Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 May 1885 — An Englishman and a Garman. [ARTICLE]

An Englishman and a Garman.

Not long ago I chanced to be speaking with a Prussian gentleman about the ill-feeling which existed at that time between his country and Russia, which seemed likely enough to culminate in hostilities. He assured me that the ill-feeling was entirely on the Russian side. “We have nothing against them,” he declared, “and we want nothing from them; but they are angry with us, and that is easily explained. They cannot get on without us; they are obliged to employ our people everywhere instead of their own, and they are furious because they have to acknowledge the superiority of the German intellect.” I remarked that the superiority of the German intellect was manifest; whereupon he shrugged his shoulders quickly, and snorted in the well-known Prussian fashion, as who would say, “Could any one be such a fool as to doubt it ?” I went on to observe that in philosophy, science, and music Germany led mankind. He agreed with me, and added: “Also in the art of war.” “The Germans,” 1 proceeded, “are the best educated people in the world,” and he replied: “Nodoubt.” “And they are the pleasantest company.” “Certainly,” answered he, “that is so." “And what adds much to the attractiveness of their conversation,” I continued, “is their delicate wit and keen perception of irony.” I confess that after I had made this outrageous speech I shook in my shoes and looked down at my plate. I ought never to have said it, and indeed I would not have said it if he had not led me on until it became irresistible. But there was no occasion for alarm. When I raised my eyes to my neighbor’s face I found it irradiated with smiles. He laid his hand on my arm quite affectionately. “What you say is certainly true,” he cried; “but do you know you are the first stranger I have ever met who has had the sense to discover it?” And he then explained to me that the Germans were absurdly considered by Frenchmen and other superficial observers to be a rather - dull-witted and heavy race. Now I really do not see how any one is to help liking a nation that is so happily self-complaoent.— Cornhill.