, 1886-02-06
EMPEROR WILLIAMS DOMESTIC LIFE.
I'll. Vale, d. chambr.-casine, Brio-.-


The Valet do chambrs-cabinst Bric-A-
brae-Personal Habits.
His majesty detests new clothes, as he
feels himself so much more at home in
his old ones; n worn-out uniform serves
him as n robe de chambre; a pair Of loose
old slippers add to his comfort during
the morning hours, and when he is ready
TO go TO his working cabinet he finds
awaiting him his faithful Engel. the
doyen of servants, who pours out a bowl
Of steaming tea. This valet de chambre
is a sep-tuagenarian and by no means so
robust as his master, who treats him
with the easiest familiarity, chats with
him on a footing OF perfect equality, and
asks every morning after his health in a
most ELUSIVE and o~ff-handed way.
The emperor's cabinet is so taken up
with furniture, art objects, bric-a-brac,
broideries executed by members OF the
imperial family, of presents sent from
all parts Of the country, especially
on fete days, hat one can scarce
pick his steps through it. A big mass
OF papers and documents are always
lying on the emperor's desk. His
majesty reads all Of them before affix-
ing his signature and often annotates,
when there is space, with n Of those
large, dull lead-pencils used by carpen-
tiers in marking boards. He writes with
difficulty, rs one of his fingers is a little
stiff, the result Of a wound received many
years ago while hunting. After this
first hour of comparative rest, his
majesty's real days work begins. He
completes his toilet; and like a true sol
dier-which he has always been and will
be to the end-confers with the chief Of
his military cabinet and hen with his
ministers. who enter his study one at n
time. For other audiences he passes into
n simply-furnished salon, the few orna-
ments and broideries of which nave been
made by the members of the imperial
family. The emperor has a pronounced
liking for the bluebottle, the simple
flower of the corn fields. In the choice
Of ornaments this weakness of his
majesty is never forgotten. The blue
bottle forms the basis of all the en-
broidered bouquets.
Emperor William does not smoke or
take snuff. Neither does he wear spec
tacles. When reading or writing he
uses IN eye-glass, although he does not
wish to admit that his sight is growing
weak. His majesty sleeps as soundly as
the healthiest of youths, and never takes
n rest during the course of the day. He
has been caught nodding, however, on a
few occasions within the past year or
two when the receptions were too pro-
tracted. He always receives standing
up in his salon, after having changed his
old uniform for n more correct one.
Should he receives prince who has CON
ferred on him the purely honorary COM
mand Of a regiment that bears his name,
his majesty always wears the uniform of
that particular regiment. In this respect
there is eve the slightest d%erogation
from the rigid rule of etiquette. Hence
his majesty has frequently TO change his
uniform three or four times within an
hour or two.
The reports from the military and civil
authorities generally last from 10 a. m.
TO 1 p. m. After this the emperor takes
his breakfast, always alone, so that he
may not be Obliged to talk. The repast is Of
the simplest kind-eggs and a chop-and it
lasts only twelve or fifteen minutes. The
hhptlihl Dbl 9lIliilS iAhNt bluo "a btfi
unable to induce this vigorous old man
10 take a little repose after his long
mornings work, and they have been
equally C sful in their attempts TO
make his majesty forego certain dishes
Of uneasy digestion, such as lobster. of
which he is passionately fond. His
majesty has three physicians. DIR. Lauer.
chief physician of the staff, that is the
highest medical position in the army,
and Drs. Lenthold and Thiemann, both
distinguished in their profession.
Shortly after dinner his majesty takes
a promenade in the park, and about .
o'clock his majesty returns to the palace,
where he receives the commands of the
empress for the evening. The personal
relations existing between this augu st
couple, though for a time a little troubled
ON political questions, are charming in
their simplicity, save on great ceremonial
occasions. The imperial pair always
thou and thee" one another. like the
average run of husbands and wives
Cor. New York World.