1 DECEMBER 1894, Page 18

Prince Bismarck, who is now eighty, has sustained a blow

which will shake him much more than his removal from office. ' His wife, whom be married in July, 1847—more than forty- seven years ago—died on the 27th ult. of heart disease, at the- age of seventy. She was the daughter of Heinrich von Put- kammer, a Prussian squire, and her family objected seriously to the match, the. future Chancellor being regarded as an impoverished little squire of doubtful abflities and no prospects. The lovers however persisted, opposition was withdrawn, and for nearly half-acentury the future Princess was the charm of her great husband's life, and the object of an unswerving affection, which she deserved. The Princess belonged to the older and better type of women who merge themselves in their husbands, care only for reflected splen- dour, and find sufficient career and excitemerat within doors. She made his life-work easier to him, and in so doing benefited her country. It is painful to think of the aged statesman,.

left alone at the end of a life of glory, in what be considers a monotonous exile ; but, fortunately, life for him cannot be long.