The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-09-01
BAVARIArS MAD KING.
The Pitiable Condition IN Which
King Otto Lives
Although HoHored BY His Subjects His
Death Would Be Considered Bless
Ing to Them and Their
Country.

The reign of the mad King Otto, of
Bavaria. unfortunately for the country
and the people. promises 70 continue for
some time. The marvellous Wittelsbach
| strength. according 20 trustworthy re
/ ports, has enabled the king to recover
from the effects Of the physical weak
| ness which overeame him short time
ago. He may live for years IN the semi
| conscious state in which he is found a
great part OF the time As matter of
course he has the best medical care and
attendance possible. and the physicians
co all in their power 70 prolong his IN
happy and miserable existence. No
other course Is possible, but his death
would be a relief to the country and 70
Germany.
Although as a rule he is unable 70
recognize his relatives, attendants or
friends. and remains for hours notion
less in his padded room, he has lucid in
tervals. Not great while ago he sud
denly recognized his attendants ard be-
came cognizant OF bis lofty position A
cavalier about the castle asked him If
ne did not wish to show himself to his
subjects in Munich
GLADLY. gladly, would go to Nh
mich" he is said TO have replied with
look Of ir7epressible sadness IN his eyes,
but my people wish TO see a well king,
and am sick. Yes, yes, yes, am sick.
and these terrible fancies viii not leave
me-"
Upon another occasion he demanded
suddenly that his attendants take him
to his capital In order to avoid an at
tack Of violent excitement, probable In
case of q refusal, stout carriage was
summoned to the castle steps The
king, one Of the physicians and an at
tepdant, clad in his royal livery TO
avoid suspicion, entered the coach,
which started on its journey. Looking
out of the window the king saw
meadow almost covered with yariously-
hued flowers He expressed the desire
to gather bouquet TO present to his
mother, and the coachman stopped
while he plucked the flowers. But the
work was too firing, and he returned TO
tie carriage completely exhausted. He
was taken back TO the caste and placed
in bed. When he awoE1e the following
morning his reason was again clouded
and he had entirely forgotten his visit
10 Munich
The greatest difficulty which con-
fronts the kings physicians is 10 per-
suade him to eat. He IS an inveterate
smoker Of cigarettes. At times the doc
tors take advantage of his weakness.
Upon one occasion they placed a pack
age of cigarettes on the table next TO
his plate When the king entered the
dining-room he rushed at once toward
the cigarettes, but the attendant physi-
clan quickly threw a napkin over them,
saying at the same time: The cigarettes,
your majesty, must follow the dinner"
Keeping the tobacco in sight during the
meal time, the doctor induced the
king to eat some nourishing food. He
received his reward at the proper time.
But such subterfuges are not always
successful. Although the good Bava-
rians celebrate his natal day with be-
coming loyalty, they would, one and
all. welcome his death as detverance
to the country. Prince Leopold, the
regent, is popular, and his son promises
to become one OF the most enlightened
monarchs who have sat upon south
German thrones.