country. They are responsible for the war. The Kaiser gathered around
him a group of men who, unknown to him, acted in concert, and in his
absence took the action that could not be altered.
The Kaiser has always been devoted to his home and his children. He has
given much time to their education, for he believes firmly, "Spare the
rod and spoil the child." Though he has the reputation of being severe,
he is far more lenient with other people's children than his own.
His sons were trained to serve in the army quite like the sons of the
poorest peasants, and when the war broke out they were the first to
hurry to their regiments. Though one of his sons had just been married,
he had to leave his bride like all other young lovers.
The Empress has been a splendid check on the Kaiser's strong and
determined nature, for though she is submissive and tender, she has
great poise and is extremely restful. She has never worried him about
her domestic affairs and still she has taken a keen interest in all his
doings.
The Crown Prince is different from his father in build, as he is in all
other respects. He is tall and slight, good-looking and gracious, and
acceptable to his people. Next to taking an active interest in his wife
and children, America appeals to him most.
Though he is much more of a soldier than a diplomat or statesman, he is
more democratic than his father, and he is tremendously popular with his
people on that account. This he has shown to his men ever since he went
to the front; the comfort of his soldiers is constantly before him. He
makes it a point to see that his men are provided with socks and shoes.
When a student at the University of Bonn he had the reputation of being
a good mixer. In spite of his fair hair and blue eyes he has always been
closer to the war party than has his father. He is a fearless horseman
and has a deep knowledge of military tactics. The Crown Prince received
his first military training when he was hardly large enough to mount a
horse. He and all his brothers have continued this training all through
their boyhood. First the Crown Prince went to the Prince's Academy
Military School at Ploen, and completed this work at Danzig. Though a
severe leader, he has always been the idol of his regiment, for he never
asks his people to do the things he is unwilling to undertake himself.
He has always been as popular with women as with his soldiers. He is
exceedingly fond of American women and has been admired by many an
attractive American girl. Several times he had his heart set on taking
one for a wife, but his father showed him the impracticability of such a
venture. But he is extremely fond of his home and devoted to his wife
and four lovely boys. They are splendid comrades, much more so than the
average German woman is with her husband. When the war broke out
Princess Cecilie said that she would join her husband at the front just
as soon as she could. One of the dispatches sent by way of The Hague
from Berlin says that Cecilie, the German Crown Princess, accompanied by
her two eldest sons, left Berlin to join her husband at his headquarters
in France. She proposed personally to bestow decorations upon officers
of her dragoon regiment. Though the Crown Princess is naturally
delicate, having inherited tubercular tendencies from her father, she
and her husband, along with the children, devote much of their time at
winter sports in Switzerland. She and her children toboggan, ski, skate
on the ice, and partake of all winter sports. She is so fond of exercise
that she sometimes neglects the question of handsome costumes. On more
than one state occasion she has had to devise something in a hurry
because her wardrobe had run low. She takes more pains selecting her
sporting costumes than her evening toilettes. The first time the Emperor
laid eyes on her he was charmed by her beauty and grace; as he told one
of his friends, "I might look the kingdom over and I could not find a
lovelier wife for my son."
She is no less beloved by her mother-in-law, the Empress. When she
should come to the throne the Empress imagined she would be spoiled, as
she was used to having her own way. To her surprise she found the Crown
Princess a capable home-maker and an ideal mother. She loves to ride and
romp with her four children, and she is the liveliest of the number.
From the time the war broke out until the present moment she has never
shown the least sorrow at being alone with her children. Her one great
ambition has been to allay the suffering of her people. She is a great
favorite with her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. When the young
Princess Victoria Louise fell in love with Prince Ernst, the Duke of
Braunschweig, the young girl confided the secret to her sister-in-law,
who did more than her share to bring the romance to a happy issue. When
one of the Crown Prince's brothers fell in love with one of his mother's
ladies in waiting, the Crown Princess took her under her wing and thus
allayed the Emperor's displeasure. Though Prince Eilet's wife has the
name of being haughty, she has never shown that disposition with the
Crown Princess, with whom she is on friendly terms.
The Emperor hates pomp and display, and all his family follow his
precepts in enjoying a simple home life. They are seen to best advantage
in their lovely gardens at Potsdam, having five-o'clock tea on the lawn,
happy and care-free away from the pomp of the court.
He is equally proud and happy with his other children, August Wilhelm,
Oscar, Adelbert and Joachim. Like the patriarchs of old he takes himself
seriously, too seriously, happy in devoting his whole energy and
intelligence to his people.
KING GEORGE V, HEAD OF THE ALLIES
It is true that King George V of England and the British Empire is one
of the chief figures among the Allies, which include England, France and
Russia. It is true that his father, King Edward, was largely responsible
for the making of the Entente, or treaties, with the Allies, but he no
sooner came to the throne when he renewed them and brought France and
Russia into more intimate relation than they had ever been.
It was the last week of April of this year that King George V and Queen
Mary made a short official visit to Paris. It was a week of splendid
festivities. The temporary residence of the British rulers was furnished
with the finest of Gobelins, Beauvais tapestry and furniture. All the
main avenues and principal thoroughfares from the Gare Saint Lazare out
to the Bois were richly decorated with English and French flags and
bunting. From the time the royal pair made their entry until they
started for home they were greeted by millions of French and English.
The streets were crowded all day long with men and women shouting
themselves hoarse with "Vive le Roi, et vive la Reine!"
The royal pair were fêted with receptions, luncheons and costly
banquets. The intervals were filled with special performances at the
opera and the theatre. There were kinemacolors and moving pictures
showing the important incidents in the history of the royal pair,
especially the Durbar of India. A small English daily was published
giving all the doings of the royal pair while in Paris and even at home.
There were a number of important diplomatic meetings between King George
and M. Poincare, the French President. The papers reported that King
George had made it clear to the French people he wished to continue the
friendship that has existed for nearly a century between the countries,
and to strengthen the alliance which King Edward had created. By the
time the royal pair were ready to make their departure King George had
won the reputation of being a great statesman and good diplomat. This he
showed in his friendly attitude towards Russia. It was probably in good
faith made by France that England accepted a friendly attitude towards
Russia, for they had been suspicious of the Czar and his government,
fearing that they had designs upon India. Another diplomatic stroke was
the treaty that had been made by King Edward with Japan to protect
British interests in the Pacific.
These royal visits and treaties show that England had brought herself
into closer diplomatic relations with the continent than she had ever
done. Until the last fifty years England tried to keep herself as
isolated from the European continent as she could. It was only after the
Franco-Prussian war, when Bismarck suggested a treaty with Austria, that
England commenced to look around for some allies to offset this power.
This feeling grew stronger when Germany began to increase and strengthen
her navy. For England covets the title of being mistress of the seas,
just as Spain did during the time of the Spanish Armada.
King George has shown himself an equally able diplomat and statesman at
home. This was especially noticeable when on February 11, 1914, he
opened one of the most momentous Parliaments in British history. The
Irish crisis was the principal problem during the session, and in his
speech his majesty spoke of the question in such momentous words as
these: "This question, unless handled now with foresight, judgment and
in the spirit of mutual concession, threatens grave future
difficulties."
The king was supported in his opinion by Walter Asquith, who has been
the firm champion of home rule. He predicted civil war in case the
demands of Ireland were not satisfied, and taunted the government with
pusillanimity in the face of the recent events in South Africa. He then
moved an amendment to the reply to the speech from the throne "that it
would be disastrous for the House to proceed further with the government
for Ireland until the measure had been submitted to the judgment of the
country." He showed his calm judgment and steady hand when the
threatened Ulster uprising took place by proposing home rule for all of
Ireland that wished it.
These radical moves were the more surprising, for King George was spoken
of as a strong conservative when brought to the throne. This was seen by
the patience the Queen and he showed during the coronation in England
and India. They were spoken of as mere figures by the Liberalists
because they went through the endless festivities from the great
procession to the numerous banquets with a smile, with words of patience
and good cheer. It was the first time in many centuries that an English
King and Queen had made a long trip to India to partake in their
coronation festivities at Delhi and Calcutta. They wished to renew the
pledge made by the late Queen Victoria when she assumed the title of
Empress of India, emphasizing the incorporation of the great peninsula
into the British Empire that all her Indian subjects were the children
of the Great White Queen. They showed that this was more than a promise
when they reached Bombay on the 4th of December, 1911. At half-past
nine they and their royal suite drove out to the fête grounds, adjoining
the Bombay Gymkhana building. Here in an open space some 26,000 children
had been drawn up in a large semicircle, over against the centre of
which was a dais for the King and Queen. As their majesties drove up at
a quarter to ten, four selected groups of children belonging to the
European, Urdu, Gujarati and Marathe schools sang each two verses of the
National Anthem in their own tongue. Though they sang in their own
tongue and danced their native dances, they shouted "Long live the King
and Queen" as enthusiastically as would have done the same size body of
English children.
The coronation at Delhi took place on the 12th of December. The royal
pavilion was used as a centre of a semicircle, with a radius of about
240 yards erected round the circumference for spectators. All around the
base of the mound ran a processional road, so that their majesties could
drive under the eye of the onlookers. From the southern margin of this
road was erected a huge stand with seating accommodations for ten
thousand spectators. The stand was protected by a steep, sloping roof,
ornamented with Oriental cupolas. The royal pavilion rose from a broad
base in three tiers and ascended by broad stairways to a central
platform surmounted by a huge gilt dome. The royal dais was protected
by a canopy of crimson velvet, trimmed with crimson and gold fringe. At
the royal approach the principal officials and the ruling chiefs took
their places at the base of the stand. They were dressed in their rich
Oriental silks of orange shot with gold or silver ornamented with
armlets of gold, jeweled swords, priceless brooches, orders set with
rubies and emeralds and diamond ornaments fastened in their caps. The
arena was crowded with British and Indian cavalry, handsomely trapped in
gold and red velvet. There was a long procession of English cavalry and
marines, enlarged by a great number of native cavalry. It was shortly
before noon that their majesties appeared at the entrance. The approach
was made known by a salute of 101 guns. They were welcomed by the great
throng present, every one rising to his feet, and they drove round the
grand stand showing themselves to all present. They were welcomed by
great shouts of joy with singing and music, British and Indian airs
intermingling. After their majesties were seated on the throne
surrounded by their suite and attendants, the King rose and announced
the ceremony of his coronation in person to his subjects in India. He
ended his promise of good faith by these words: "To all present,
feudatories and subjects, I tender my loving greetings." Then the
Viceroy came forward and expressed his homage, bowing low thrice as he
approached the throne. He was followed by the ruling chiefs of
Hyderabad, Baroda, Mysore, Kashmer, Rajputana, Central India, etc. These
were led by the Nizam, who were dressed entirely in black, except for
the yellow, mitre-like headdress. After them came the chief justices and
judges of the High Court, the Viceroy's legislative council, the
governors and lieutenant-governors. The ceremony lasted for more than an
hour, and was extremely picturesque. The British officials dressed in
staid blue uniforms made a suitable background for the rich Oriental
costumes and priceless jewels worn by the Indian princes. Their
salutations were no less interesting than their costumes, as they one by
one approached the dais in turn expressing their promise of homage. Some
used the gesture of throwing earth on the head once or oftener; others
simply bowed. The Rajput chiefs almost without exception laid their
swords first at the feet of the King-Emperor and then at the
Queen-Empress with deep obeisance. Most interesting of all were the
chiefs of Bhutan and of Sikkim, who after bowing reverently, brought out
two white shawls, such as they use to drape the images of their most
sacred gods, and spread them before their King and Queen. There were
other festivities included in the Durbar, one of which consisted of a
great banquet to 173 of the most distinguished British and native
guests. There was the same display of rich Oriental dress and elaborate,
shimmering jewels. The next day the King reviewed his native and British
troops, awarding the most valiant of his officers the Albert medal. The
King held a levee of his officers while the Queen-Empress received 120
ladies of the families of the ruling chiefs.
Another splendid royal entertainment was a large garden party in the
fort of Delhi. There were groups of entertainers and jugglers. These
interspersed freely with great lords and ladies and splendid cavalry and
infantry. Their majesties soon appeared and took their place on the
ramparts, where they received the immense throng. The same ceremony was
repeated at Calcutta. While there the King divided his time between the
polo grounds and the public hospital. At Nepal the King and his party
hunted and they were successful in laying low a good bag of tigers.
Shortly after their coronation the King and Queen showed that they are
fond of many of the mediæval traditions. They restored the Order of the
Bath and laid much stress on the Knight of the Garter. The Knights of
the Garter have a beautiful chapel at Windsor, where each has a stall.
Though King George inherits the diplomatic qualities of his father, he
has little sporting blood in him. He keeps a racing stable and has many
fine horses. He also attends to all the large races, but he does little
betting, because the Queen is opposed to gambling. He is fond of all
outdoor sports, such as tennis, golf and polo, and he encourages his
sons in these pastimes by joining with them at these sports.
Queen Mary is an ideal companion for King George. For she believes that
to be a good Queen means first a devoted wife and mother. She is
interested in all the King's affairs, whether it is a coronation in
England and India or caring for the wounded soldiers in the hospitals in
London. She is fond of good living and dressing, but she is opposed to
everything that suggests foolish extravagance. After the coronation she
was greatly opposed to the refurnishing of Buckingham Palace. Though she
is supposed to wear her state gowns once, she has them remodeled time
and again. She objects to modern dancing, especially the hobble skirts.
She likewise frowns upon the light-hearted American social leaders, who
before her day were so popular at court. When King George ascended the
throne the Queen asked him not to smoke anything beyond an occasional
cigarette, nor to drink, to bet, nor to have ladies at his club.
The royal family has an ideal home life in London and in the country.
Much of their time is given over to sports in fine weather and reading
aloud in bad weather. At Sandringham they have great droves of pigeons,
which the entire family love and care for.
Little was known of the Prince of Wales until he became of age and
inherited his title. He went through this difficult ordeal with ease and
grace. He was educated by Mr. Hansell, an English tutor. Later he
studied at Osborne and Dartmouth. He did his year's service as a petty
officer and went through the discipline and hardships of the common
marine. When the war broke out he offered himself for active military
service, and was greatly disappointed because he was not accepted. His
brothers are being educated in the same simple and unspoiled fashion.
His oldest brother, Prince Albert, was born in 1895. He entered the
Naval College at Osborne, remained there for two years and then spent
two years at Dartmouth. The younger brothers are George, Henry and John.
Princess Mary has had her teachers at home; she is a well-educated girl,
who has given more time and thought to her study of languages and music
than to clothes. She was given her first evening gown for the coronation
and her first jewelry when she was sixteen. She will not be allowed to
make a formal début until she is of age. The Queen insists that her
daughter shall be trained to become an intelligent mother and capable
housekeeper before she marries. When she does, it must be a love match.
For Queen Mary was engaged to the Duke of Clarence, and after six weeks
of courtship he died. Shortly after she was engaged to his brother,
Prince George.
Though England and Germany are fighting each other with a death's grip
they are closely related. The Emperor is a cousin of King George, and it
is said that both King George and Emperor William wanted to bring the
two families together. It looked as though the promise would become a
reality, for the King and Queen were present at the marriage of the
Emperor's daughter--Victoria Luise--to Prince Ernest of Brunswick. The
Germans say that the label, "Made in Germany" instead of "Made in
England," along with Germany's sympathizing with the Boers, are the
causes of their animosity, while the English say that German imperialism
and militarism are to be crushed once and for all time.
TWO RUSSIAN CITIES
Though Moscow is an old city, great effort and large sums of money have
been spent making the place modern and attractive. Everywhere are the
houses surrounded with trees and gardens brilliant in color and laid out
with exquisite care.
That the city is old is shown because it is irregular and without plans,
but there are new sights at every turn. The city is inclosed by a number
of old gates. Passing under an ancient gate one reaches a narrow street
suggesting an Eastern town. Then crossing the Red Place, one passes
through the Holy Gate to the platform of the Kremlin. This part of the
town is as old as it is interesting. It is more picturesque because of
the large square and round towers surmounted by spires. The walls on one
side are skirted by the river. A splendid effect in color is had by the
gold and silver domes shimmering against the brilliant green, blue and
red of the sky. A magnificent view is had from Sparrow Hill; the ascent
is made by a steep and tortuous road. From this point the river looks
like a silver belt girding the city. On the opposite side the wooded
hills run steeply down to the water.
The general view of Moscow is brilliant and grand. The many-colored
roofs give richness to the picture. From the middle rises the fortress
of the Kremlin, the many churches send up a forest of dome-capped
towers. The Kremlin speaks of many centuries, as it was founded 800
years ago. The principal place is the Kittye Gorod in front of the
Spasskie Gorod. It is entered by a vaulted road, where is seen a
handsome and a world-famous bell, supposed to have been cast in 1800. A
great quantity of gold and silver was used in the making; the height
from the summit to the base is 16½ feet, while the greatest thickness is
22 inches.
Another interesting feature is the Museum of the Imperial Treasures. The
interior is wonderfully light and graceful. In the first hall are
resplendent banners and suits of ancient armor; the other halls are
filled with many costly treasures. There are gold, silver, agate and
crystal vases, silver tables and gold plate of every description.
The city proper is as unusual looking as the fortress. It is a lozenge
shape, lying northeast and southwest. In the center of this is an
octagonal area inclosed by a second line of ramparts or walls. This part
is really the city; beyond is a suburb laid out in gardens densely
inhabited. Within the octagon is a third area called the "Chinese City."
Its southern wall is washed by the small river Moskya. This is a
southern barrier of the Kremlin and is a fortress of nearly triangular
shape. The two outer walls are modern in style. The city is laid out in
a succession of concentric zones which start from the Kremlin. The
streets are hilly, therefore the tram cars are drawn by four and six
horses.
Then there are the droskys--vehicles set on either side with no support
to the sides or to the back. But the peasants consider the tiligae their
national vehicle. It is a rough sort of basket fixed on four or six
poles. Primitive though these carts are, they are well adapted to the
hilly and uneven roads. In the street one sees a motley crowd of
venders, myriads of women with bright-colored kerchiefs over their
heads, street-hawkers, beggars and priests in long, black, flowing
robes. The streets are lined with cobble stones and bowlders and low,
white houses, mostly one-story high.
Moscow has a number of pretty parks; the Petropki Park is the most
noted. A part is ornamented with flower-gardens and statues, and the
remainder is woodland. At the entrance are some pretty summer villas
built of wood and ornamented with fretwork.