The San Francisco call., 1899-05-07

" HE visit Of Princess Salm- -Salm,
who arrived in New York last
Wednesday, to the United States,
as well as her unique mission, re-
calls to Americans not only an in
tensely interesting personality but
also a chain Of unusual and exciting
events connected with the lady.
Who Is the Princess P
She has been q circus rider.
She has been a rope dancer.
She has been soldier in three wars.
She was regularly commissioned a cap
tain in the War Of the Rebellion.
She was an army nurse and spy.
Common soldiers have died in her arms,
but her hands have been kissed by kings.
She was the friend of President Lin
coin. the friend Of the Emperor Maxi
milan Of Mexico, the friend Of old Kaiser
Wilhelm.
She has worn the soldiers uniform of
three countries.
She has been wounded twice in war.
She rode through the rebel lines in the
South on the cowcatcher Of an engine.
She stopped troop train because she
had forgotten to bring her lapdog.
She kissed President Lincoln at a public
banquet in Washington, and ever after
ward Mrs. Lincoln referred to her as
''that Mrs. Salm-S -Salm."
She obtained a reprfeve for the En-
peror Macmillan and all but secured his
escape.
She was pensioned and publicly thanked
by the Austrian Government for her aid
to the Inflated Maximilian.
She has seen many tragedies and many
sorrows. She has never lost her cheerful
philosophy She is the soldier princess, -
but she is the Laughing princess, too.
The Princess, as many old New Workers
will remember, is the widow of Prince
Felix Constantine Alexander John Nepo-
mucene Salm-Salm Of Anhalt.
While on this present visit to this, her
native country, the Princess will seize
the opportunity to restore to the Eighth
and Sixty-eighth New York volunteer
regiments six regimental battle flags
presented TO the colonel, Prince Salm-
Salm during the War of the Rebellion.
Princess Salm-Salm has many titles to
consideration besides her royal alliance.
Throughout the Civil War she served as
nurse. and devoted her pay as captain to
the relief Of sick and wounded soldiers.
Her husband subsequently went to Mex
leo, where he served on the staff Of Max
imilian sharing that unfortunate mon
arch's downfall. Through his talented
wifes diplomacy the Princes life was
spared, but her utmost efforts were un-
availing to save the Emperor. Her devo-
tion, however was recognized by the En-
perOr of Austria, who granted her a pen
sion Altogether the life Of this American
girl. who rose from circus performer to
Princess, is in every way remarkable.
Created Sensation in New York.
Prince Salm-Salm and his youthful bride
were the sensation here in New York for
a few seasons during the Civil War times.
Many stories were told at the time about
her obscure origin, unconventional career
and Of the first meeting and wooing which
united the fortunes of the fair American
girl and her royal lover. The Princess
was silent when questioned about her
birth, and never refuted any stories which
came TO her ears.
Love at first sight and a heart given
through the language Of the eyes to a
fiaxen-haired, blue-eyed German Prince
wearing the Union blue marked the begin
ming of life romance for Agnes Le-
clercq. She was an unconventional fear
less circus rider and born actress flut-
3ering in the gay circles of the capital in
fine early days of the war Miss Leclercq
was one of party of visitors who went
the rounds of the camp to see the sights
one afternoon. Handsome and gallant
Prince Salm- -Salm served on the staff of
his fellow countryman, General Luis Blen-
ker. The army lay in front Of Washington
that afternoon, and the Prince was among
the notables introduced to the Independent
little American girl. Though he was
handicapped by his slight knowledge Of
English, he found the language Of the eyes
more expressive than tongue.
A brief camp courtship led to the altar.
and Miss Leclercq, the sprightly rider,
was made the Princess Salm-Salm. Such
q marriage would not necessarily involve
a remarkable career, but when a soldier
Is a Prince Of stoical stock there are pos
abilities in the situation. And the Prin-