shall by no means interfere with their affairs or deprive them of their individuality.” lo his happiness he felt some apprehensions about the future. On March 7 he writes; “ Even the greatest imprudence will not undo that which is gained. Such experiences as I have bad during the last ten years cannot be in vain. 1 shall have a strong bold over the now united nation, because 1 shall be the first Sovereign who, without reserve, adheres to constitutional institutions.” The Crown Prince tells how strongly he opposed the bombarding of Paris, and be is proud ot the reproach raised against him of being too humane. On every page his admiration and veneration for Count Moltke finds expression. He was also convinced that Alsace and Lorraine had to be taken, but be calls this possession a rather precarious one.