diplomats. After the dinner, which went off joyously, a splendid reception was given, in which the court circle, with its picturesque retinue of noble ladies and gentlemen, most of the members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, participated. General Grant was, of course, the centre of attraction, and was treated with marked deference and honors. His manly, soldier-like bearing was admired on all sides, and every one was desirous of making his acquaintance. The reception continued until the small hours of morning, and was thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end.

On Tuesday evening a similar dinner was given in honor of the General at the residence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baron de Heckeven de Kell. This was also followed by a reception no less brilliant than its predecessor.

On the same day General Grant accepted an invitation to visit His Royal Highness Prince Frederic, uncle of the King. He chose the forenoon for the purpose of paying his respects to the Prince, who entertained him generously at a private dejeuner. After this friendly repast, the Prince ordered his carriage and had his guest driven through the spacious and beautiful grounds of the estate. A call was also made on Prince Alexander, son of the King.

Each day was destined to bring its separate enjoyment. Wednesday was set apart for a parade of a portion of the troops of Holland, and the General was invited to review these sturdy Dutch soldiers, whose martial bearing impressed him very favorably. A large number of distinguished ladies and gentlemen were present at the review, and the scene was exceedingly picturesque and attractive. The troops looked their best, and marched with fine precision and dignity.

The General limited his stay at The Hague, although he expressed a hope that he might return there before his departure. He then took the train for Rotterdam, where he

arrived in a short time. He was received by the Burgomaster of that city, and was escorted around and shown various objects of interest by this dignitary. The Burgomaster gave a dinner in his honor, to which a great many of the principal citizens were invited. The affair was very social and cordial.

On Thursday the General made his way into the famous city of Amsterdam, where he was greeted by throngs of people, who welcomed him in a truly enthusiastic manner. Several prominent citizens escorted him about, and extended to him an invitation for dinner on Saturday evening. His residence in Amsterdam, although necessarily short, was as pleasant as could have been desired.

General Grant's flying tour on Dutch territory was marked by attentions as gracious and as flattering as any he had yet received. In the steady, plodding cities of Holland, the phlegmatic citizens had been excited to enthusiasm by the presence of the ex-President, and signified their admiration of his character and achievements by crowd. ing the streets which he passed.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

GRANT IN GERMANY, NORWAY, SWEDEN, RUSSIA

AND AUSTRIA.

On Wednesday, June 26, General Grant and party arrived at Berlin, Minister Taylor having met them at Stendahl, sixty miles below Berlin.

On the evening of his coming, he strolled along the Unter den Linden, and his Berlin visit may be summed up in this sentence, that he walked the greater part of each day, and there was not a quarter of Berlin that he did not explore on foot with an energy as sightseer which no amount of exertion seemed to diminish. The General had an early interview with the members of the Congress of great diplomats assembled in Berlin to settle the Eastern question.

At an interview with Prince Gortschakoff, the General, in company with Mr. Taylor, calling at the Prince's request (as the gout prevented the Prince calling on the General), Gortschakoff said that Russia would be glad to see and welcome the General, and he seemed delighted with the visit. Of the members of the Congress, Lord Beaconsfield, Lord Salisbury, M. Waddington and Count Corti were known to the General. Mehemet Ali he had met in Turkey. Visits were exchanged with these gentlemen and with the other members of the Congress.

Among the first calls left on the General was that of Prince Bismarck, and as it did not find him at home it was left again. As the General was anxious to see the Prince,

for whose character and services he had so high an admira tion, he returned these calls at once, and sent His Highness a message saying that he would make his visit at any time. that would suit the Prince, whom he knew to be a busy and an ill man.

The afternoon at four was the hour named for the visit, and, as the General lives within a few moments' walk of the Bismarck Palace, at five minutes to four he slowly sauntered through the Frederick Place. The Frederick Place is a small square, with roads and flowers and some famous old trees, laid out in memory of the great Frederick. It is decorated with statues of his leading generals. Everything runs to war in Germany, and the prevailing religion is swordsmanship. In this park are bronze statues of Ziethen, Seidlitz, Winterfeldt, Keith, Schwerin, and the Prince of Dessau. Passing out of the park, on the right, is the palace and home of the famous Prince Bismarck. An iron railing separates it from the street, and from the roof the flag of the German empire floats in the breeze.

The General saunters into the courtyard, and the sentinels eye him a moment curiously, and then present arms. His visit had been expected, but certainly an ex-President of the United States would come in a carriage and six, and not quietly on foot. Throwing away a half-smoked cigar as he raises his hat in honor of the salute, he advances to the door, but before he has time to ring, two servants throw them open, and he passes into an open marble hall. Of ali princes now living, this is, perhaps, the most renowned — this of Bismarck-Schinhausen - who comes with a swinging, bending gait through the opened and opening doors, with both hands extended, to meet the General. You note that time has borne heavily on the Prince these past few years. The iron-grey hair and mustache are nearly white; there is weariness in the gait, a tired look in the face. But all the lines are there that are associated with Bismarck; for