THE LATE GERMAN EMPEROR.

Evening Star, Issue 7647, 25 June 1888, Page 3

THE LATE GERMAN EMPEROR.

TO THB EDITOR. Sir,—When I addressed you on Saturday last I could not enter into the question how the future policy of the new Emperor William 11. will be formed—in fact, we cannot judge here about European politics—but I would submit that the new Emperor William 11. has a very difficult task to perform, following immediately after two such great generals and statesmen as his late grandfather and Emperor, " our Fritz," who will be regretted by all Europe. We all know that some time ago the Empress Victoria and Bismarck had what may be called a trial of strength or superiority in the Cabinet of Frederick 111., in regard to the marriage of Prince Alexander of Battenburg to the Emperor's daughter, PrinceßS Victoria of Prussia. The marriage had the approval of the young lady and her august parents, but it appears that the Imperial Chancollor opposed the same for political reasons, as it might have given offence to the Emperor of Russia on account of Alexander being deposed Prince of Bulgaria, and because he therofore might have depended on the moral, if not actual support of the German Government in putting him on the Bulgarian throne again, if he were married to a lady of such hlgn position as the daughter of the German Emperor occupies; and in this no doubt Prinoe Bismarck had the best, as the is certainly delayed. Now in regard to Russia, it seems certain that this great Power, under the pretence of being the head of the Greek orthodox Church, aspires to superiority in the East, and if not checked in thia by the other great European Powers will finally be the moral ruler in Ronmania, Servia, Bulgaria, and the other Eastern principalities, even if it allows the present rulers there to continue a shadow existence. But the greatest aim of Russia will always be Constantinople and the re establishment of the Greek Empire. Years may pass, even the present generation may not see it, and many heavy battles may have to be fought before the Russians obtain their hearts' desire of seeing the cross again instead of the crescent on St. Sophia's Cathedral in Constantinople; but the day will come when either Russia or some other civilised nation in Europe will make an end to the miserable Turkish Government there. As far as Germany is concerned, it is often quoted that Bismarok thinks the whole Eastern question is not worth risking the life of a single German soldier ; so it is very likely that Germany will not draw the sword in case of an Eastern war, oxcept the treaty of alliance with Austria and Italy makes it necessary. Certainly the present Emperor William has a difficult position for so young and untried a man. If we look calmly at the present state of Germany we find that the reigning princes are more or less old men, and thut they hare hardly any influence in politics except in the internal affairs of their own countries. One might safely say that they are only shadow kings and rulers. The army, telegraph, and post office departments, and particularly the diplomatic representation in foreign countries, are all under the direction of the Cabinet in Berlin, where Wilhelrn 11, nominally reigns now, but Bismarck really governs. Well, these German potentates were obliged to submit to Prussian rule from 1866 to date, but they only did so by the force of the sword which conquered them in the fair battle-field under such distingaished genorals as the two last Emperors, who, to j use a vulgar expression, would have knocked I them into a cocked hat if they had objected. But now the serious question is : Will these princes obey a yonng man like the present Emperor, who as yet has had no opportunity [ to show his ability either is commanding armies or in the diplomatic Cabinet. If they cannot agree, perhaps the sword has to | decide again, whioh I trust a merciful Providence may prevent. | I remember a poem in the Berlin ' Punch' | in regard to affairs in 1866, which I give in English, viz.:— j USVTRD IS TniS VBAR. AH Europe and America, Even Germany, la at last united : The first two by the cable, Germany by the eaebel (sword). What the late Emperor Frederick did in making his former enemies (the Bavarians, Wurtemburgers, and other South Germans), through his tact and kindness to tbem, I mentioned before i from former enemies he made them his best soldiers in 1870. Surely in losing this man not only Germany bat all Europe has lost a true friend of peace, who would have done his utmost to keep peace in Europe (as war under any circumstance Is a misfortune), but who would have drawn his sword if necessity required It. May the new Emperor follow in the glorious steps of his two immediate ancestors, and not draw the sword uselessly, but, if required, fearlessly and with success, and combat his enemies so long as he does not go against England, which I don't think will ever happen.—l am, etc., Johs Hamann. Dunedin, Jane 23, 1888.