Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 April 1896 — BISMARCK IS NOW 81. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BISMARCK IS NOW 81.

TIME HONORS AND SPARES THE IRON CHANCELLOR. Hearty Congratulations Received by the Great German Statesman—Ha Makes a Speech to Thousands, Who Come from Hsmbnrg. Crowds Pay Tribute. Prince Bismarck was 81 years old Wednesday and in honor of his birthday bands of music played in the Schloss park, at Freidrichsruhe, all the morning. Prince Bismarck entered the salon at 11:30 and found displayed on a table his birthday presents. He was affectionately greeted by his eon, Count Herbert Bismarck, and by hie daughter, Countess Rantzau. After Dr. Schwenninger had congratulated the prince the latter closely examined his

portrait painted by Lenbach, who appeared later, whereupon Prince Bismarck greeted him with a “good morning.” Among the presents was a collection of articles from Madagascar, sent by Eugene Wolf. Emperor William's present to Prince Bismarck was a photograph of the imperial family, in a group, inclosed In a handsome frame. Count Von Waldersee and a deputation from the Halberstadt dined with Prince Bismarck. Thousands from Hamburg. Special trains from Hamburg brought some 3,000 persons, including 300 torchbearers. After dinner was over Prince Bismarck appeared on the balcony and the assembled bands played a choral. Replying to an address of congratulation, Prince Bismarck said that the good will of his neighbors was a necessity to every Ohristian*’German. He was pleased at having enjoyed the constant sympathy of tihe Hamburgers, which he had never 13st, as he had lost several other sympathies. Expressing then a desire for the commercial prosperity of Hamburg, he declared that he was no fanatical agrarian, but that, after all, the agrarians were not without grounds for their opinions. In conclusion he called fur cheers for Hamburg and its rulers. In response to this prolonged cheers were given. There was then a brilliant torchlight procession, which occupied forty-five minutes in passing. Prince Bismarck stood most of that time, continually expressing his acknowledgments to those passing. He observed that he was no longer able to move as they did, but that his heart went with them.

TIME HONORS AND SPARES HIM.