THE EX-KAISER.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1929, Page 2

THE EX-KAISER.

APOLOGETIC NOTE

FOR NATIONALIST CF/LKRRATIONS. (Per Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Jan. 28. The ‘'Morning Post's” Berlin correspondent stales; Most of’ the published congratulatory messages to the ex-Kaiser show loss warmth than might have been expected. Kerr Ilngenhurg, the head of the Nationalist Rartv. pays a tribute to the exKaiser’s services, which, lie says were always’ guided by tin* principle that the King is the first servant of the state. Many expressions are an attachment to the fallen, rather than a vital faith in the future, Hohonzollerns.' The Nationalist press abounds in descriptions of Oermauy's progress under the Kaiser, but there is an undercurrent of apology for the ex-Kaiser. General Ludendorf. on the contrary, bitterly attacks President Von H.indenburg for continuing legislation making the ex-Kaiser a prisoner in a foreign country. The ‘•Left” press is angry with the semiofficial news agency for allowing itself be used to disseminate an apologia from Doom as cabled on January 27 in which the ex-Kaiser claims to have been the most peaceful of till of the pre-war rulers of Europe.

KAISER NOT WANTED. SOCIALIST PAPER’S POINTED CRITICISM. BERLIN, Jan. 28. The Socialist paper “Vonvaerbs,” representing the largest German political party, and .believed to ho acting with the Chancellor’s approval, responds to the feting of the exKaiser in a most scathing manner. It says: “If there is one German who ought to be silent about the war guilt question, it is the ex-Kaiser, who, for a decade, won for Germany enemies throughout the world by bis language and lunatic megalomania. The German people will not use bis testimony. Their real guilt consisted of tolerating the Kaiser for tne years after the “Daily Tolpgraph” affair, for which he paid. must dearly. We would not have interfered with the tranquility of his old age if ho had kept quiet, but the interests of the people Compel us to say that the nation floes not want any more to do with this man, who \vas an oyil omen.” ,

Tin* Centre paper, “Germania,” emphasises that the Kaiser voluntarily abandoned Germany, it states: “His dazzling throne collapsed, hut the republic of the German people lives and will live.” GFI.I MAN NATION A LISTS. ANTI -FBF.NCII FF.FLING. ■ v BFit LIN, Jan. 28. At Cologne, a number ol German Nationalists in semi-military uniform, who had been celebrating the exKaiser’s birthday, disturbed a meeting whore a French Professor was discussing la Franco-German understanding. Several of the audience received minor injuries. A strong police torce restored order, and took possession of a number of stink bombs. FX-K AISFR ’ S BIR TH DA Y. A Git FAT CFLFBE ATION. (United Service).

/Received this day at 9.25. a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 28.

Doom was beflagged for the exKaiser’s birthday celebrations which resulted in the greatest gathering ol Holiciizolleven’s since lieioro the war. The gathering included the ex-Crown Prince and Princess and ex-Kaiser’s other sons, Prince Fitel Friedrich, Prince August Wilhelm, Prince Oscar, also Ids daughter Victoria, Duchess of Brunswick, who acted as hostess, owing to the illness of Princess Hermine. Other guests included the exQueen Sophie, of Greece, and the exiting of Saxony. The “Daily Mail’s” Utrecht correspondent says the gathering showed the ex-Kaiser does not forego his Imperial state. The programme issued to guests was headed “For the seventieth birthday of His All Highest Majesty, the Kaiser and King.” Presents were displayed on a large table with seventy. small candles. The ex-Kaiser presented each of the sixty male guests with a special medal hung on a. black and white ribbon bearing the Imperial Crown with the initial “W” and the figure seventy. The celebrations were.opened by tlic former Court preacher, Voglor, who delivered- ,a senpon filter• whjicli a state dinner was held, at which, according to the official communique the ex-King of Saxony toasted IJis Majesty, the Kaiser.” President Hindenburg telegraphed congratulation!* and also the Kings and Queens of Denmark and Sweden and Queen of Netherlands.