One must also lay stress upon the fact that it was a German statesman who, in 1878, prevented general war, even at the cost of weakening the relations of Germany to Russia, in othe justified belief that he would succeed, being a statesman of genius who knew exactly what he was aiming at, in strengthening these relations once more, or, at least, in avoiding conflicts after he had overcome the crisis_threatening all Europe.
He succeeded in doing that for 12 years and his successors at the helm of the ship of state succeeded in doing likewise for 24 n.ore years.
When I was a Prince I purposely held aloof from party politics, concentrating my entire attention upon my duties in the different army branches to which I was assigned. This afforded me satis: faction and filled up my whole life. For this reason I avoided, while I was Prince of Prussia, all. attempts to drag me into party activities. Often enough endeavours were made, under the cloak of harmless functions, teas and the like, to ensnare me into political circles or for electioneering purposes. But I always held aloof.
The outcome of the treacherous malady which killed Emperor Frederick III. was frankly told me in advance by German _physicians called into consultation as experts by the English physician, Sir Morrell Mackenzie. My deep grief and sorrow were all the greater because it was almost impossible for me to speak alone with my beloved father. He was guarded like a prisoner by the English physicians and, though reporters from all countries could look upon the poor sick man from the physicians' room. every kind of obstacle was placed in my path to keep me from father's side and even to prevent my keeping in constant
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.