The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-11-02
A FAVORITE AT
KING KARL'S COURT.
An American Who Rules in the
Kingdom of Wurtemberg.
The Strange History Of Richard W. Jackson
Of S.eubsnville, 0hio-Born on Farm,
Nav Kings Privy Counselor

ngRoBABLY very few Americans are
10y aware that the kingdom OF Wurtem-
AVA berg, belonging to the great empire of
Germany, is ruled indirectly of course, by an
American, or more properly an ex- American.
This. as all other royal secrets, is very well
known TO the people, but, not wishing to
form a two years intimate acquaintance with
the "Zuchthaus," they wisely keep their
mouths closed. But it is nevertheless fact,
Richard w. Jackson, who holds what some
may consider an envlable position,
was born at Steubenvlle, Ohio. His father,
WHO is farmer at that place. was cousin
of tie famous Stonewall Jackson. accord
ing to a writer for the Globe Democrat.
Like nearly all farmers sons, he toiled on
the old farm and attended the village schools,
and afterward entered one of the Ohio col
Ieges, but being of a decidedly musical taste,
and having exceptional talent, he decided to
make music his profession, and toward tn at
end he left the college he was attending be-
fore graduating and came to the city of SLUT
CART, capital of Wurtemberg, which is cele-
DRAFTED the world over for its conservatory.
Here he devoted himself diligently to his
music and tc acquiring the German language
with great success, when an accident oc
CURED that for while seemed to blot the
entire future of this ambitious American.
The muscles of his hand from constant
practice became paralyZed, making 1t
utterly impossible for him to continue his
musical studies. Frendless, almost pennl-
less, in strange country, forced to re-
nounce that which he had been striving so
hard to gain, mis- position was anything but
a happy one.
While in this embarrassing predicament
good angel, in the person OF Hon. +. >.
appointed United States Consul at SUIT
CART by President Grant in July, 1878, and
upon reaching his post and taking charge
looked around for competent CLERK, and be-
coming
ACQUAINTED WITH MIR. JACKSON,
Offered him the position. which was, as can
be imagined, gladly accepted. Nor. did 1t
prove an unwise selection. MI jackson
devoted himself to his new studies as in
dustrously and energetcally AS he had
done to his music. After being in the office
for about year Mr.. Porter appointed Jack
confirmed by the Secretary of State.
As Vice-COnSui Mr.. jackson did his duties
ably and periodically, and out of office
hours, music being denied him, used to take
long walks in the many beautiful parks, of
which Stuttgart has large number. During
these walks Mr.. Jackson often met the King.
sometimes ON foot, sometimes riding, and
upon these occasions would politely raise
his hat to the King and bow, which would
as politely be acknowledged The King
manner and pOliteness, and made inqui-
ries as to who he was, and then requested
personal interview. In answer 10 this
invitation Mr. jackson visited the King at
his palace and made such an impression
upon his Majesty that he was asked TO re-
sign his commission as Vice Consul of the
United States and become one of the royal
court Jackson, with American shrewdness.
wished to make good bargain secure, and
toward that end had sundry important and
F,,ll dad anfe draNu md
signed by each. He thereupon resigned his
position as Vice-Consul, renowned his
American citizenship and Swere allegiance
to the King of Wurtemberg and the Emperor
of Germany.
He returned to his modest clearinghouse
to pack his few effects and be called fer by
the royal coach, with footman gorgeous in
shining livery. Upon his appearance they
bowed and kept ON bowling until he was
comfortably seated, and then the coach
where suite of five apartments, luxuri-
ously furnished. awaited him, and a host of
footmen stood ready for his call. This
sounds more like an ARABIAN Nights" tale
than the truthful account OF an occurrence in
aciviiized country like Germany. large an
nual stipend was settled upon Mr.. jackson
for life, and. as there was no court vacancy,
one was created, namely,
"READER TO HIS MAJESTY"
To meet the emergency. Only two other
crowned heads have court readers-Enl-
perur of Germany and Queen Vietoria-and.
therefore, by one being created in Wurtenl-
berg the honor for Mr.. Jackson was con-
sidered exceptional 1t was not long before
other honors began to come. The King of
Holland presented him with the knights
Cross of the Golden Lion of Nassau" the
order of the house of Luxembourg. The
King of SaXony, then visiting Stutt-
CART, was so highly pleased with the
ex-American that he bestowed on him
the knights Cross of the Albert Order"
The Emperor Joseph of Austria invested
him with the very ancient Order of the
Iron Crown of AUSTRIA" one of the highest
gifts that the Austria monarch could be-
stow. The King of Wurtemberg, about
month after Mr.. Jackson's appearance
"Geheimer Hofratb," and made him his
Prvy Counselor, and few weeks later
gave him the knights Cross of the Crown
of Wurtemberg." besides making him a
Baron.
This was in 1881. Since then titles, hon
ors and presents innumerable have been re-
ceved by Mr.. jackson, OF rather Baron Won
Jackson. In the royal stables are magnifi-
cent Arabian steeds at his disposal; every
thing that heart could wish or mind suggest
is his for the asking. 1t is not strange, then,
that the King, with his peculiar infatuation
for Mr.. Jackson. should be completely
swayed by his influence, and is in all mat
tiers almost completely guidedby him. They
are constant companions, aud although he
is bitterly hated by ali those noble-born
arstOcratS over whose heads he jumped
they must hide their chagrin and treat him
with the greatest respect and consideration,
OF else incur the royal displeasure.
The Crown Prince also hates jackson, so
when the present King Karl dies Mr.. Jack
! son will be forced to leave the royal palace;
but that is all, for his titles, income, orders,
etc, cannot be taken away. They are as
stable and strong as the kingdom itself.
This ex-American is now about As years
old, feet inches high, heavily set, weigh
ing about 200 pounds, broad-shouldered,
sQuare-faced, with brown mustache and
hair. His eyes are blue and have rather
pleasing expression, but altogether he is
certainly far from handsome. He is an