The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-01-17

WILLIAM II, GERMAN EMPEROR
Berlin after her design, and induced the
Japanese ambassador to advise the en-
press to purchase her wardrobe in Ger
many. And nobody can ride an Arabian
white horse or drive a four-in-hand as cor
rectly and Interestingly as Countess Fritz
Hohenau.
1t was at her residence, having sue
ceeded in gaining admittance to one of
her costume balls, that met the present
Emperor of Germany, still in his Prince
Hal days, spending money with lavish
hand, though he was already married
with the object of settling down.
Like all Hohenzollern princes he was a
conscientious, Woodworking student, and
though he was imperious and naughty in
his manner, all his associates of that
period concur in saying that he used
every opportunity to instruct himself, to
acquire wide range of observation, and
to become in knowledge superior to his
surroundings, though he had not the
slightest idea of being called to the throne
so soon.
Despite his studies, military and domes-
tic duties, he found ample time for dis
sipation.
Incognito he has enjoyed many bold
adventure. And it is said that several
daughters of honest Berlin citizens are still
waiting for their unfaithful lover, whom
they have never known to be the future
emperor. One of his hobbies was large
collection of photographs of actresses and
professional beauties. and he was ready at
any time to make a long discussion as to
the n air of soma ocfrass LolIo.
mas throat, or the eyes and nose of some
lady attending the court. He also took a
delight in hunting, being fair marksman,
and was often seen with Winchester
over his shoulder, wearing a special cos
tune, with fur-trimmed boots and fox
skin cap. With his wife he was frequently
seen on the ice during the first year of
their marriage; they each put one hand
on the shoulder of the other, forward and
backward, to the admiration of the look
ers-on, and soon after this way of skating
was greatly in fashion.
AS entered the dancing hall the polo
naise which opens every ball in Germany,
had just been finished. There was loud
buzz of conversation. The women alone
were in costume. There was an astonish-
ing array of Spanish women. sultanas,
Margarets, ETC., while the black coats of
the gentlemen threw in brilliant relief all
these gay colors and snowy shoulders and
busts. Bleichroder, the king of the Berlin
stock exchange, was represented by his
wife, with some enormous diamonds
Countess Moerenburg, q daughter of the
royal poet Pushkin. attracted special at
tentlon by her costume of the time of
Peter the Great; her red. full lips betrayed
the negro blood W hich flows through her
veins. Around her swarmed a crowd of
diplomats, artists, authors, scientists, as
well as noblemen, as the Countess Fritz
Hohenau makes no distinction, and is
willing TO patronize all, as long as they are
respectable, well dressed and posted on
points of etiquette.
Isle sind elm Glueckskind, Herr -"
she said to me. His highness Prince
Wilhelm honors me with his presence to-
night. His highness stands there"
looked IN the direction indicated by
slight movement of her head, and saw
young man standing leisurely against the
back OF chair telling an anecdote to
young countess disguised as 4 shepherd
ess. Gossip asserted that the prince was
always prepared to tell anecdotes in two
versions-one for men and another for
women. The lady listened with eager ewes
dazzling ike fireworks" and when he had
ended she concealed her laughter in an
embroidered handkerchief.
| found but little 10 admire in his out
side appearance. With his erect figure
forced into tight-htting evening dress,
his seedy complexion and hazel mnstache,
his military gait and his dietatorial de-
pertinent. he looked more like lieuten-
ant in civilians dress than Hohenzol-
Tern prince. But occasionally a nervous
shlYer seemed TO pass over his frame. and
a strange tire burned within his ewes.
While his lips affected q faint satirical
smile. Ills movements were somewhat
abrupt and awkward, yet ne showed great
SKIN III maneuyerlng around the trailing
skirts OF ladies on the polished parquet
floor. However, he did not seem to care
particularly Tor the dancing, but soon left
for the large buffet with its decanters of
wine.
Polkas, waltzes, mazurkas alternated
with square dances.
Entering the smoking-room I found him
sitting on diyan watching the whist and
roulette players, and softly humming a
melody from ''Lohengrin; he was known
as an ardent admirer of Wagner, and
never failed az any representation of his
operas.
l took seat quite near the prince. de-
SlrouS OF indlng an opportunity to enter
into a conversation with him. This wish
was granted 10 me after few minutes
waiting. This conversation, which | en-
ueaFof 10 give wosd for word as it was
actually spoken, cannot help being OF par
ucuiar interest in q time when the private
character OF the emperor is so much COM
mented upon.
Bad players" he murmured; then,
turning 10 me; "a good whist player
should Know where all cards are after
playing his NTH Is that not also your
opinion ?"
Undoubtedly. but few are initiated into
memories to such an extent" / forgot to
address him with his title.
lie took notice of it, and, with a side
LOOK, asked somewhat cynicaliy: ssIf