The Washington herald., 1907-07-14

Brunswick. Germany, July IA mod
ern Haroun al Raschid now rules over the
destinies Of this province in the person Of
Duke Albrecht. Of Mecklenburg. recently
chosen regent
From the day Of his arrival. June 5. OF
this year. Duke Johann gained the hearts
Of hts people by departing from the stern
alOofness Of his two immediate prede-
eessors, who avoided all public inter
course except when absolutely necessary
for state reasons. Duke Johann, on the
contrary. displays the deepest interest in
everything that concerns the welfare Of
his subjects.
Clothed as an ordinary citizen. he visits
public resorts and walks the streets with
out the slightest display visiting not
only the museums. Libraries. and other in
situations. but penetrating into the re-
hottest quarters Of the capital Wherever
he goes he asks questions from ALL From
the tradesman he learns the prices Of
various commodities, occasionally making
purchases. which he either carries away
himself or has sent to the palace. From
workmen he inquiries Of the conditions
Of their employment, and from their
wives and children ne obtains an idea Of
their home life
A Lesson in POIlteneSs.
Duke Johann. despite mis- love Of sim
plioity, knows how to uphold the dignity
Of his position. One morning. as he was
passing the Socialist Club. three work
men who recognized him neglected 10 do1
their hats, at the same time making audi
bic remarks In reference to the regent
which were intended TO reach his ears.
The duke, determined TO teach them
lesson Of politeness, went straight over to
them, took of his hat, and said: Good
morning. gentlemen Then he proceeded
TO ask them about their trades. The
men. brought 10 a sense Of the pettiness
OF their conduct. removed their hats and
stood bareheaded until the regent pro-
ceeded or his way.
But the dukes expeditions probably
will have to cease, as he is becoming 50
well known that groups Of idlers and
children follow him about, much 10 his
annoyance. In order. however, TO main
tain his close relations with the people.
the regent has instituted a weekly day
Of audience at the palace which MS sub
jects are invited 10 attend without re-
striction. Here any petition is heard, and
the information gathered by the duke on
his excursions gives him valuable aid in
formulating his replies.
AT the palace the regent and the
Duchess Elizabeth, his wife, lead a simple
and economical life. The stately repasts
OF former days have been abolished and
replaced by modest meals, reminding one
Of those OF a middle-class household.
The great staff OF servitors and retainers
has been cut down 10 the lowest neces-
Sary limit for the management Of the
household. The duke is a very early riser
and hard worker, often getting through
an enormous amount OF state business
and spending sp hour or two n study
before any one else IN the palace IS
about He has bought every available
book relating 70 the public institutions.
the art, the industries, ard the educa-
ti0nal system Of Brunswick. and acquired
such a knowledge OF all their interesting
/ features that whenever any question
arises connected herewith he Is able 70
/ discuss II with perfect intimacy.
His light breakfast is generally the
preliminary 70 a sharp walk ia undress
uniform 70 the parade ground outside the
( city, where he watches the troops al ex-
! ercise. and. afteTWard, mounting a
charger, leads them back through the
streets amid the hearty cheers Of his
people.