HERR VON KEUDELL IN THE PRESS AND IN REALITY
The chief reason why I have not modelled the bust or, now that he is
an Ambassador, the statue of Herr von Keudell, which I announced in
a preceding chapter, is that I have no taste for such work. It may,
however, suffice if I arrange the necessary material for this purpose
in proper order. Deficiencies can mostly be supplied from the entries
in my diary already, or still to be, quoted. With the exception of a
few comments I refrain from expressing any opinion, and allow others to
speak--first the press which entertained friendly relations with him,
and then such persons as appear to me to be impartial and well informed.
In October, 1872, the German _Reichscorrespondenz_, the organ of the
Aegidi group, published the following sapient commentary on Herr
von Keudell’s mission to Stamboul: “It is well known that Herr von
Keudell is one of Bismarck’s most intimate and confidential friends.
He always has the _entrée_ to that statesman’s inner circle, which he
enlivens with his exceptional musical talent. When such a man (such
a talented musician!) is appointed Envoy to Turkey it may be fairly
concluded that at this moment we have most important interests there,
which can best be safeguarded by one who has been allowed to obtain
an insight into Prince Bismarck’s masterly plans. In a word the
present political situation offers a good opportunity for preparing
an energetic solution of the Eastern question. The wounds received by
Russia in the Crimean war have long since healed; France has suffered
such military, political and financial disaster that she cannot realise
her aspirations to the possession of Egypt; and the conflicting
interests of Austria and Russia in the East have been reconciled by
the meeting of the three Emperors. If therefore Germany, Russia and
Austria are now prepared to solve the Eastern question there can hardly
be a single statesman in Europe capable of preventing them. If war
be ever justifiable, surely it is when it opens up a new field for
civilisation. The Turks, in their manners, customs and religious views,
have remained hostile to modern civilisation, and it would therefore be
an important gain for the progress of civilising influences towards the
East if they were to be expelled from Europe and driven back into Asia.
It would therefore almost seem as if an Eastern war were impending,
and as soon as the Sick Man’s heirs had entered upon their inheritance
the time might be at hand for the countries which now bristle with
military preparations to disarm and enjoy an era of peace. The recent
hostilities between Montenegro and the Turks were the flaming beacons,
heralding an Oriental war. Russia, bearing in mind the (apocryphal)
will of Peter the Great, was already endeavouring to induce the Powers
with which she stood in a friendly relation to join in a collective
note against the Sublime Porte. Thanks to her inborn tenacity in
political affairs, she will not rest until she has attained her ends
in the East, where presumably she will be found ready to divide the
anticipated spoils with her allies. Our present envoy (this is the
real gist of this shockingly written and almost idiotic lucubration)
is one of Prince Bismarck’s most trusted assistants, and he must be
regarded as specially suited for the task of securing our interests in
the impeding division of the inheritance.”
At that time a similar opinion of the importance of the gentleman
in question was expressed in most of the German newspapers, which I
happened to see, those that had no opinions of their own adopting the
high estimate contained in the other papers. Foreign journals also, and
in particular those of Vienna and Paris, and indeed even the President
of the French Republic, regarded Keudell’s mission as an event.
Gambetta’s organ, the _République Française_, wrote: “We announced
a few days ago that it was probable Herr von Keudell, Councillor
of Embassy, would be nominated to the post of German Envoy at
Constantinople, and we called attention at the same time to the great
political significance of this appointment. A Berlin correspondent
of the Vienna _Fremden-Blatt_ confirms the importance of this news.
The selection of Herr von Keudell for the post in question, and its
acceptance by such a personage, is in fact regarded in Berlin as a
political event. Doubts were entertained whether Herr von Keudell would
accept this post, which had been frequently offered to him, but which
he had always declined. The fact of his now accepting it at the urgent
desire of the Imperial Chancellor, proves that he must in this instance
have yielded solely to considerations of duty of the highest moment.
The importance which is generally ascribed to this incident is due to
the circumstance that Herr von Keudell is the statesman who has perhaps
most frankly supported the policy of a good understanding between
Germany and Austria-Hungary in all great questions, and furthermore
that he considers every danger to which Turkey is exposed at the hands
of Russia as being not only a danger for the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy,
but also for Germany, her commerce and her future. He is therefore
of opinion that Austria has to keep watch on the Danube, and Germany
on the Rhine and Moselle. The _Fremden-Blatt_ correspondent adds:
‘The choice by Prince Bismarck of this particular diplomatist for
Constantinople is a clear indication that he intends to pursue the same
policy in the East as Austria-Hungary, and that in view of a conflict
he considers an understanding with the Austrian Empire to be necessary
for Germany and in harmony with her interests.’”
Arnim, in a despatch dated from Paris on the 9th of January, 1873,
writes: “M. Thiers, with whom I was talking a few days ago of the
importance of the Constantinople post in the days of M. de Varennes,
compared to the present time, observed, ‘_Maintenant c’est vous qui
rendez ce poste important._’” The Ambassador had no doubt that this
observation was made under the impression that German policy in the
East had entered upon a more active phase, and added, “It is impossible
to decide whether this impression has been gathered from certain
mysterious utterances in the press (respecting Keudell’s importance
and his mission) or from the reports of the French Ambassadors in St.
Petersburg, Vienna, and elsewhere.”
It was little more than a month after Keudell’s departure for
Constantinople before the press, doubtless inspired by Aegidi, struck
up a new tune in Keudell’s honour, which was intended also to promote
certain aspirations of a more practical character.
On the 22nd of November, 1872, I sent the following note to Bucher
at Varzin: “The _Deutsche Presse_ of Frankfurt-on-the-Main publishes
in its issue of the 20th instant the following paragraph: ‘Berlin,
November 18. It is understood here that it has now been decided to
recall Herr von Keudell shortly from Constantinople, in order that he
should take up the position of Under Secretary of State in the Foreign
Office, as Herr von Balan is believed to have been again selected for
the Brussels Legation.’ To my certain knowledge, Engelmann, the editor
of this paper, used to receive a subvention from us when he was in
Stuttgart, and was up to a few months ago in communication with Aegidi,
and visited him in Berlin.”
I replied as follows, in the _Hannoverscher Courier_, upon information
received from Bucher: “Fresh rumours of an alleged aggravation of
the Imperial Chancellor’s condition are constantly circulated in the
press. I am assured on good authority that the Prince’s health is by
no mean worse, but on the contrary much better than it was some months
ago, although in order to complete his recovery he must still rest
for some time to come, and avoid the overwork which may await him in
Berlin. In the meantime, as I learn from another quarter, the long
absence of the Chancellor from the Ministry in the Wilhelmstrasse, and
the unfavourable reports respecting his health, which are spread not
only by his enemies, but also by certain friends who, whilst affecting
regret are longing for his inheritance, encourages the hopes of those
who desire to see a change, which, as is doubtless well known, would
not be unwelcome to a certain exalted lady. I have reason to believe
that this statement also comes from a trustworthy source.” At the
same time the _Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_ denied the report
of Balan’s impending return to Brussels, and of Keudell’s intended
appointment in terms which were to make it appear that the question
was still under consideration. The _Deutsche Zeitung_ of Vienna on
the 25th of November called attention to this circumstance, observing
that the language used amounted to a partial confirmation of the
rumour. This was probably written by Aegidi, or suggested by him to
one of his journalistic hacks. A more positive statement was now
issued from Varzin. On the 21st of December I received from Bucher,
through the Central Bureau, the following explanation, which was not
to be published in the _Kölnische Zeitung_; and which appeared in
the _Hannoverscher Courier_, whence it was copied by other papers:
“Herr von Keudell has experienced in his own person the truth of the
proverb respecting over-zealous friends. In the Casino (in Berlin) it
is well known that he regards the next stage in his career to be the
Secretaryship of State in the Foreign Office, and that he has retained
his residence here. It will hardly have been in accordance with his
wishes, however, that a weekly newspaper should have circulated a
report, afterwards widely reproduced in usually well-informed papers,
that he is to be the successor of Herr von Thile, and that Vienna
papers should declare the _démenti_ of the _Norddeutsche Allgemeine
Zeitung_ to be a partial confirmation of this report. In view of the
trustworthy source from which that _démenti_ is understood to have
come (for your information, from the Chief), the terms in which it was
drafted may be held rather to indicate a desire to contradict in the
friendliest form possible, a rumour, which bore the appearance of an
advertisement. Outsiders are the less called upon to busy themselves
with the interests of the statesman in question, as the position he
occupied at the Foreign Office for many years must have provided him
with sufficient connections in the home and foreign press to secure the
publication of anything which he himself considers useful.”
This was sufficiently plain for those who knew how to read between the
lines. Nevertheless fresh indications appeared from time to time in the
papers, even late in the year 1873, that Herr von Keudell had renounced
none of his aspirations and endeavours in this direction.
So far the materials for an estimate of the statesman in question are
furnished by his friends. Let us now hear some of the opinions held
in other quarters, and in connection therewith a few facts respecting
his diplomatic achievements. There are diary entries reserved for this
purpose, which, however, only reach up to March, 1873. Some other
particulars will be found in the subsequent chapters.
On the 25th of October, 1872, after 6 o’clock in the evening, in
Hepke’s room, Bucher told me that Keudell (through his _protégés_ in
the press, whose number was legion, particularly in South German and
Austrian newspapers) gave it to be understood that he was a man of
great diplomatic talent, and was designated to succeed the Imperial
Chancellor. I gave vent to surprise at such boundless self-esteem.
“No,” replied Bucher, “it is after all not quite impossible--in the
future. He has cast his lines in the Court of the Crown Prince, and
no one knows what she (the Crown Princess) may not be able to do some
day. When Thile resigned, he (Keudell) greatly regretted having taken
the post at Constantinople. He might have become Secretary of State.
Moreover, it was not family considerations that induced Thile to go.
Keudell induced him to sign something he had written which offended
the Chief, so that Thile was sharply reprimanded. Keudell was the
real instigator of the incident which, it seems, tripped up the future
Secretary of State. It would be well to call the Chief’s attention to
such manœuvres through the press. Nothing of the kind appears in the
newspapers which he usually reads, nor in the extracts laid before
him. Aegidi takes care of that. You know that he has been brought here
in order to direct the press in Keudell’s interest, and to prevent
anything that might damage him becoming known upstairs. But there is
one paper which the Chief reads carefully, and which Aegidi has not yet
gathered into his net. That is the _Figaro_ (he referred to the Berlin
journal). If one were to send to that paper one or other of those
articles, such as that of the _République Française_, for instance!
It would be well to bring such things to the Chief’s notice, as I am
afraid he does not yet quite understand our esteemed friend. He does,
no doubt, so far as his ability is concerned, but not, I think, his
ambition and capacity for intrigue; and he believes in his devotion.
He has obviously given him the Constantinople post, which is not very
important now, because he was no longer of any use to him here. Some
years ago, when he applied for an Embassy and his request was refused,
he got himself elected to Parliament, and since then he has had one
leave of absence after another. His mother-in-law has also said, ‘What
good is it for them to make permanent arrangements now? He will soon
be an Ambassador.’ He has no political ideas, and, I fancy, not the
necessary knowledge or adroitness to carry out the more brilliant ideas
of others. He has now secured Radowitz to supply him with the ideas for
his Oriental reports. But, in spite of that, I am afraid they will not
amount to much.”
On Thursday, the 21st of November, I wrote as follows in my diary:
This morning Wollmann came to me and read a passage from a letter
which he had received from Count von der Goltz, Attaché to the Embassy
at Constantinople, to whom he had formerly given lessons. The Count
informed him that his chief, Keudell, had instructed him to prepare
a memorandum on Turkish finances, and in particular on the tobacco
monopoly, within two months. He, Goltz, however, had not the slightest
information on the subject. Could Wollmann not send him something of
the kind? That doubtless means that our Ambassador at Stamboul wishes
to send a report to the Chief in Berlin, probably as his own work. He
then orders it from a young inexperienced attaché, who again requests
a subordinate official in the office of the Imperial Chancellor to
help him out of his difficulty, and to give information on the matters
in question; which will then--as the production of the Ambassador--be
returned to its place of origin, Wilhelmstrasse, Berlin, ten weeks
after the newspapers here had already published all that was wanted on
the subject.
On the 21st of December, I wrote as follows: This evening about 8
o’clock Bucher communicated to me ... the welcome news that the
Chief has at length had his eyes opened to the manner in which
Keudell managed the press. When Bülow, who has now taken over the
administration of the secret service fund in succession to Keudell,
reported to the Minister on the condition in which he found it, the
latter’s “hair almost stood on end with fright.” “No detailed accounts
whatever,” he continued. “Everything jotted down in the loosest way.
People with whom the Chief had expressly desired to break off all
relations continued to receive their money, five or six hundred
thalers a year, indeed often more than that, or they got a lump sum,
up to three thousand thalers, in settlement. The deficit which arose
in this way amounts to about eighteen thousand thalers.[11] Several of
these fellows are not known to any one. Aegidi was questioned, but he
declares he does not know them either. They must have been Keudell’s
own secret and semi-official mouthpieces, whose sole and only business
was to promote his private interests by dirty press intrigues.”
On the morning of the 15th of January, Bucher showed me the _Spenersche
Zeitung_, with Lasker’s speech on the trade done by Wagner and certain
noblemen in railway concessions. In the conversation that followed
Bucher observed that Keudell, like other members of our nobility, such
as Prince Biron and Prince Putbus, speculated in railways, and that the
direct line between ---- (I could not catch the name) and Stargard was
generally called the Keudell railway.
On the 7th of March Bucher again mentioned “our former esteemed friend
and colleague.” Keudell, he said, wanted by hook or by crook to get
away from Constantinople and take Balan’s place. That, however,
now seemed to have been averted, as the Chief had said he was not
a suitable man for the post, and he would also be unwelcome to the
higher officials in the office. He would, however, probably be removed
to Rome. Furthermore, Keudell had boasted to a landed proprietor
in Neumark, where his wife has an estate, that he would one day be
Minister or even Imperial Chancellor. (I am inclined to doubt this, as
he is not the kind of man to talk about his plans and hopes.) Recently
in a circle which included none of the Foreign Office officials, but
a number of other officials, amongst others a Councillor of Finance,
Aegidi was bragging about his patron’s prospects of obtaining the
Secretaryship of State, and prophesied the creation of an Imperial
Ministry in which Keudell would have a post. The Financial Councillor
shook his head, however, and as Aegidi went on in the same boastful
tone, told him plainly that Keudell was not fit for the position of
Secretary of State, as he had no political judgment; that he was still
less suitable for the Imperial Chancellorship, in which position he
would within a month “drive the cart into the ditch”; and that he was
about equally unsuitable for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as there
he would intrigue with all his might against the Prince. “Aegidi,
it seems, was astounded at hearing these views,” said Bucher, in
concluding his report.
I should observe that Bucher had no reason personally to dislike
Keudell. He had suffered nothing at his hands, and had nothing to
apprehend from him. He simply loathed his selfishness and love of
intrigue, and the impotent conceit with which he flattered himself that
he might one day become Imperial Chancellor, whereas he had none of the
necessary qualifications for the post.