The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-06-15
FREDERICK,s CAREER.

FREDERICK's CAREER.
Salient Features and Striking Events In the
Life OF the Dying Emperor.
Frederick William Nicholas Charles, only son
of the late Emperor William, and his successor
on the throne of Germany, was born on the 18th
OF October. 1881, at Potscam, in the palace built
by Frederick the Great after the close Of the
Seven Years war. His mother, Marie Louise
Augusta Catherine, was the daughter of the
Grand Duke Charles Frederick, of SAKE Weimar.
At tho time Of his birth King Frederick Will
lam, his grandfather. was the Prussian
throne. Il was not until 1861 that bis father
was crowned King. though he acted as Prince
Regent for several years before that data A
very careful education bestowed the
young Prince. His mother the pupil of Goethe
and the friend of Alexander Won Humboldt. may
be said to have devoted all her time to her sons
training. Ernest Curtius. the historian
OF Greece, became his tutor, and un-
der the scholarly guidance of that
distinguished Hsllenist he was prepared for the
serious business Of life. The life led BY the
young Prince was quiet and studious. His
uncle, afterward King Frederick William ",
had been married since 1923. but Q direct issue
from this marriage being extremely doubtful,
the Prince was brought up in the expectancy Of
eventually inheriting the throne. As boy he
was cordial and kindly. His manners were SIM
pie and unassuming, and he had an ample
capacity for work.
The first acquaintance of Frederick with EN-
press Victoria dates back TO the year 1851, when
the Crown Prince. then young man Of twenty.
visifipo sha T.opdop vorlda All Ha
fascinated by the youthful eraces of Victoria,
and compared her to one of the saints in paint
ing by Titan. Much was done by the families
of both the young people to strengthen their
kindred feeling. and the seeds thus sown were
allowed to spring up during the prolonged
military service of the Crown Prince in Pots-
dam and Breslau In 1855 he, with the consent
OF his parents went TO England and formally
requested the hand of the Princess in marriage.
which was granted, with the proviso that she
should not be told until she had grown older.
But the impetuosity of the youth overrode this,
and In true romantic style the Prince offered
himself to her during a walk across the flower
ing heather of q Scotch hillside Despite the
vehement opposition of the English press and
people the marriage took place on Jan. %, 1853,
at ST. James place.
Upon the accession Of King William to the
throne the little war between the King and the
Deputies followed which ended with the King
calling Bismarck TO his council and the ultimate
triumph OF the executive
The Crown Prince bitterly opposed to
the course events were taking. He had hoped
to see prevail the principles of moderate paria-
mentary rule. But he made no sigu He alb
stained from public disapproval of ministerial
acts. He had hoped that German unity would
be accomplished by peaceful political procedure.
but it was destined to be brought about only by
the grim agency Of the sword.
1t was in the year 1864, during the Dano-
hat h.
afforded the experience Of the battlefield. He
commanded the First Infantry Division of the
Guards. his rank being that of lieutenant
general. Field Marshal Wrangel had the chief
command. and the Crown Princes position was
rather that Of an observer than q particpator.
But at the time when power was confded TO
him disputes had broken out among tho Prus-
sian generals. and his tact and good temper soon
restored peace to Headquarters From the
skirmish At the Daunowerks to the storming OF
Doppell matters went smoothly and success
fully with the Prussiars, in spite Of the vastly
overmatched but heroic ana undaunted German
army.
Two years after he appeared in the field as .
leader of armies. In 1866 when the war broke
out between Prussia and Austria, tho chief OF
his staff was Major general Blumenthai,
and be had under his orders three army corps
besides the Guard Corps under Prince Augustus
of wurtembere. The Crown Prince led his
army composed OF 125. 600 men, from Silesia
through the passes of the Sudetic hills. oper-
alton exposed to great difficulties and to consid-
cradle danger. By series of brilliant opera
tons the army pushed it's way through the
mountains. fighting severe actions at Trautenau
Narhod. Skalitz. and Schweinscbadel Before
be had practically effected his junction with
Prince Frederick Charles, General Benedek had
made preparations to attack the latter with su-
perior force. and the battle of Sadowa or Koenig-
grBtz was the result (July 3, 1867. The Crown
Prince appeared on the field unexpected by the
Austrians in the middle OF the battle. struck the
I..~ <,<~h ME A.A 1A~s IA H.
fortunes Of the day. The Crown Prince was
decorated on tho battle neld by his proud father
with the highest P.ussan military order Pour
le Merite. His march from Miletin TO Kenig-
eraetz. and his series of victories on entering Bo-
hernia, established his reputation as an ener-
getic commander.
In the war between Germany and France the
Crown Prince acted most conspicuous part
France declared war aeainrt Germany. Moltke
organized three powerful armies TO hurl against
the French. and the Crows Prince was given
the command of one of them. we'll the
leadership of the South Gsrman troops. The
close OF July. 1870, found him on the Rhine
frontier. IN command of the Third German
Army, comprising the Fifth. Sixth and Eleventh
North German corps. the First and Second Bs-
varian Corps. and the divisions furnished by
Baden. Wurtembere and Hesse. in all about
100000 men and 500 guns. Aug. he vigorously
attacked-the position held at Weissenb burg by
that portion OF Marshal MaeMahon's corps
which was commanded by Gen. Abel Douay.
The French were rrpulsed and dispersed after
a severe strnegie Following up
this important victory. the Crown Prince
attacked the united army corps Of Generalp
MacMahon. Failiy, and Canrobsrt, drawn N
position % Worth. MacMshon had under him
$4,000 men In all. and occupied . strong dsfens-
i've position on the slopes Of the Vosges. Tho
Crown Prince arrived from Weissenburg in thu
evening with army OF 80. 0c0 men, aud began
tho attack NJ next morning. rhe French line
was turned at two points. and their left and can
ter broken. notwithstanding desperats charge
Of cavalry which was ordered by MacMahou as
last resort. At the memorable engaesment near
Sedan sept y his troops and those Of Prince
Frederick Charles were engaged against the
greater part Of MacMahon's forces. and the Ger
mans succeeded In crossing the River Misuse. this
extremely dificult operation being effected by
the Grown Prince with his Prussians and
Wurtsmbsrgsrs, supported by the Bavsrians
under Gen. von der Tano. Rapidly then did
the army Of the Crown Prince push on TO Paris
he made only short halt ut Rheims
the historic city In whose splsudid Gothis caths-
drsl NEST Of the KINGS Of France from Philippe
Aueuste to Chariss X had been consecrated.
His father made his headquarters there, and
the Prince earned the gratitude Of the poorer
people Of the city by issuing order of the
DAY exsmpting them from having soldiers
billstsd on them. II V also worthy Of record
that ave days altar the sserming Of Sedan he