The Bavarian Troops Return to Munich--King Ludwig and the Crown Prince
of Germany
The war was ended; the peace concluded. A great German Empire had
been re-established. Germany had been given an Emperor--and that
Emperor was the King of Prussia.
With the last-named fact the essence of the new Empire is
characterised: Prussia was the paramount country. The other four and
seventy states were not to be without a voice in the decision of the
common affairs of the realm, and each one was to retain a certain
independence, but Prussia was, and intended to be, the state to
lead the course of events--the centre of gravity which was to decide
the balance.
Thanks to Ludwig II.'s obstinacy, his kingdom had formally received
a special position. The new constitution granted Bavaria in a special
paragraph [25] the right to all the attributes which are considered as
belonging to national independence: she retained, for instance, her own
Minister of War, her own army, her own Minister of Foreign Affairs,
and the right to independent diplomatic and consular services. The
appearance of sovereignty was retained. But Ludwig's burning desire
to extend the frontiers of his kingdom had not been fulfilled. This
circumstance was the cause, on his side, of much displeasure towards
the Royal House of Prussia.
The returning troops were to make their entry into Munich on the
16th July, 1871. The city was filled to overflowing. A number of
travellers passing through the capital were obliged to pass the night
in the open air or in their carriages. Day had hardly broken before
people were seen hurrying forth to secure places for themselves. All
were awaiting with excitement the moment which should bring back
the relations and friends who had been so sorely missed during the
now concluded war. Gymnasts and members of fire brigades, who were
to keep the streets open, marched up playing their bands. Shortly
afterwards the students arrived with their picturesque scarves across
their shoulders, the artists with green branches in their hats, rifle
associations and societies with their banners and flags, their duty
being to line the streets for the returning troops, and add to the
general rejoicing by their singing. The sun sent forth its rays over
the capital, the streets became more and more animated. The bells
were rung from all the churches, salutes boomed forth. According to
the programme, the King was to hold a review at nine o'clock, but
the stands for the spectators were more than filled long before that
time. Then a festive stillness fell over the assembled people. Mothers
and fathers held up their little children in their arms so that they
might witness the scene. Majestically handsome, Ludwig II. rode at a
sharp trot from the "triumphal arch" to the statue of Ludwig I., where
the troops were to defile past him. A brilliant suite accompanied
him. The hurrahs from thousands of throats filled the air. On the
royal stand the female members of the royal house were seated. Far
away, down at the triumphal arch, the Uhlans'--the so-called "light
horse"--blue and white banners were visible. They came nearer and
nearer. The Inspector-General of the Army, Prince Luitpold, rode
between his aides-de-camp and officers, nodding pleasantly to the
cheering crowds. The Crown Prince of the German Empire, who now rode
past, was received with audible expressions of welcome. The chief
burgomaster of the city made a speech, which the former amiably
answered, and three young girls offered the conqueror of Wörth a
wreath of laurels. A deep stillness reigned during the speeches,
but as soon as they were ended the enthusiasm broke out afresh. The
Crown Prince as he continued his ride was pelted with flowers from
all the windows. At the Odeon Platz he rode up to the right side of
King Ludwig; and both sat their horses while the soldiers defiled
past. The Crown Prince was the leader of the soldiery--he had shared
danger and hardship with them; Ludwig was their own beloved King;
and they did homage to both with equal heartiness. But Friedrich had
gained laurels in the war, and had become the heir to an Imperial
crown. Ludwig was a sick man who stood jealous and doubting before the
homage which was being shown to his cousin. The entrance of the troops
lasted for four hours, and was not ended until after one o'clock.
Later in the day a dinner was given at the Palace, where the court
displayed all its brilliancy. The King drank to the health of the army
and of its leader, who was crowned with honour, after which the Crown
Prince returned thanks to Ludwig in a lengthy speech. At seven o'clock
the dinner came to an end. The court, and the officers and civilians
invited by the Minister of War, then adjourned to a gala performance in
the royal theatre, where Der Friede by Paul Heyse was the piece given.
The returning warriors, and the citizens of the metropolis and their
dames, made merry until far into the night and the following day. The
cheers for the King, for the Crown Prince of Prussia, for all who
had fought and conquered, were ceaseless.
The military bands which had so long been absent were once more heard
in the great Feldherren Halle. Patriotic songs were played on the
stands in the Odeon Platz. The houses were illuminated. All were
delighted at the success of the reception, and at the friendship
between the King and the Crown Prince, which was looked upon as a
good omen for the new alliance.
The day afterwards the royal family, with their guest, made
an excursion to the Roseninsel, where the roses were in full
bloom. Ludwig, wishing to do honour to Friedrich and give him pleasure,
asked his permission, as they were walking together in the afternoon,
to make him colonel of one of his regiments of light horse. The Crown
Prince answered loftily that it depended on the Emperor whether he
could accept the offer or not, adding, with a smile: "I do not know
if the slim Uhlan uniform would suit my stout figure!" The King
was greatly displeased with this remark, and later repeated it to
several persons.
After the return from the Roseninsel he informed his secretary that
he would under no circumstances be present at the military banquet in
the Glas Palast the following day. This banquet, to which nine hundred
invitations had been issued, and which was to mark the height of the
festivities, was given in honour of Friedrich, but was intended at
the same time to be a recognition shown to the Bavarian army. The
secretary wrote a letter to his Majesty, in which, with the deepest
respect, he endeavoured to persuade him at least to show himself
for some minutes, pointing out that his absence might have extended
political consequences. He described in graphic words the pleasure the
Monarch would give the brave and faithful defenders of his country
if he showed them the honour of being their comrade at table. The
King answered that he needed quiet. This, however, did not preclude
the hope that at the last moment he might appear.
The dinner, nevertheless, took place without him. Shortly before
nine the Crown Prince Friedrich arrived with his suite. The house
of Bavaria was represented by the greater number of its princes;
but a painful impression was caused by the King's absence. [26]
At four o'clock the following morning the wife of the private secretary
was awakened by the tramp of horses in the courtyard, which was
otherwise so quiet. She ran to the window and saw the royal equipage
standing with the horses harnessed to it. Ludwig entered, and it set
off at a quick trot in the early morning hour for the château of Berg.
Four hours later a royal servant brought his Majesty's orders that
the secretary should proceed out to Schloss Berg, and hold a lecture
for him there.
The Crown Prince of Prussia left the Bavarian capital the same
forenoon, after taking a hearty leave of the royal princes, who were
all present at the railway station to bid him farewell.