Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1877-02-15
The "Sans SOuci' Palace.

ONE of the most delightful excursions
that can be made from any city is a trip
from Berlin to Emperor Williams sum
mer palace, called 6 Sans Souci." Leav-
ing the German capital about noon on
the railroad, the excursion may be ac-
complished very pleasantly in one after
noon. A short ride in the cars-which
cannot be compared to our own for com
fort and convenience brings the traveller
to Potsdam, a town of about 10000 or
1000 inhabitants AT this place you en-
gage a carriage-and it is we'll to make
the bargain before starting-to take you
to the palace and return. The ride is not
very long, but gives one chance to see a
little of the town and people.
Passing from the town the road enters
the forest of Sans Souci and follows the
edge of the palace grounds till the gate is
reached. No carriage save The royal
equipage is allowed to enter the grounds.
Leaving the cOachman to await your re-
turn, and, entering the gate which the
smooth driveway which winds through
woods. All this time the palace has been
hidden from sight. Suddenly it bursts
upon the view of the approaching trav-
eler. 1t is situated upon a slight emf
nence overlooking beautiful flower gar
dens, pretty lake and elegant grounds.
1t is Of light color, and shows off hand
sOmely against a background of trees.
You are at first sight disappointed, per-
haps, for, instead of grand and massive
structure, you see building of two sto-
ries, with a tower at one end.
The royal family are away and visitors
are allowed to see the mansion. A very
neat and good looking servant opens the
door and shows you about the apartments.
There are two things which impress
themselves upon the mind almost i'm
mediately, namely, the simplicity and the
elegance; there is no stately show Of
finery, as seen in the city palaces. After
writing your name in a book near the
door, you are conducted through a room
finished in oak, with quantity carved
furniture of the same, and large floor
mats of fur, to the royal apartments The
rooms are of ordinary size, neat and
simple, yet containing all the requisites, in
the way Of pictures, books, furniture and
fancy knick- knacks that tend to make a
home pleasant and attractive. We pass
through various apartments used for draw
ing-rooms, sitting-rooms, for writing,
music, reading and sewing; the views
from the windows of the private flower
garden, where fine statuary, fountains
and flows are abundant; of the sloping
lawn, bounded by forests and lake, where
float a little steamer, full-rigged ship of
very small dimensions, and other boats,
all of which are royal yachts; Of the broad
stone veranda, set with large urns and
pots of trailing vines and beautiful
tiswers. All these, | say, are superb be-
yond description.
The dining-room is after the style of
old castles; it is very large and high, of
oak finish and furniture. Near the top
there is a balcony around the room. At
tue head of the table is large, square
built, high-back chair used by the En-.
peror.
On the next floor are the sleeping
rooms. Here, too. everything is very
simple; the Emperor has room which
he uses for studying; it is provided with
all the necessary appurtenances, with
maps and charts, and in one out of the
way corner is his small cot bed, such as
he would be likely TO use in his tent on
the battlefield. In the tower is another
study and writing room; on the table are
the pen, ink and paper, as if His Majesty
had just finished a letter. From the
balcony outside fine view of the
surrounding country and palaces may
be had. Here the royal family
spend a season free from all cares of
state, and live as ordinary citizens in their
beautiful home. 1t is the only palace |
ever saw where would like to live. A
pleasant way to return to POtSdam is by
the road passing through the grounds of
the various Princes and Dukes who live
near the Emperor.-BOSton Transcript.