THE GERMAN EMPEROR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, 1 February 1909, Page 3

THE GERMAN EMPEROR.

BECOMES A RECLUSE. Mystery, says the Berlin correspondent ot the London "Daily Express," writin K on December 8, has fer four weeks enveloped the persona! life of the Kaiser. With the solitary exception of his visit to the Berlin City Hail ceremony on November 21, when he publicly, and for the first time, demonstrated his respect for constitutional rule by declaring that he must consult his Imperial Chancellor, Prmce von Buelow, before" uttering a political opinion, he has remained unseen by the public. Such a thing is unprecedented in the 20 years of his reign. This is so astonishing that it has given rise to alarming reports regarding the condition of his Majesty's health. Tho people of Germany are so unaccustomed to seeing and hearing nothing of their versatile ruler that they cannot believe that anything but illness holds him in concealment. The result is that vague, persistent rumours of illness have been circulated during the last few days. One report is that the Emperor is suffering from a recurrence of his throat trouble ; another that it is nervous depression consequent on th * mental strain of tho recent political crisis. PERSONAL SACRIFICE. All these rumours are entirely unfounded. The Emperor, apart from suffering from a slight co.d, enjoys good health. The reason of his prolonged retirement from the public gaze is his earnest and sincere desire to carry out the solemn pledge which he gavo to Prince Bulow on the occasion of the historical interview on November 17th, which was proclaimed the same evening in the columns of the Imperial Gazette. The truth is that William 11. has turned over a new leaf, and is living the life of a political recluse. Those who know his great love of change, his delight iv travelling, his strong dislike of dull monotony and commonplace existence, realise how great a personal sacrifice is involved in- this self-effacement. Hiß Majesty has cancelled a long list of public engagements and private visits of pleasure tb carry out his resolve to remain in the background. He intended to' proceed lo Kiel to perform the ceremony of swearing in the naval recruits in person, and to deliver, as is customary, a stirring address to the future bluejackets. But he abandoned the plan, and delegated his brother, Prince Henry, to undertake the duty. Other journeys southward, northward, eastward, and westward, one or two hunting expeditions, and other diversions have been abandoned in order that the. Emperor may devote himself exclusively to the transaction of State business at Potsdam.