_April 29th._--I read this morning in the _Berliner Boersenzeitung_: “We are in a position to state that the Imperial Chancellor, as was indeed to be expected, is most indignant at the notorious article in the _Grenzboten_ slandering the Empress Victoria, and that he has given expression to his condemnation in very strong terms. In this connection exceptional importance is to be attached to the sympathetic article in the _Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_ on the Queen of England’s visit.” Doubtless as that paper is in the Bleichröder’s service, this utterance has been inspired by that firm, over which floats the flag of the British Consulate General. Well informed? Possibly, indeed probably. A disclaimer? Why not! Quite in order! _Tempora mutantur_? But I shall never change towards him, nor he doubtless towards me. He will once more call for his little archer when he again wants an arrow shot into the face of this or that sun, and “Büschlein’s” bow shall never fail him. My “libellous article” was, I see, indignantly denounced in the _Daily Telegraph_ and the _Neue Freie Presse_. In doing so the former described the _Grenzboten_ as “a publication which, for well-known reasons, is read with attention throughout Germany.” The _Neue Freie Presse_ spoke of a want of tact which would be regarded as impossible if it were not in evidence in black on white. Excellent! In this manner what I had written secured a wide circulation, particularly as other journalistic hacks will probably without wishing it have recommended the article in a similar way. (...) After the death of the Emperor Frederick, I wrote to Bucher a few lines expressing the satisfaction I felt that we were relieved of that incubus, and that his place was now to be taken by a disciple and admirer of the Chief. CHAPTER IV THE EMPEROR FREDERICK’S DIARY--THE CHIEF ON THE DIARY AND ITS AUTHOR--THE GERMAN QUESTION DURING THE WAR OF 1870--THE EMPEROR FREDERICK AND HIS LEANING TOWARDS ENGLAND--THE CHIEF PRAISES THE YOUNG EMPEROR--“BETTER TOO MUCH THAN TOO LITTLE FIRE!”--I AM TO ARRANGE THE CHIEF’S PAPERS, AND DO SO--LETTERS FROM FREDERICK WILLIAM IV. AND FROM WILLIAM I.--CORRESPONDENCE WITH AND CONCERNING THE CROWN PRINCE (FREDERICK)--LETTERS TO AND FROM ANDRASSY DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE AUSTRO-GERMAN ALLIANCE--LETTERS FROM THE EMPEROR ON THE SAME SUBJECT--WILLIAM I.’S RELUCTANCE TO DESERT RUSSIA--CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE EMPEROR AND THE TSAR AT ALEXANDROWO--WILLIAM I.’S FINAL INSTRUCTIONS--BISMARCK’S ACCOUNT OF HIS RELATIONS WITH THE EMPEROR FREDERICK.