New-York tribune., 1901-04-14
THE KAISER'S DANGER.
ED WITH THE MAIADY WHICH
CRAZED HIS GRANDUNCLE.

~~N~
Germany occupies important and com
uanding position among the great powers of
tie world that the persistent rumors which have
been current for some days concerning the
mental condition of monarch who for the last
twelve or thirteen years has been not merely in
supreme control of the Teuton ship of state, but
likewise, so TO speak, the handspring of move
nent in every branch Of German life and activ
fly, cannot but prove a source of grave concern
to the entire world. It may be questioned wheth-
er there has been sovereign COM
pletely Identified with his people, one whose
personality figured to such extent in the
everyday existence of his subjects of high and
low degree. Although theoretically his power is
restricted by all sorts of constitutional linn
iations, he has, through the dominating nature
Of his Individuality become in many respects
virtually an absolute ruler. Indeed, the most
eloquent tribute to his brilliancy is that in
tellectual and progressive a nation as the Ger
should have for more than decade sub
r-nitted entirely to his influence and direc-
ton
That ruler occupying such position should
become incapactated to the degree of rendering
the establishment of a regency necessary at
, moment VIXEN international affairs in such
state Of confusion at present would be
little short of a calamity, and it is no exaggera-
ton 10 declare that Emperor William is Of all
mouarchs the one whom the world least
spare this juncture. According to Prussian
law and TO the terms of the constitution of the
German Empire the regency would devove. not
upon any prince of mature age and experience
tut upon TIE eldest son of the Kaiser, who is
not yet nineteen years old. There can be no
question as his right to the regency not
merely Of the kingdom OF Prussia but likewise
Of the entire German Empire. For. whereas the
ccf., ion 5..crpes
Of regency becoming necessary it should be
vested in the prince who having attained his
le@al majority is the next in line of success
sIon 10 the King, the imperial constitution or
dams that the Presidency Of the Confederation
known as the German Empire, and the powers
Of that Presidency, shall invariably be held by
the ruler Of Prussia for the time being no mat
ter whether King or Regent
A. regent the Crown Prince could not even
reIv to any extent upon the assistance and
advice Of his fathers own brother, Prince Henry.
For the larters political views are so diarnetri
cal3y opposed in many respects to those of the
X ser that he has been purposely kept aloof
r. IA the affairs of state, compelled until few
we--ks ago to make his nome at kiel, instead Of
al I;erln and forced to spend nearly two years
in Virtual exile in the Far Orient Nor is there
any other Prussian prince TO whom the Crown
Prince could look for counsel, for Prince Fred
er:ck Leopold the Kaisers brother-in-law, is,
in:e lectualiy speaking, a lightweight, who is
kr5Yn at Berlin as the "GigcrI koeniS'; or,
Us; Of the Duces,' while Prince Albert who
expeIiences difficulties in fulfilling the duties of
recent over the tiny Duchy Of brunswick, is
famous the tallest, the most handsome and
the dullest scion Of the reigning branch Of the
Hohenzollern family. Indeed, the young Crown
Prince as regent would be thrown virtually upon
his own resources and there is every reason to
believe that the very circumstances of his youth
and inexperience would go far to loosen the
bonds that unite the different sovereign
States of Germany into one homogeneous en-
pire.
OF course. all this may sound premature. and