MR. BURT ON HIS BERLIN EXPERIENCES.

Bush Advocate, Volume V, Issue 354, 16 August 1890, Page 8

MR. BURT ON HIS BERLIN EXPERIENCES.

Ititt VIEWS AS TO THE IC.VISHR AND PiUNiJii OF WALIiS. 'Die Xi'ircf'sl'; 7."-(cl:r lirn interviewed Mr, ])ur: i) i his c-xpei ieJK i ':s ufc tho Jji-rliu Con :\:vc:\,w. " I l..ii:)k." mid Mr. JJurt, " thu the o Jf'.-li'.m oi: iiir J. G-.>rst wad one of th ■ 00.-t tlml could luivo boon mude-. I have lm» a. good deal to do with (Sir John Gorst ii di.'J'fiJviit way.-)*, and 1 lifive always found hir full uli a mneore nytnpathy with the work in, classes iin.'l with working-class movements I trnh witli him on the Commission on Loss c Lit'c at S-r'i. If ho had had a retaining fee on behalf uf the sailors he could not have shown greater ability and zeal in their interests. In other matters I have found Sir John Gorst not only to be avhll informed on working-class movements, but to have a strong sympathy with what I regard as the better sido of unionist effort. At the conference he showed, marked familiarity with labour questions and sympathy with the policy espoused by the trade unionists of this country. He never lost an opportunity of showing the advantages that had accrued, not only to workmen, but to capitalists, by the policy aimed at recently by our labour societies. Mr. Dale spoke French with fluency, and, as an employer, is very liberal-minded. In tho discussion he strongly urged, as the best means of settling disputes, frank intercourse with the workmen and the recognition by the employers of tho unions of the men. A Resolution in favour of arbitration adopted by the conference owed its origin mainly to him. Mr. Burnett, whose abilitieTyTm know, was of immense service. It was noticeable how much more like the English all the German representatives were than any other of the nations of Europe." ' " What was your impression of the Emperor, Mr. Burtl"— " Well, I think his general appeurance argues a want of weight and balance. His head betokens energy rather than breadth. But he struck me as sincere. He is extremely well-informed. He talked with all the representatives, each in his own language. The Frenchmen wore very much astonished at the excellent way in which he spoke their tongue. He has certainly energy — perhaps too much — but the Hobenzollerris have always made reigning a business, and have conducted it with the same laboriousness, the same industry, and the same activity as a man nuiv;ues a professional

career." "la there much feeling against him in Germany with regard to the" retirement of Prince Bismarck?" — "I had no great opportunities of mixing with Germans, but I found nowhere, except, perhaps, at the English Embassy, a belief existing that the resignation of Prince Bismarck had beoi voluntary. It was to th-> effect that ho haf probly resigned, or offered his resignation a 1 ho had often done before, but that in thi case the difference had been that it was ac cepted. I was told by persona whoj*: opinion, I believe, is of weight, that in in tv) nil politics of late years the influence c Bismarck has not been of the most health;. charaet'T. • It hud been throughout too re-pro-sive." " Hat, Mr. Butt, is not the attitude of the Emperor himself based upon the idea of repression?" — "That may be; but he, at least in the opinion of some of the German?, is making an effort to meet tho new ideas of social reform," 4 ' You are not much of a courtier, Mr. Burt ; how did you get over tho ceremonial part in the receptions?" — "Well, I could not any I enjoyed it ; but I went through whatever had to bo done. From a spectacular point of view, the reception of tho Emperor aud Empress was the most brilliant affair I have ever seen. The generals in uniform, the costumes of the different nationalities, the glitter of stars and medals, of laco and steel, made a scene such as one witnesses but seldom, if ever, in a connti'y like ours, where State coremonial is reduced to narrow limits. One or two world- wide celebrities were there — Moltke, Count Herbert Bismarck, and others. Bismarck looks like a great man ; the veteran general does not. Ho is thin and spare of feature and seems a man who is a specialist rather than of broad aud general grandeur of character." "Were there no State receptions but thin one?" — " Oh, yes. Tho Empress Frederick had a function at her house, to which all the English representatives were invited, and which they attended. It was not an occa- \ Bion of groat ceremony. I was very greatly struck with tho fino character and bearing of the widowed Empress. Sho is not specially popular in Berlin. The Bcrliners think Bhe might be more lavish in her spending. In tho course of the evening the Prince of Wales camo in, and made himself very agreeable, hiß hearty laughter making everybody at home." ■ "Had you any talk with him?"— "A little." "Don't you think the Prince may bo a popular King yet ?"— *' Very likely Considering that I havo been all these yean voting against royal grants in Parliament I think it was very good of him to bo st civil." " Is there any other point, Mr. Burf, upon which you desire to say anything?" — " No. I havo said inoro thau I vraufc c to."