SECRETS OF GERMAN ROYALTY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 150, 25 February 1916, Page 4 (Supplement)

SECRETS OF GERMAN ROYALTY.

How •.•uipreme'y autocratic the R i - ser is is revealed in a book on German royalty which has been written by Bajon Meyens, the Beigian Minister at Berlin lor three years, up to the time of the outbreak of war. "The new King of Bavaria," says the Baron, "who hides a line and acute intelligence under a battered exterior; the King of Saxony, with the loud voice, the noisy l«ugh, and the .soldierly figure; the King oj Wurtemberg, most correct of gentlemen; the amiable (irand Duke of Baden, and the other minor gods of the modern Germanic Walhalla. are the very humble servants of the Kaiser. "It is in vain for them to exchange with hj: 111, with a tone of equality, telegiams in which the affectionate use of the second person singular is a matter of etiquette, tf is in vain for them to swell and puff themselves within the boundaries of their respective States, to address abundant speeches to their subjects, and to lend tlieir presence on public occasions. For (Herman policy they are nothing but the instruments of the wishes of the Master who lives at Berlin."

Baron Beyens also gives some interesting facts regarding the Kaiserin as 111 stress of her household. He says she has much to do. It is her business to still the little storms which arise ;;t Court, to reconcile the Crown Prince and his father after every new escapade; ana it fell to her to induce the Emperor to consent to the morganatic marriage of another of their sons, desperately in love with a mere maid of honour.

According to the Baron, however, it is quite a mistake to suppose the German Empress is a pacificist. "Are we always go : ng to retreat, before the French, and to put up with their impudence?' she remarked, after a certain incident in which French diplomacy tnumplid over Teutonic intrigue; from which i> will be gathered that tho Kaiserin. like her son, who once boasted that lie "wanted to have a smack at those French swine," has no great love for La Belle France.