A SENILE EMPEROR.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1915, Page 12

A SENILE EMPEROR.

The Emperor of Austria is now an old man of eighty-six, and, according to German reports, 'he is in his dotage. German newspapers declare that the Kaiser is not only the German Emperor, but also Emperor of Austria, their meaning being that the Austrian military authorities and statesman take their orders from the Kaiser, without consulting their own Emperor.

The following story, indicating the Austrian Emperor's feeble state of mind, fcaa been mmrent in Berlin. The .Emperor, who hardly ever leaves his palace at Sehonbrunn, was persuaded that he ought to go to Vienna and visit s6me of the military hospitals in order to "make a little loyalty." Prince MonteNeuvo, tha first Court marshal, arranged the date, and the Emperor was duly informed of what he had to do. He nodded approvingly. On tihe way to the hospital Prince Monte-Neuvo once more told his master what he would have to tell'the brave wounded, thank them for their devotion, and express kindly wishes as to their recovery. The Emperor always nodded, and said, *'l know, I know." The hospital was reached, the formal reception took place at the gates and the sovereign was taken to the first room, where hundreds of wounded were eagerly waiting his Majesty. On passing the door the old Emperor paused, and then overtaken by the irresistible force of habit, lifted his right hand and loudly proclaimed, "I declare t'hia exhibition open!"

Another of these "made in Germany" yarns relates that wihen war was declared it was felt at the Vienese Court that the Emperor should be told about it. None of the courtier 3 wanted to break the news to the sovereign, fearing he would collapse. Finally, iPrince Monte-Neuvo, as first Court marshal, approached his master with trembling knees and a broken voice.

"It is my duty, Majesty, to announce that Austria is going to war." "I know," the Emperor replied with a smile.

"And does your Majesty know whom we are to fight ?" "Wihy, certainly. Those dirty Prussians, of course/*

The old Emperor was under the impression that the Prusso-Austriau war of 1860, when the Austrians had given their present masters tho flattering name of "Saupreussen" (Prussian swine) was still in progress! Later, when Prbemysl was captured by the Russians, somencme was sent to the Emperor to break the sad tidings to nm. "Majesty, 'Przemysl has fallen!" How sad," the Emperor replied: "he wapsuch a fine chap!"