without carefully studying its contents. There is little about the
history of her people or her kingdom that she does not know, for she
believes much of her ability as a ruler depends on her knowledge of the
past history of her country. She is very proud of her own ancestors and
her people, because she says that they have been brave at sea and at
home and have always aimed to play fair. She has not been blind to the
fact that her neighbor, England, has been jealous of some of her
colonies, especially of Java. But she does not believe in worrying about
that fact.
On the other hand, she is also aware that in the past Germany dreamed of
some day uniting Holland to her own territory, if not by conquest by
the coming of a German heir. The Queen smiles when she thinks of the
Dutch people becoming English or Germans, for she says they are too fond
of flowers, windmills, cows and meadows to be anything but good Dutch
people. The Queen of Holland realizes that her people are divided in
their feeling in this war. The peasants and the fisherfolk feel that
they have more to gain by being friends of England, and they are strong
pro-English in their feeling. The aristocratic party sympathizes with
Germany, either because they have large business interests in Germany or
they are related by inter-marriage. Though the Queen of Holland is
married to a German prince, her attitude is one of neutrality in thought
and action. Whenever any of her politicians or friends try to get her
frank opinion she changes the subject by talking of home affairs, such
as "How is your lovely wife and your family?" Because she is interested
in the things nearest to her country and to her heart, she develops the
trades of her people instead of spending their money for building great
bulwarks of defense against the enemy that may want to devour her. She
places more confidence in the men of her country and their loyalty,
aided by her dams and dykes, than in a large costly army and navy.
WHAT ROYAL WOMEN ARE DOING WHILE THEIR HUSBANDS ARE AT WAR
It is a well-known fact, that in case of war, monarchs have a new
responsibility thrown upon them, for they become commanders of the army
along with their executive duties. Most of these direct their campaigns
from their own royal palaces and from the ministry of war. An exception
to this is that of Albert First, third king of Belgium, and the Emperor
of Germany.
When King Albert saw that his country was being attacked, and his people
in danger, he took command of the army and left his wife to guard his
three lovely children. Crown Prince Leopold, aged thirteen; Prince
Charles, aged eleven, and the little Princess Marie Jose, aged nine. It
was with trepidation and great grief that he told his young and
beautiful Queen Elizabeth, of Belgium, formerly Princess of Bavaria,
good-by. She reminded him that her courage and determination had in no
small part contributed to the reconstruction of the commerce, finance
and order of their kingdom. If she had done this much she certainly
could look after her own family now and do her part to ease the
suffering of her people. She showed that this was more than a promise,
for as soon as orders came for the evacuation of Brussels she and her
children left the palace and sought a new and simple home in the heavily
fortified town of Antwerp. This queen, who had endeared herself to her
people by her heroism and thoughtfulness, was determined to do her duty
now as she has always done since her husband came to the throne. Wasting
no time, she planned for the comforts of her children for the time she
would be gone, and then enrolled as a Red Cross nurse. She has entered
thousands of homes, left grief-stricken by the horrors of war, and has
comforted thousands of heart-broken wives and mothers. Kind words are
only a small part of her methods. Where they have been destitute for
want of money and food she has made every effort to see that they were
relieved of these material wants. Not discouraged by the fact that she
can get but a limited amount of money from the public treasury at this
time, she uses most of her private fortune to carry on her work. In
towns where she has visited and found families left shelterless, by the
burning and sacking of homes, she has worked with tremendous energy to
get these families into safe quarters and paid the rent herself. She has
found work for hundreds of women to do in the fields and has given Red
Cross work to many more, paying them out of her own purse. The Empress
of Germany was not crushed by the news that Germany was about to enter
into a world war. When her husband appeared on the royal balcony and
made his address to his people she was at his side, and though her face
looked careworn there was no sign of weakening. While he was busy
consulting with high government officials and ministry of war she was
equally energetic doing her part to organize the Red Cross work
throughout her empire. She at once gave thirty thousand dollars to the
national fund, and from time to time has added to the general
contribution. It is said that the Emperor wept when he heard there was
no alternative but war and explained to his sons that they must all go
to the front at once, but his consort showed no sign of weakening, as
she told her sons, one by one, good-by, and even when the Sunday night
came and she had to bid farewell to her husband. She busies herself all
day sewing for the Red Cross and visiting the many hospitals in Berlin,
to which thousands of wounded soldiers are brought.
Though the Crown Princess Cecelia has had the reputation of being
worldly-minded and fond of all out-door sports, ever since the war broke
out she has shown that she has a very serious side to her make-up. She
was in Potsdam with her four boys when the war news came, and when the
Crown Prince hurriedly made up his mind to go to Berlin, she and the
children accompanied him. When they drove through the streets thousands
of her country women greeted her with shouts and tossing of flowers and
her happy, sweet manner, so free from fear, did much to inspire them
with added courage. She drove to the station with her husband when he
went to join his regiment, and instead of shedding tears she laughingly
suggested that he write her and the children a love letter every day.
Then she busied herself looking after the palace she had given over for
a hospital, looking after every detail of its furnishing. Though she has
four children of her own, who take much of her time, she never lets a
day pass without visiting this hospital in person and makes it a point
to see that every need of the wounded soldiers is gratified. She has
given much enthusiasm to her two sisters-in-law, along with many
thousands of German women, in their Red Cross efforts. Because of her
energy there are few circles of women in Berlin, even to the American
women living there, who are not doing Red Cross work.
Though Holland was the first country to mobilize its army after war was
declared, the Queen of Holland explained to her people that since
Holland was a peace-loving country, it would keep the strictest
neutrality. Though the country has been goaded on by the promises of
gains on both sides, their little Dutch ruler has refused to allow her
people to do the slightest thing that might break her neutrality. Though
not a week has passed since the war began, without there being rumors
that Holland was about to be thrown into the arena of war and the
country to be flooded, Queen Wilhelmina tends to her affairs of state
and goes about her social duties just as though Europe were in a state
of perfect tranquility. On the opening of Parliament, the other day, she
discussed conditions and expenses caused by the war and explained that
whatever this mobilization might cost they would continue to enforce
this principle of neutrality.
Queen Mary, of England, has always enjoyed the reputation of being a
good mother and a capable housekeeper, rather than a social leader,
since her husband came to the throne. But ever since war was declared,
in England, she has been tremendously active in doing her share to
supervise and enlarge the Red Cross work. Though she never discusses the
war with her husband or friends she spends every bit of her leisure
making the rounds through all the hospitals in London, which are looking
after wounded soldiers. Very wealthy, in her own right, she has
contributed quite a fortune to increasing the number of hospitals in
London and adding to the Red Cross staff. Her approach is always known
by the many bundles she brings with her. More than once she has heard a
sick soldier ask for something special to eat, a new pipe or a book, and
she makes it a point the next day to see that his wish is gratified.
Though she has the reputation of being reticent among her friends, she
never goes through a ward without passing a personal remark to every one
of the wounded soldiers. Every one of her acquaintances at court is
doing Red Cross work, and many of them have entered into actual nursing
on the battlefield largely through their queen's initiative.
Though Queen Elena of Italy is a Montenegrin princess, she has
discouraged her people from joining the Allies, after they had promised
neutrality. At times this is no easy matter, as all of Italy seems eager
either to join the German flag or the standard of the Allies. Though it
would seem that the Queen might share the prejudices of her people,
still she has not forgotten the promises her country has made to Germany
and Austria. Because of this fact she allows nobody in her presence,
whether friends or employes in her home, to enter into a discussion of
the present war.
It is also well known that Roumania only needs a spark to catch the
flame, believing it may be possible for her to get something out of this
present upheaval, but their sensible Queen Carmen Sylvia is using her
talented pen to speak the word of peace, while her daughter-in-law is
employing her schools of sewing to contribute their part to the national
Red Cross work. The lovely Queen of Greece never loses an opportunity,
and up to the present time has been a potent factor in keeping her
country out of war. Though America has no queen to inspire us to the
needs of suffering humanity in this crisis, through the initiative of
many noble women, a Red Cross ship was fitted up at great expense to
bring money, nurses and hospital supplies to all the Powers at war.
Hundreds of circles are busy at work in many of our cities sewing for
the National Red Cross Society, or for some special Red Cross center.
Thousands of women, made refugees by the war in Europe, many of whom are
still unable to get home, are giving much of their time and as much
money as they can afford to the Red Cross work. No less important has
been their work of praying that war shall end and peace shall once more
be established. For these women are determined that, if their voice
counts, life shall never again be destroyed by war.
WHAT WILL THE ROYAL CHILDREN DO IF THEIR PARENTS ARE PUT OUT OF
BUSINESS?
It has been rumored time and again that there is a possibility of most
of the monarchs being put out of business by this war. The question then
presents itself: "What may happen to their children?" Certainly if the
Emperor were to be exiled, his sons have been so well educated that they
will have no trouble in making a living at home or abroad. All except
the youngest one, Prince Joachim, have visited one or the other of the
German Universities. They are well versed in the history of all
countries as well as the literature and fine arts, so they would have
little trouble in offering themselves as exchange professors in some of
our large American universities. Certainly their culture and information
as to the real causes of the war would be valuable, and it would also do
much to bring the two countries into closer and friendlier relations.
If the Crown Prince did not favor this idea he would be counted an asset
with his charming wife and their lovely family, both in our diplomatic
society in Washington and among the most ultra society of Newport. For
both the Crown Prince and his charming wife are very fond of Americans
and have always shown a decided interest for everything American
including the tango, ragtime, golf and tennis.
If the Czar of Russia should be put out of business he would find that
his young heir would have to become more of an athlete and less pampered
to be popular among young American boys, especially if he ever aspired
to an American university. Still the Czarina's daughters are so
beautiful and charming they would soon be made welcome wherever they
went. Their perfect manners and careful education would make them
noticed anywhere and they are all beautiful dancers.
The Prince of Wales, much like his grandfather, King Edward, is a born
diplomat and might certainly make himself valuable at our diplomatic
court in Washington. Diplomacy is his natural bent, though he has felt
it his duty to study the tactics of the navy. He has traveled much and
has made it a point to study the life of a people wherever he has gone.
His younger brothers have had a fine military and naval training and
could certainly become officers in our own navy. His sister, the
Princess Mary, is as charming as she is unspoiled. Clothes and jewels
play a small part in her life. She is a great reader and fond of
traveling. Her bringing up might show many an American mother how to
bring up a daughter, heir to wealth and position, without being spoiled.
If the King of Italy were to be put out of business along with the
others, his family, as neighbors, would be a pleasure anywhere, for both
his little daughters and his two sons are as unspoiled as any children
could be expected to be. They ride horseback, climb mountains, and fish
and enjoy any kind of outdoor life without being a nuisance to their
people or those about them.
The Queen of Belgium has three young children, just like steps. Though
they are the loveliest among the royal children, they are the least
spoiled. When their mother assumed the duties of housewife in Brussels,
she surrounded her children with plain, wholesome conditions. The late
King Leopold had robbed the palace of much of its splendor, but this
sensible Queen was pleased to see that her children could be brought up
in a plain atmosphere. Her two boys are splendid sailors and would have
no trouble in entering the naval academy in our own country, while her
little daughter knows all about housekeeping and is a beautiful sewer.
She would certainly be a prize to any young man looking for a sensible
wife.
Though kings sometimes have queer ideas as to what is best for their
country, they, advised by their wives, nearly always train their
children in a plain, sensible fashion. Though they are surrounded by
luxury, they enjoy very little of it themselves. Before they are very
old their hours are filled with study of some kind, and they are given
little time for play. Their days are crowded with military tactics,
studies of their own and foreign countries, and diplomatic relations. An
hour or two of rest a day is considered sufficient recreation and their
summer vacations are limited to weeks instead of months.
THE GERMAN EMPEROR AT CLOSE RANGE
WILLIAM II AT CLOSE RANGE
A great deal has been said about the firing lines of the different
European countries, but little is known of the war lords at close range.
Though I have never hobnobbed with royalty I have lived for long
stretches of time in the different capitals and cities of Europe,
especially in Berlin. There I have seen the Emperor and most of his
family.
I have seen William II driving through the Brandenburger gate hurrying
from his city. I have seen him taking five-o'clock tea with his wife,
his sons and their wives at Sans Souci, in Potsdam. I have seen him
addressing his people out on the balcony of his palace after war had
been declared.
In these three instances I saw three different types of man; the
statesman, the father of a happy home, and the war lord.
He is more than average tall and well built, still in the prime of life.
His strong body and healthy color mark him as a man alive with energy.
He stands for the famous Hohenzollern, challenging eyes, full lips,
retroussé mustache and imperious air. Still, as I looked at him more
closely, I noticed that his left arm is withered--almost of no use. In
spite of this hindrance he is an excellent, easy horseman, as much at
home in the saddle as are his great generals. When at manoeuvres he has
been known to sit nine hours at a time without any feeling of
exhaustion. He proves himself no less energetic when hunting, which has
been a favorite pastime for years. He has made a record of shooting for
hours at a time without feeling much fatigue, even when bringing-down
game two a minute.
He has made hundreds of speeches on all subjects, that showed a gift of
natural eloquence as well as a keen and impetuous nature. He believes in
the divine mission of the Hohenzollern. As he expresses it: "It is a
tradition in our house to consider ourselves as designed by God to
govern the people over which it is given us to reign. Every day I think
of ways of helping you, but you must help me, not by means of the
opposition parties that you have so often rightly combated, but by
explaining to your sovereign and having confidence in him."
Bismark disputed the Emperor's right to act directly with his
ministerial colleagues, citing a decree attributing to the Prime
Minister alone the responsibility for official acts and prescribing that
no important measure should be adopted without prior submission to him.
It is to his army that he looked for greatest strength and support. "In
my army we are made one for the other, and we shall remain closely bound
whether God gives us war or peace. It is the soldier and the army, not
majorities and parliamentary decisions, that have forged the unity of
the German Empire."
He has a thorough knowledge of engineering and electricity, paints
pictures, plays chess, and he does all this with the use of his one
hand. He feels that all these things are his avocations, an outlet for
his energy. With his great talent for organization, he realized that a
country to be prosperous needs factories and plenty of trade schools. He
was absorbed in the trade and commercial schools along with the school
of forestry, which have had an international and enviable reputation,
and which has made Germany one of the great industrial powers of modern
times. He gave every incentive to have his men stay at home in
encouraging all kinds of factories, lake, and water ways, the building
of canals, ocean liners and merchant marine. For it was the increasing
of the numbers of ocean liners and merchant marine that made German
merchandise popular and well-known in most of the ports of the world.
He has kept abreast of the times regarding the manufactures in England
and the United States. He has always taken an active interest in the
machinery and electrical contrivances used in American factories and in
the home.
Every year he sent many men to this country to study the methods
employed in our shoe factories, tanneries, cotton mills, our electrical
appliances and telephone services. As a result many of the German
factories have the best of American machinery, American mechanics at the
head, and they have worked out their telephone service, typewriters,
adding machines and cash registers after our designs. Though the Emperor
spent much of his time enlarging the army and navy, he considered these
as a safeguard to his country, but it is the commercial interests of
Germany he has at heart most.
He loved to read about the Panama Canal and to hear people discuss it,
for he recognized it as the great engineering feat of the century. He
would rather had it said that Germany had built the Panama Canal than
that she had organized the largest and strongest army in Europe. So
eager was he to know all these things that he mastered six languages
fluently. He began his day's work at seven and continued it until five,
with a short interval for his noonday meal and afternoon drive. Though
he often had a few intimate friends to supper, his evenings usually
finished with work which lapsed way into midnight.
Though the Emperor is often blamed as having precipitated the war, the
point is overlooked that Servia, backed by Russia, was trying her utmost
to disintegrate Austria. When Austria made war on Servia without
consulting Germany, it was the war party in Germany that held it was up
to Germany to help her ally. The Emperor of Germany was lukewarm in this
matter. He felt that the war should be confined to Austria and Servia.
He was surprised and grief-stricken when he returned to Berlin and
learned what had happened. It was only after he learned that England and
France were backing Russia that he considered the war justifiable.
As he said, when he made his speech from the balcony, he hoped that
German swords should only be drawn to protect the fatherland. But after
war was once declared he showed, by the way he talked and discussed war
matters with his generals, that he was a worthy pupil of the great Von
Moltke, and a firsthand strategist. For he had not forgotten Von Bulow's
plea to his countrymen, that under no circumstance would France pardon
or forget the seizure of Alsace Lorraine by the victorious Germans of
1870. On this head he writes:
"When we consider our relations with France, we must not forget that
she is unappeased. So far as man can tell, the ultimate aim of French
policy for many years to come will be to create necessary conditions
which to-day are still wanting for a settlement with Germany, with good
prospects of success."
Of Anglo-German relations Bismark wrote: "England is certainly
disquieted by our rising power at sea and our competition which
incommodes her at many points. Without doubt there are still Englishmen
who think that if the troublesome German would disappear from the face
of the earth England would only gain by it. But, between such sentiments
in England and the fundamental feeling in France, there is a marked
difference which finds corresponding expression in politics. France
would attack us if she were strong enough. England would only do so if
she thought she could not defend her vital economic and political
interests except by force."
Though Europe was on the brink of war time and again during the
twenty-six years of his reign, the Emperor always cast his vote for
peace, as one of our great statesmen, William H. Taft, said on the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the Emperor's reign: "The proof of the
pudding is in the eating. When the German Emperor went upon the throne
and developed his independence of Bismark and his intention to exercise
his own will in the discharge of his high functions, there were many
prophecies that this meant disturbance of the peace of Europe. Instead
of that the truth of history requires the verdict, that considering the
critically important part which has been his among the nations, he has
been for the last quarter of a century the greatest single individual
force in the practical maintenance of peace in the world."
Likewise Theodore Roosevelt says of him, he was "The one man outside
this country from whom I obtained help in bringing about the Peace of
Portsmouth, was his Majesty William II. From no other nation did I
receive any assistance, but the Emperor personally and through his
Embassador in St. Petersburg, was of real aid in helping to induce
Russia to face the accomplished fact and come to an agreement with
Japan--an agreement the justice of which to both sides was conclusively
shown by the fact that neither side was satisfied with it.
"This was a real help to the cause of international peace, a
contribution that far outweighed any amount of mere talk about it in the
abstract, for in this, as in all other matters an ounce of performance
is worth a ton of promise."
Though Emperor William has been accused of having precipitated the war,
he was off on his yacht taking a vacation when the murder of the
Austrian nobles took place, and Germany faced the question of war
through her alliance. It is said that the Emperor broke down and sobbed
like a child when he met his sons in his study after war had been
declared.
As Andrew Carnegie recently explained: "The Kaiser himself is a
marvelous man, possessed of wonderful ingenuity. He has done more good
for Germany than any other man before him. He has built up a great
foreign commerce and a marvelous internal business."