EX-KAISER'S LAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 May 1920, Page 11

EX-KAISER'S LAMENT.

DECEIVED AND DESERTED. "WITHOUT HOPE FOR MYSELF." The Dutch Press (says the Rotterdam correspondent of the London Times) publishes a letter ■written on January 2ml written from Amerongen by the ex-Kaiser to Prince Furstenberg, in which !ie Writes:—

Dear Friend, —How did you celebrate Christmas and New Year? I was glad when Muller, who arrived with Wilhelm, told me that many Christmas trees were lit up for me in the hearts of my people. I am without hope for myself, however, and have hardily any desires. The future is dark, Riid, when thinking of the little ones at Potsdam, I have sombre hours.

Wilhelm is oflten complaining by letter or verbally about, restrictions because everything is expensive, and he has to- be economical owing to Cecilia's loss in Russian shares. I have repeatedly assisted him, but I am decidedly in favor of his moving to Aeli, where living is cheaper. What do you think about the unlawful publication of the correspondence with Nicholas? These people have not the least sympathy in them, and I shall be glad if everything is published without alterations. I have given orders to I.oewenfedt to protest against the publication of these private letters, but as this is being done in hostile countries; he will have less success than in the ease of Bismarck. After the treatment I have received and still receive from the German people I am not surprised that the German newspapers participate in these dirty practices.

I have no inclination ever to rpturn to Germany. The sight of collapse through one's own fault is too painful. After reading everything of the famous committee I cannot help feeling that even men like Bethmann-Hollweg and, Ludendorff, not to forget Tirpitz, deceived me. My distrust may be the consequence of loneliness, which is only occasionally broken by visits from Wilhelm, Eitel, and Kriege, the latter proving that he is faithful even now that courage is necessary to be faithful. My health now troubles me —the old pains in the right leg and arm —and I am still more troubled mentally owing to the uncertain future. What will happen? I do not expect anything favorable as, since Nicholas' tragic end by the bullets of regicides, monarchial feeling of solidarity has disappeared from this world, and others perhaps believe that they are able to secure their thrones by leaving me to my fate. Hcinrich and Victoria's prayers remain unanswered.

Farewell, dear friend. Sincere and hearty greetings from yours, Wilhelm, I.R.