New-York tribune., 1907-06-19
KAIsER's ENVOY A WAC.

Baron Won Kiderlen Waechter who has been ap-
pointed to represent the Kaiser at Constantnople
during the absence of the ambassador, Baron Mar
schal Won Biehersein, at the Hague conference IS
one OF the ablest men in the German diplomatic
service and has long formed part of the imme-
date encourage of the Kaiser. He is the life and
eoul OF the kaisers annual yachting parties, his
wtticsms. his antics and his infmitabe talent for
Ihlliicry Keeping everybody, the sailors of
Iie f1ohenzollern, in continued of laughter.
II IS on this account that he is known in the i'm
perlal circle by tho nickname of August" that
neing the sobrquet given TO the clowns belonging
- - tle variety shows and Crcuses on Continental
Europe. He Is. however, extremely sensitive to
newspaper criticism, and on one occasion. when
ne had been charged In a Berlin journal with hav-
ing taken advantage of tho imperial favor, won
cy h!ncry and practical Joking to foster the irri-
tatlca between the Court of Berlin and Friedrichs-
rune. ne challenged the editor to duel, and sent
quill
For this escapade the baron who was at the time
German Minister Plenipotentiary the Court of
Denmark was condemned to three months i'm
prisonment in fortress. duelling being forbidden
ny German law. His incarceration in the military
fortress Of Ehrenbretstein on the Rhine was alb
solutey unprecedented. Amba assadors and ENJOYS
are on record as having been imprisoned by SOW
erelghs 10 whose courts they were accredited. in
defiance Of all the laws Of international right regu-
lating intercourse between civilized nations: but
ms was the first occasion Of government taking
the unheard Of step OF falling Of its en-
VOyS. without even relieving him of his office.
tunately. the late King of Denmark was before
his accession 10 the throne an officer OF the Ger
man army. and such was disposed TO regard
with the utmost lenency the offence for which the
baron was condemned TO Imprisonment He re
aiized that the envoy had no alternative but to
fight. his honor having been questioned by the
editor whose paper he challenged. King Chris
tian. therefore raised objection TO the appoint
ment of chargs affaires to represent the diplo-
matte interests Of Germany at his during the
term of imprisonment served by the Minister
Plenipotentary, and ever the latter had
served the sentence and was liberated from prison
he resumed his duties the Court of Copenha gen,
jcf hi had Md
Detention in a fortress in connection with SEN
tence Of imprisonment for duelUng is a very
great hardship. The prisoners treated by the
officers OF the fortress criminals, but as
comrades. They permitted full liberty to roam
all over the grounds Of the fortress. and I'm many
instances allowed visit friends in the neigh
horhood. on tho understanding that they will re-
turn before nightfall. Moreover the Imprisonment
entails absolutely disgrace.
il is quite possible that Baron Kiderlea Waech-
ter. who formerly Of the private secre-
tarles Of the late Prince Bismarck will be ap-
pointed permanently to succeed Baron Marschal
ambassador 10 the Porte, for Baron Marschal is
we'll advanced in years. subject 70 some Of the in
flrmies Of age and his return to Turkey is. under
the circumstances. improbable. The embassy AT
Stamhou is not only of the most lucrative but
also one Of the important posts in the diplo-
matte service of Germany, owing to the fact that
German influence predominates over that of all
other powers. not only in the Ottoman Empire. but
also among Moslems throughout the world.
MARQUISE DE FONTENOY.