The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1897-09-30
A GOOD NATURED EMPEROR
BY wM. Il. WEBB.

1t was one of the fancies of Joseph
IL, Emperor of Austria, to travel about
his dominions, as we'll as into foreign
countries. in the garb of a private ci-
tizen, unattended by any suite By
SO doing. he arrived at many facts re-
garding the condition of his subjects,
which otherwise might never have
fallen under his observation. His love
for adventure was also gratified, and
he enjoyed greatly the luxury of do
ing good Ivy surprise, an eccentrity of
his, ont of which many anecdotes haye
arisen,
While travelling through a remote
district, in the year 17S1, he heard
sounds of festivity proceeding from a
roadside inn, and inquired of the
landlord what the occasion of the revel
might be.
"1here is wedding party in the
house, SIR" replied the host.
Can | take the liberty of joining
them ?" asked the emperor, whose per
sonal appearance was unknown to the
inhabitants of the place.
The landlord obtained the neces
sary permission. and the distinguish
ed stranger was introduced to the
bridal party. Being man of great
social gifts, he quickly made himself
very popular with them, drank the
health of the happy couple in bum
per OF wine, and made what reporters
call meat and appropriate speech"
on the occasion. After some time he
took leave of his new acquaintances,
whose astonishment may be guessed
at when they found, under bottle on
the table. check for six hundred flo
rims, payable at sight, signed by the
Emperor Joseph H.. and endorsed,
IA dowry for the BRIDE
Once travelling "by postn-that is,
hiring fresh horses at certain stages
by the way-the emperor arrived at
a station whnre no horses were to
be had. The innkeeper excused him
self by saying that his wife had lately
presented him with a SOD. and that
all his horses were employed in fetch
ing friends and relatives of the fami
ly from all quarters to assist in the
christening, which was to take place
that afternoon. The royal visitor at
once teudered his services to hold the
infant at the sacred font, an offer
which was gladly accepted by the inn
keeper, who was quite fattered at the
idea of fine gentleman acting in
this capacity for him, instead of the
burly relative of the family who had
already been engaged to do so. When
the proper time arrived, the priest
asked the sponsor to state his name.
Joseph" replied the emperor.
"And your family name!" Well"
down Joseph Second" ''But it will
I've necessary to add your station in
life and occupation" "Ah. yes! my
trade, YOU mean; say / am an emperor
then" There was a sensation at this
among the guests, and the poor inn
Keeper nearly went into a fit through
fright; but the emperor quickly reas
sured him, and left some substantial
tokens of good will for his little god
son before taking leave.
Once he was expected to pass
through small town in France, and
tie good people were on tip toe to see
the emperor. 1t SO happened that be
arrived there alone, and before any OF
his suite. The landlady of the little
hostelry where he put up being a gos
siping sort of an old body, put all
sorts of questions to him to find out
whether he belonged to the emperor's
suite, and the way in which he par
ried them convinced her that he did
AT last, as she brought him some hot
water for shaving. unable to control
her curiosity any longer, she boldly
asked the stranger what kind of slt
uation he held about the emperor
Il sometimes shave him." replied
he, lathering his chin with great
composure.
When at Paris. he once hired car
riage to take him to the Luxembourg
Gardens As he was on his way, the
driver expressed much satisfaction al
being engaged to go there. saying
that the Emperor Joseph was expect
| ed to be ct the Gardens that very day
and that he should like above al
things to see hiIn, hoping they NIGH
arrive in time. The stranger assured
J him that there was no fear of tn,