The Moltke-Harden case reached its final stage this week. On
Monday the evidence of Professor Schweninger (Bismarck's physician) and his wife (the niece of Count Moltke), which had been taken on commission at Munich on Saturday, made it clear that the information on which Herr Harden had chiefly relied had been furnished by Frau von Elbe (Count Moltke's divorced wife) at Professor Schweninger's house. Professor Schweninger also narrated what Bismarck had said of Prince Eulenburg's unfitness to be the confidant of a reigning Sovereign owing to his mystic and dreamy nature. Evidence was also given by various relatives of Count Moltke as to the mendacity and violence of his wife. This was also borne out by two medical experts, and Dr. Hirschfeld, who had testified in her behalf at the previous trial, now entirely withdrew his opinion, stating that it had been based upon the evidence of Frau von Elbe, which she herself had subsequently withdrawn or altered. He agreed with the other specialists that there was nothing abnormal about Count Moltke. Dr. Isenbiel, the Public Prosecutor, while admitting that Herr Harden's motives might have been patriotic, maintained that he had done immeasurable harm, and discredited his country abroad. The only evidence that he could rely on was that of "a sick woman," and, in conclusion, he demanded a penalty of four months' imprisonment. Herr Harden's counsel, replying for the defence, maintained that there had been no reason for him to doubt the sanity and veracity of Frau von Elbe, and that he had acted solely in the public interest. Ultimately the case was adjourned on Thursday owing to the defendant's absence through illness.
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