The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1902-03-21
DOM PAUL IN HOLLAND.
Ex-President of the Bocr Republic
Ending His Days in Simple and
Obscure Manner.

The final scenes in the long and adj
venturous career of the ex-president
of the South African Republic are be-
ing enacted at little town named
Hilversum, in Holland. According to
the latest advices, states the Philadel-
phia Public Ledger, his end cannot be
very far off, and one OF the most re-
markable men of the last century Will
disappear forever from the stage of
human affairs. Mr.. Kruger inhabits
a small, two-storied house, known as
Casa Cara, similar in every way to the
residence of the wealthy Dutch mer-
chants, and of the usual type OF coun-
try houses in Holland. There are
grounds surrounding the building in
which the president spends good por-
ton of each day.
Hilversum is a town of about $4,000
inha bitants, and is half an hours ride
by rail from Amsterdam. 1t is IA
vorite country residence of the Dutch,
being very healthful and quiet. Dom
Paul rises early, according to his life
long custom, takes a cup of black cof-
fee the first thing in the morning and
when dressed repairs to the garden,
where he remains, as rule, till half-
past nine. During this time he goes
through his mail, which has previously
been classified for him by his private
secretary. He always takes with him
on these occasions his two inseparable
companions, a large pipe and large
old-fashioned Bible with large metal
clasps.
Although he knows the sacred book
almost by heart, especially those OF
the Old Testament, and can always
quote an appropriate passage from
the Bible suitable for any given emer-
gency, yet he, nevertheless, reads his
Bible every day under the shade OF
large tree in the pleasant grounds OF
the villa. At noon precisely, for Mr..
Kruger is nothing if not methodical,
he takes cold luncheon with his par
ty, which, as rule, consists of his
nephew, Mr.. Eloff, who is also his pri-
vate secretary, and Mr.. van Boschoe-
ten, ex-chief of the Transvaal minis
try; Messrs. van Ven and Breedel, who
are in attendance on the aged ex-presi-
dent. His faithful servitor, Happe, and
Belgian physician, DR.. Heymans, al
ways accompany him. The latter has
forbidden him the use of any wine or
liquors, his only drink being mineral
water. After luncheon Mr.. Kruger
takes siesta, which lasts till four
o'clock in the afternoon. He then goes
for drive in carriage bearing the
former arms and escutcheon of the
Transvaal, and returns to the house by
six o'clock. 1t pleases the old man
greatly to observe the general respect
which he meets with from all classes
of the public and even the children
strike up the Boer national anthem.
which everyone knows in Holland, as
he passes by. He takes supper at half
past six, and retires invariably at eight
p. m.
His undaunted spirit does not appear
to be crushed by the reverses which
have overtaken his beloved country,
and from time to time he observes:
eve are strong as ever we were; we
can continue this fight right along and
will never admit defeat" brave, but
ill-considered expressions from the
lips of this most remarkable old man
whose name will undoubtedly drift
down to the remotest posterity.