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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9022, 7 April 1888, Page 4

Europe has been provided with a new sensation. It is reported that Prince Bismarck has resigned. The reason is stated to be the objection of the Chancellor to the contemplated marriage of Prince Alexander of Battenburg, who has played so conspicuous a part in Bulgarian history, to the daughter of the German Emperor, Frederick 111. Her Majesty Queen Victoria is said to be in favour of the match, and her intended visit to Germany is popularly connected with her desire to be present at the formal betrothal of the young couple. The official reason assigned for Prince Bismarck's resignation is the diplomatic one of ill-health, but when one remembers the severe indispositions which that exalted statesman has experienced in recent times without any suggestion being raised that such a cause would be likely to lead to his resignation, the conclusion is irresistible that failing health is not the true explathe present rumours regarding his retirement. Prince Bismarck has been so long identified with the shaping of Germany s policy, and has exercised so predominant an influence on the course of European politics, that his disappearance from the position which he has occupied for so many years could not possibly fail to excite both alarm and anxiety in Europe. And more especially would this be the case at the present juncture. There is no statesman on the Continent whose personal power is as great as that which he possesses. And it must be said for him that he has wielded it in the interests of peace. His disappearance, therefore, from the councils of the nations would be a distinct loss to the preservation of the peace of Europe, while its effects upon Germany could not possibly fail to be disastrous. Prince Bismarck's policy has been described as the acme of patriotic selfishness, but while it has no doubt been open to such a charge no one can deny that it has largely conti'ibuted to the preservation of European peace. Whether his resignation—if he has resigned—will affect the political situation unfavourably remains to be seen ; but, be this as it may, there can be little doubt that his absence from the head of affairs in Germany, whose consolidation he did so much to accomplish, and whose unity it may be said he was the chief instrument in bringing about, vrill be seriously felt, following so quickly the death of the Emperor William, whose personal popularity kept in subjection the disintegrating influences which were temporarily eclipsed in the wave of national enthusiasm which swept over the German people during the Franco-Prussian war. ;