The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-09-07
HOW KAISER WILHELM'S SIS
TER WAS WON.

1t VIII be remGrlDereu That the emperor
William the First Of Germany, Immediately
after the preliminaries of peace had been
signed at Versailles, sent to St. Petersburg
q telegram in which he expressed to the Gear
his gratitude for the friendly attitude which
Russia had maintained during the progress
Of the Franco Prussian War, and in which
he frankly admitted that Germany was in
debted to the sincere friendship Of her power
full eastern neighbor for the comparatively
limited dimensions Of the gigantic conflict.
Unquestionably, the political interests OF
Russia, and above all, her wel-known policy
in the Eastern question, have mainly CON
tributed to her partiality for Prussia but
not an insignificant share in this partiallty
must also be attributed to personal considera-
tions, to that near relationship which for up
wards of half a century has existed between
the dynasties of Russia and Prussia, for AL
exander the Second, the present Emperor
Of Russia, is son of the Princess Charlotte
of Prussia, and the sister of the present En-
beror of Germany
The bctrothal and marriage of this prin-
cess with Nicholas, who was then oniya grand
duke. but became atterward the Emperor of
Russia, forms one of the sweetest and most
romantic loYe episodes in the world of Euro
pean courts, which is usually so devoid of
love and romance, and would, on that &C
count aloue deserve being remembered, quite
regardless Of the historical interest which will
henceforth adhere to all the members Of the
family of the conqueror Of France.
Princess Charlotte was born in the year
1Hno I -. oG
Frederick William the Third, of Prussia,
and his beautiful and accomplished wife,
Queen Louisa. Her early childhood elapsed
amid scenes of terror and humiliation for the
royal family of Prussia, and nobody would at
that time have veutured to predict the bril-
liant career which Providence kept in store
for this child, born and brought up under
such fatal auspices Charlotte was just six
teen, when, in the year 1914, the Grand
Duke Nicholas, on his way to the camp Of
the allied armies of France passed through
Berlin, and was warmly welcomed as an hon
ored guest at the royal place. The descrip-
ton which those, who saw and knew the
grand dyke at that time, have given of the
Incompatible graces of his person and mind,
makes it easy for us to imagine that the heart
of young lady just budding into woman
hood was captivated and charmed by him al
most at the first sight. Well he might have
said with CAESAR, Il came, I saw, | conquer
ed.' The princess fell in love with him,
and fortunately for her, the young grand
duke returned her loye fully as passionately.
At that lime, however, the matchless per-
sonal charms of the grand duke were not en-
HANGED by political prospects OF the most ex-
allied character He was not even eventually
considered an heir to the imperial crown Of
Russia. 1t is true, Alexander the First, his
brother, had no children, but in the case Of
his death, which could not be expected soon
the Grand Duke Constantine was to inherit
the throne of Peter the Great, and leave to
Nicholas at best but the position OF first
prince of the blood Nevertheless, Frede-
rick William, charmed alike by the beauty
and intellect Of his guest, and by the hope Of
uniting the sovereign houses of Prussia and
Russia by the close ties of family union
greeted the prospect of a marriage between
the grand duke and his daughter with enthu-
siasm. especially when he discovered that tho
Young folks themselves were very fond o.
each other.
The king then delicately insinuated to his
daughter that if she had taken liking to the
grand duke, and had reason to believe that
the prince enter tanned similar feelings toware
her, their marriage would meet with no OBJ
lection on his part. But the young princess
although secretly delghting IN hope which
so fully responded to the secret wishes OF bel
heart, was either too proud or too bashful t.
confess to her father her love for the CRANE
duke, who had not made any declaration t.
her.
In this manner the day approached OF
which the grand duke was to Leave Berlin
On the eve of his departure grand gala sup
ner was given to his honor at the royal palace
and, by way Of accident or policy, the youp:
Princess Charlotte was seated by the side 9
her distinguished admirer. The grand duk
was uncomi6maoonly taciturn during the evening
Hishigh forehead was clouded, and his gloom
eyes seemed to follog in the space vagu
phautoms fitting before bis imagination
Repeatedly he neglected to answer question
! .ddrasod n him. and when he was asked