The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1888-05-24
A PRINCES REVENGE.
How an Austrian Archduke Stupefed 3
Critical General.

Critical General.
In European countries, where Princes
become titular Colonels at the age of
| ten. and assume actual command of a
regiment before really entering upon
their practical military education under
the guidance of some veteran General,
it occurs quite frequently that Prince
should assert the authority which his
station as member of the imperial
family insures to him over any higher
commissioned officer, to remind his
tutor of his superiority over him as a
Prince, even though he be his subordi-
nate as an officer in the field. On this
score an amusing story is whispered in
well-informed circles about the Arch
duke Johann Salvador, nephew of the
Emperor of Austria. The Prince is
described as wanton, fun-loving char
acter, and many are the anecdotes of
his humor at the expense of others,
though to his credit it is said that in
his escapades he never exceeds the
bounds of the innocent harmless.
Recently the Prince commanded his
regiment at maneuver held under
the auspices of an old and tried General,
who had lately been the favorite target
of the Princes humor. Here the GEN
eral saw his opportunity for retribu-
ton. When at the close of the man
enver, as is customary, the officers col
lected about their leader to receive his
criticisms of the different regiments,
the General expressed his satisfaction
with the troop in the main. but con-
tinued in a tone of infinite sarcasm: II
can not refrain to remark that the de-
file of No" the Princes own) "was
very unsatisfactory. The bearing of
the troop was bad; and in fact all
through the maneuver it showed poor
drilling and leadership. A rapid and
radical change would be desirable. So
speaking, with self-satisfied smile he
turned in his saddle, and entering into
conversation with an officer at his
side. he entirely ignored the presence
of the Prince. who, with cold salute,
turned his horse and galloped away.
for even he, while in the character of a
soldier would not dare to utter word
in disrespect to his superior. But if
revenge was denied to him in his pres
ent position, he could easily achieve it
in the presence of Prince. And he
was not slow to avail himself of this
opportunity.
A few minutes later, ere the group
around the commander had yet dis
persed, to the surprise of all there
sounded the well-known bugle signal
announcing the approach of member
of the imperial household. The Gen.
eral. as becomes his position, was at
the head of the staff to receive so unex-
pected visitor, when. much to his
chagrin, he perceived that it was Johann
Salvador, who had returned, accom-
panied by his attaches. With uncon-
cerned mien the Prince galloped for
ward, and returning condescendingly
the salute of the General, he demanded
from him a report of the maneuver,
which the commander could not deny
to his Imperial Highness. Then he ex-
pressed his desire to witness a defile of
the troop. to which the General had to
submit, and gave orders accordingly.
Closely the Prince scrutinized each
regiment. and when the last company
had passed him, he turned to the GEN.
eral. and amid the respectful silence of
all. he expressed in dignified language
his disapproval Of the maneuver 'Gen-
eral," he continued, ut shows poor
drilling and bad leadership. A rapid
and radical change would indeed be
very desirable. Entirely satisfied. how
ever. am l with No. ~ (again it was
the Princes own.) "Will you kindly
transmit to its commander my thanks
and my hearty approval of the excellent
bearing which that regiment has shown
during the defle?" So saying he turned
about and galloped away. leaving be-
hind him cloud of dust and the stupe-
fed General. l.-Harper's Magazine.