had a clearer and juster cause of war than in 1866; every word of his speech might have been used with equal effect sixteen years later; the Constitution of 1850 was little different from that which Bismarck himself was to give to Germany.  The policy of Radowitz was the only true policy for Prussia; if he failed, it was because Prussia’s army was not strong enough; war would have been followed by defeat and disaster.  There was one man who saw the evils as they really were; the Prince of Prussia determined that if ever he became King the army of Prussia should be again made strong and efficient.

It was probably this speech which determined Bismarck’s future career.  He had defended the agreement with Austria and identified himself with the policy of the Government; what more natural than that they should use him to help to carry out the policy he had upheld.  Prussia consented to recognise the restoration of the Diet; it would be necessary, therefore, to send an envoy.  Now that she had submitted to Austria the only wise policy was to cultivate her friendship.  Who could do this better than Bismarck?  Who had more boldly supported and praised the new rulers of Austria?  When the Gotha party, as they were called, had wished to exclude Austria from Germany, he it was who said that Austria was no more a foreign State than Wuertemberg or Bavaria.  The appointment of Bismarck would be the best proof of the loyal intentions of the Prussian Government.

A few years later he himself gave to Motley the following account of his appointment: 

“In the summer of 1851,” Motley writes, “he told me that the Minister, Manteuffel, asked him one day abruptly, if he would accept the post of Ambassador at Frankfort, to which (although the proposition was as unexpected a one to him as if I should hear by the next mail that I had been chosen Governor of Massachusetts) he answered, after a moment’s deliberation, ‘yes,’ with out another word.  The King, the same day, sent for him, and asked him if he would accept the place, to which he made the same brief answer, ‘Ja.’  His Majesty expressed a little surprise that he made no inquiries or conditions, when Bismarck replied that anything which the King felt strong enough to propose to him, he felt strong enough to accept.  I only write these details, that you may have an idea of the man.  Strict integrity and courage of character, a high sense of honour, a firm religious belief, united with remarkable talents, make up necessarily a combination which cannot be found any day in any Court; and I have no doubt that he is destined to be Prime Minister, unless his obstinate truthfulness, which is apt to be a stumbling-block for politicians, stands in his way.”

CHAPTER V.

FRANKFORT.

1851-1857.