No. 140.
Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.
Berlin, June 16, 1873. (Received July 3.)
Sir: The Shah of Persia, as he passed through Germany, did not make a very favorable impression on the people. There were in his suite Persians speaking French thoroughly well and familiar with European culture; he himself had rather the air of a semi-civilized chieftain. His powers of observation could not be rated very high; he seemed rather apathetic, and indisposed to the exertion of mind which would [Page 294] have been necessary in order to understand the high condition of European industry; and in his intercourse he had no natural refinement to make up for his ignorance of European breeding, having rather the manner and willfulness of a spoiled child.
Once when he was to breakfast in a very large company, he looked at the table, which was partly garnished, and seeing strawberries, took a fork and fed himself with them from the dish; then, not liking the aspect of the breakfast-room, he said he would go to the brighter and more cheerful orangerie, and his breakfast might be sent after him, which was done; but this oddity may have had its motive in some religious scruple, for he piques himself on being the true spiritual head of the Mahommedan religion. In the evening there was a grand festival in the new palace at Potsdam. There were illuminated grounds, fountains of light, thousands of lamps in the walks of the garden and among the trees, with all the magic effects that can be produced by artificial light in the darkness of evening. In this land of military precision he let the company, among whom were the Empress, the Crown Prince and Princess, and all the court but the Emperor, wait for him more than an hour.
The Emperor of Germany received the Shah on his arrival; but, from ill-health, soon left him to the care of the Empress and the Crown Prince. The illness of the Emperor is the result of the fatigues of his visit at St. Petersburg in the season of the year when the climate of that city is most dangerous. On the return journey he was attacked with influenza, and, though he threw it off easily, he recovers his wonted strength but slowly. His excellent physician watches over him very strictly; and, with due caution on his part, there is no ground of apprehension respecting his speedy and complete recovery.
The German Parliament is still in session, but the progress of business meets with impediments. For a quorum, a majority of the whole house is required. Now, very many of the members are men of the highest culture, but of very moderate incomes, and as the members of the Diet serve without pay, constant attendance is a great burden to them. The members of the British House of Commons in like manner serve without pay, but no more than forty are required to be present for the transaction of business. It seems probable either that a moderate compensation must be conceded to the members, or that a reduced number must be accepted as a quorum, and the latter alternative is not likely to find acceptance with the people. The amount of pay which is thought sufficient is very moderate, from three to four dollars a day; and for traveling expenses no more is asked than the railroad fare.
I remain, &c.,