BISMARCK'S LIFE IS ENDED.
Bismarck, the “iron chancellor” of Germany, died July 30. His public life began to attract attention when he was elected to the Prussian House of Burgesses in 1847. And by successive and eminently successful steps in political life, and particularly by his bold opposition to all revolutionary methods, he gained the confidence of his government so fully that he was intrusted with the responsibilities of minister to Russia in 1859. In the spring of 1862 he was sent as minister to France, so that he might get a clear insight into French politics. In the fall of the same year he was called home and made minister of foreign affairs, and president of the Cabinet. His mind was then centered on the reorganization of the army, and, after a long conflict with the Parliament, he accomplished his object. His successful conduct of the war with Austria in 1866 gave him great popularity at home, something that he had not possessed very fully previous to that time. His dash in the war with France, 1870–71, the suddenness with which France was brought to surrender, and the terms that he imposed upon her, added to his popularity among the German people. Bismarck, who had been made count in 1866, was now created prince and chancellor of the German Empire. His next aim was to secure a prolonged term of peace. To this end the triple alliance between Germany, Austria, and Italy was formed. He entered into quite a bitter struggle with the pope, believing that the powers sought to be exercised by the Vatican were dangerous to the government. But after a prolonged controversy he materially modified his policy toward the Church of Rome. In 1890 the “iron chancellor” retired from public life because of a difference that arose between him and the emperor, William II. Altho he was an ardent supporter of and indefatigable worker for peace for Germany, yet he was till the close of his life a most enthusiastic soldier. He cared more for his honors as a soldier than for anything else. He was a great devotee to the pipe and bowl. But at the same time he had, through heredity and persistent physical culture and training, built up a strong athletic body. Had he been educated to the point where he would have in early life thrown away his pipe, beer, and wine, or, what is far better, never have used them at all, there is no knowing but he might have had added to his life the seven years that would have brought him to 90, a thing that he very much coveted.