BISMARCK'S BIRTHDAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7563, 30 May 1885, Page 6

BISMARCK'S BIRTHDAY.

The celebration of Prince Bismarck’s birthday (telegraphs the correspondents|| the New York Herald) proved, perhaps, 'H® most imposing ovation ever rendered ip Germany to any person except tie Emperor. There was hardly one small village which did not participate in the celebration, and hardly one of the larger towns which did not share in it by deputations, addresses, &c. Presents are still arriving with every train, and number many thousands from all parts of the world. Some merely express admiration, but many of the gifts are highly valuable—for instance, the golden crown offered by the Emperor, the gold and silver tea-set by the Germans in Russia, the golden sword by the Gormans in Constantinople, and the silver votive tablet from Munich. The^Mrere

about 1500 addresses and diplomas, most of them artistically gotten up, two being from Colorado. Among the gifts are all kinds of articles for daily use—hats, boots, canes, cakes, an assortment of the most precious sorts of Ehine wine, about thirty different beers, partly in artistically-made barrels, and floral gifts numbering hundreds.

The Emperor, Empress, and members of the Imperial house offered a beautiful copy of the large painting by Werner, “ Kaiser William proclaimed Emperor at Versailles/’ The Emperor, in presenting it, said: “ I did not know what to give you. You already have all I could give you. Take this as a new proof of gratitude to the nan who helped so wonderfully in the building up of his Empire.” It was a most impressive historical scene. The Emperor, surrounded by the Grown Prince, all the other princes, and the Grand Duke of Baden, stood in the Chancellor’s room before the picture, which had just been unveiled by the Crown Prince. After the Emperor had presented the painting. Prince Bismarck kissed him three times on the mouth and cheek, and then in deepest emotion bowed to kiss the Emperor’s hand, who, however, would not allow it. Both great men had tears in their eyes. Everyone in the room was deeply touched. Thanking the Emperor, Prince Bismarck said: “ I have never known greater fortune than serving your Majesty and the country, which I trust to do for the balance of my life. What I have done was only possible through your Majesty’s confidence.” The Emperor then, in the most winning manner, congratulated all the members of Prince Bismarck’s family, the ladies and gentlemen kissing his hand. It was a charming sight when the venerable. Emperor bowed to three of Prince Bismarck’s grandsons, ranging from five to three years old, who tendered him their kisses on his lips. Even Bismarck’s famous dog received some caressing by the Emperor. After 20 minutes the Emperor left. Tour correspondent, being one of the 45 persons in the room, can assure your readers that the , Emperor displayed wonderful’ liveliness. At 11 o’clock the Prussian Ministry and Federal Council congratulated Prince Bismarck. Hundreds of deputations followed, one after the other, each approaching the Chancellor with addresses and gifts. Then came the great affair of the day, the deputation headed by the Duke of Eaibor, bringing the national gift, amounting to three and a half million marks, for re-purcbasing Prince Bismarck’s old family seat of Schoenhausen. The Duke, handing the documents, remarked, “ Bismarck gave back Alsace and Lorraine. Now grateful Germany gives back the Chancellor’s mother soil.” Prince Bismarck answered, “ Now I can: call myself justly Bismarck of Schoenhausen!” Speaking to the students, who were present in great numbers, and in full student, dress, he said—- " Universities have done much for the national cause in the past, and I am convinced that, if necessary, you will all be in the right place whenever the Empire requires you. Your appearance here brings back to my mind memories of the happiest time of my life.” Hero the Chancellor was prevented by emotion and tears from further speaking. At twelve o’clock the Chancellor was offered a sumptuous lunch, whereat all the treasures of Bavarian beer were presented. He sat down, surrounded by his wife and children, receiving all the while dozens of lady friends, shaking hands and touching .glasses, with amiable words for everybody. General von Pape, appearing by the Emperor’s special order at the head of the generals in active service, proposed the Chancellor’s health, which was enthusiastically responded to by thousands on the street, to whom the occurrences were communicated. The Wurtemburg Minister, Herr Mittnicht, drank to the health of Princess Bismarck, “ the model of a German wife.” Here the Prince rose and kissed her tenderly, amid renewed cheers. At half - past 2 the Prince’s famous body physician. Dr Schweninger, ordered him to retire. Many days must yet pass before all the receptions are over. Prince Bismarck said to your correspondent: “ This day makes me forget all the bitterness of my life.” The Berlin correspondent of one of the London papers telegraphed : —“ The demonstration was truly national. Many houses were illuminated, and the streets crowded with holiday-makers from all parts of Germany. I should like to add two incidents which occurred, just to show the state of feeling here. As the torchlight procession passed the British Embassy, many of the people who took part in it, cheered lustily, the boating clubs raising the oars they carried, and shouting, in true English fashion, ‘ Hip! Hip ! Hurrah ! ’ Afterwards, at the general gathering of students (including numsrous deputations from all German Universities), the enthusiasm was unbounded, proving that the rising generation is thoroughly in harmony with Prince von Bismarck’s national policy.” Along with the picture representing the Imperial Proclamation at Versailles, the Emperor sent to Prince Bismarck the following extremely flattering autograph letter :—“ My dear Prince, —A warm desire is evident throughout the German nation to' show you, on the celebration of your seventieth birthday, that the recollection of all that you have done for the greatness of the Fatherland lives in many grateful hearts, and I feel a deep necessity to tell you to-day-how greatly I am rejoiced that such gratitude and respect for you animate the nation, I am glad of this, because it is a highlydeserved recognition, and it warms my heart to see such feelings so extensively manifested, because they are an ornament to the nation in the present, and strengthen my hopes for the future of a people who thus-testify their recognition of what is truly great, honouring their highly-deserving men. It _is a special pleasure to me and my family to participate in these rejoicings, and we wish to express to you, by the accompanying picture, with what feelings _of grateful remembrance we do this, for it represents one of the greatest moments in the history of the Hohenzollern family, which can never be remembered without, at the same time, remembering your services. You, my dear Prince, know how thorough confidence, the sincerest affection, and the warmest feelings of gratitude you are always present with me. In writing this, therefore, I tell you nothing which I have not often told you before, and I think this picture will keep before the eyes of your descendants the fact that your Emperor and King and his family well know what they owe to you, as will also these lines, as lasting beyond the grave. Tour grateful and truly- devoted Emperor and King—William.”

The Norddeutsche published a short letter from Prince Bismarck, expressing thanks for the numerous testimonies of affection he has received on the occasion of his birthday. “ I ask all,” he concludes, " who kindly thought of me on the Ist to jaccept my cordial thanks, and to rest assured that the pleasant and deep impression produced on me by so many and rich proofs of the love of my fellow citizens will never be effaced in my life.” Prince Bismarck has taken possession of Schoenhausen, the estate presented to him by the nation. '