CHAPTER IV. MAJOR-GENERAL AND CHANCELLOR OF THE FEDERATION. Conversation with M. de Vilbort.-Appearance as Chancellor.-M. Bamberger's Views.-Bismarck as an Orator. The Luxemburg Question.-Fall from his Horse. Citizenship of Bülow.-Visit to Holstein.-Speech to a Torchlight Procession. FROM the Paris journal, Le Siècle, we extract the following report of a conversation which Count Bismarck had with a Parisian journalist on the 10th of June, 1866: "On my arrival at Berlin, I was informed that M. de Bismarck was quite inaccessible. I was told, 'Do not attempt to see him; you will only lose time. He receives no one, but lives in the recesses of his cabinet, shut in with treble-locked doors. He only leaves it to wait upon the King, and his closest advisers can scarcely obtain access to him.' Nevertheless, I ventured to request an audience of the Prime Minister of the King of Prussia. M. de Bismarck immediately sent word that he would receive me in the evening. "When I entered that study-where the peace of Europe, as it were, was hanging by a thread, but which I found was only guarded by a bolt-I saw before me a man of tall stature, and of animated countenance. On his broad, high, and smooth forehead, I perceived with some surprise the presence of much benevolence, mingled with persistency. Monsieur de Bismarck is fair and somewhat bald; he wears a military mustache, and speaks rather with soldier-like brevity than with diplomatic caution. His air is that of the aristocrat and courtier, improved by all the charm of the most polished courtesy. He advanced to receive me, took me by the hand, led me to a seat, and offered me a cigar. |