BISMARCK AT HOME.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue IX, 2 March 1895, Page 212

BISMARCK AT HOME.

Bismarck’s companion in his study at Friedrichsruhe is his daughter, the Countess von Rantzan, who often sets as his secretary. The Prince is a late riser, sleeping usually until 10 o’clock. Then he goes down to breakfast, usually takes a glass of milk, one or two cups of coffee, toast, and two soft-boiled eggs. During breakfast all < fficial letters and telegrams are read and disposed of. There he transacts business with farmers, bailiffs, and woodman. Between one and two he drives or rides over his estate to look at a new farm building, a young plantation or the progress of field work ; to look at the fishing in one of his ponds or to visit his paper mills. The dinner hour is 5 30., when the Chancellor always feeds his two dogs with his own bands. After dinner a cup of coffee is taken in the billiard-room, where the Prince usually sits smoking a pipe in front of the fire. Tea is served in the Princess’ boudoir, and at 11.30

the family retire to bed. The schlose at Friedrichsruhe is an exceedingly plain one. The interior is surprisingly .simply furnished. The Prince’s study is a large 100 m, with several mahogany tables well able to bear large loads of documents and manuscripts. A bronze inkstand, blue sand and paper are the only implements, besides a goose quill, the only pen which the Chancellor uses In a corner of the window recess, just opposite the Chancellors seat, stands a bureau, above which hangs the Emperor’s portrait. At the other end of the room wheie the light from the windows does not well penetrate, are several couches and chairs, in which Bismarck loves to rest, with a pipe in his mouth and deep thought on his earnest brow.