The Journalists
Professor Oldendorf, editor of the Union newspaper, hopes to marry Ida, the daughter of retired Colonel Berg, but Berg distrusts journalists. Rival editor Blumenberg and landowner Senden manipulate the colonel into running against Oldendorf, while Bolz and Kämpe court influential elector Piepenbrink. Oldendorf wins the election; Adelheid exposes Senden's scheme and buys the Union for Bolz, whom she agrees to marry. Berg reconciles with Oldendorf, allowing him to marry Ida.