New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-09-04
devotees. is something which challenges the adj
ILLUSTRATIONS nerve and its self-respect.
KING WILLIAM IN POSEN.

Kings have their uses; sometimes to rebUke
those who are more royal than themselves. An
illustration Of the fact is at present seen in the
visit of the King Of Prussia to Posen That
Holy City of the Poles has long been the centre
of violent disaffection against the Prussian
Government. to such an extent that men were
recently talking about the impossibility OF the
Kings visiting ii, unless at the head OF an army
OF 100000 men, For some disafection there is.
no doubt, ample cause. The Poles feel. as they
have felt ever since the iniquitous partition OF
their Fatherland, that they are held in subjec-
ton by an alien race. Beyond that they have
been nagged at and harassed by the petty
bureaucracy of Prussan red tape function
aries. than whom there are none more tactess
in the world It is indeed impossible to con-
ceive entirely harmonious relations between
two peoples so radically unlike as the phleg-
matte. sold. matter-of-fact Prussians and the
nervous, Impuisive imaginative Poles.
Now. King William goes to Posen without
any such overwhelming escort or extraordinary
preparations as were prescribed. He appears
to be in no more danger than he would be IN
Berlin. He is not greeted with insults. 1t may
be true as some dispatches say. that some OF
the Poles look on in sullen apathy, raising
neither flags nor voices in his honor. 1t is IN
questionable true. as our own correspondent at
Posen reports that many of them are shouting
themselves hoarse in his honor and are vylng
with the PrussianS in the cordial enthusiasm
of their greeting. That is because as our cor
respondent explains discomfort and dlsanecuon
gre directed against the bureaucrats VINO are
30 much more royal than the King, and not
against the King himself, who, indeed. has
much personal popularity and prestige among
his Polish subjects. There is reason TO expect
that on this visit his tact-of which he has
nlanrv on occasion-and the strong appeal
which he must inevitably make through his
engaging. personality 10 the Imagination OF the
Poles. will greatly increase his popularity and
prestige and 90 far toward alternating the trou-
bles in his eastern provinces
The King and Emperor doubtless realizes the
Importance of his mission 10 Posen. 1t Is his
move in a game of Kaiser against Gar. For
the Russian Gar has for the last five years
been eagerly conciliatlng the Poles and cult
waiting their goodwill. that those IN Prussia
have looked with envy upon those in Russia.
and have regarded the Car their friend and
rossihlv their redeemer from Prussian oppres
sion. The Car adopted such policy toward
the Poles because he was then just about to
consummate his great betrayal and spoliation
Of Finland and he did not want to have trou-
he in both Poland and Finland at the same
time. Regardless OF his motive. however. the
Poles accept his liberal reforms with gratitude.
and a great pro Russian sentiment has thus
been developed in the Polish provinces of Prus-
sfa-a circumstance probably not at all displeas-
ing TO the Car II therefore behooves the King
Of Prussia and German Emperor to counteract
that DEVELOPMENT, and to do so. we may well
believe is by no means the least object OF his !
visit To P0sen