CHAPTER XXXII. MY RECOLLECTIONS OF BISMARCK--1879-1881

My first sight of him. First interview with him. His feeling
toward German-Americans. His conversation on American questions.
A family dinner at his house. His discussion of various
subjects; his opinions of Thiers and others, conversation on
travel; his opinions of England and Englishmen; curious
reminiscences of his own life; kindly recollections of Bancroft,
Bayard Taylor, and Motley. Visit to him with William D. Kelly;
our walk and talk in the garden. Bismarck's view of financial
questions. Mr. Kelly's letter to the American papers; its effect
in Germany. Bismarck's diplomatic dinners; part taken in them by
the Reichshunde. The Rudhardt episode. Scene in the Prussian
House of Lords. Bismarck's treatment of Lasker; his rejection of
our Congressional Resolutions. Usual absence of Bismarck from
Court. Reasons for it. Festivities at the marriage of the
present Emperor William. A Fackeltanz. Bismarck's fits of
despondency; remark by Gneist. Gneist's story illustrating
Bismarck's drinking habits. Difficulties in German-American
``military cases'' after Baron von Blow's death. A serious
crisis. Bismarck's mingled severity and kindness. His
unyielding attitude toward Russia. Question between us regarding
German interference in South America. My citations from
Washington's Farewell Address and John Quincy Adams's despatches.
Bismarck's appearance in Parliament. His mode of speaking.
Contrast of his speeches with those of Moltke and Windthorst.
Beauty of his family life. My last view of him.