Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-12-11

49, HE German emperor at the fun
eral OF the great gun-maker was
a most unique and striking figure.
Herr Krupp was not royal In
birth-he started life as a workman-and
his fame as a gun-maker had spread
abroad throughout the civilized world;
nevertheless. the emperor had pro-
found respect for his subject. who had
made Germany famous in the mechanic
arts
Herr Krupp had established a pension
system for his thousands OF workmen.
He had exerted himself to great effect in
other ways 70 make their lot happier and
better. But his private character was
bitterly assailed in a German newspaper
Just before he died. and the stories were
exceedingly unpalatable to his friends,
who saw their effect on the dying man be-
fore the breath left him. and who were
indignant after his demise. that he should
not have been spared such attacks be-
cause OF his endeavor 10 help the working
classes in Germany.
II seems that gossip or Islander Is no re-
specter OF persons. and the last days OF
the Millionaire gun-maker were embittered
BY the attacks made upon hin-possibly
Fastening his death
But the kaiser was In nowise deferred
By such unpleasantness. He attended the
funeral OF Herr Krupp-his personal
friehd-and made a fine address TO the
Krupp workmen. Said he:
Those who were intimately acquainted
with the departed know with what a deli
cate and sensitive nature he was endowed,
and that offered the only point of attack
through which q mortal blow might be
dealt 20 him.
This man. who tas German 20 the
core. who lived always only for others
and for the welfare OF the Fatherland,
and above all for his own workmen.
had his honor aSsailed- I considered II
my duty TO stand beside the widow and
daughters OF my friend. Certain special
circumstances which attended the sad
event also impelIed me. as the supreme
head Of the empire. to be present here IN
order TO hold the shield of the German
emperor over the house and memory OF
the dead"
This Is remarkable language. coming
from royal lips. which are usually very
sensitive in cases like this-and II presents
the emperor in a decidedly new role
Kaiser william Is an extraordinary man.
He is a unique Observation-Disclosures
fn speech and action-and compels admira-
ton because OF his independence. He is,
however. a thorough German In thought
and devotion to his country. he Is un-
English In many respects-although his
mother and grandmother. Victoria, were
EANl&l 10 cure never uA1 hAONN
HIS indifference to criticism more plainly
than IN making the funeral grafton over
the famous dead gun-maker.
Whether Herr Krupp was guilty or not
OF immoral habits-Kaiser william deter
mined TO show himself loyal friend to
the widow and the daughters: ana history
fails 10 present a more Striking charac-
ter than this great ruler. shedding tears
OF sympathy over one of the working class
and finging defiance in the faces OF the
workman's detractors.
He walked behind the hearse on foot
and. as explained. took part in the funeral
ceremonies.
I like the emperor much better for this
evidence OF human sympathy In a crucial
moment Of the dead mans history. He
proved himself a man as well as ruler
two conditions not always Joined together
IN such loyal outspoken fidelity.
"A touch OF nature makes the world akin"
Zhe kaiser Is gifted with a heart as
well as with mind. He is a brave man
also. II is no trouble 20 pass compliments
and drape collins with flowers, -zhen the
world says Amen" but II is truly
brave person who can stand up, and beat
back the waves 70 save a friends name
from obloquy and detraction-