The Washington herald., 1908-06-07

cited. On account OF the difference in
their positions. President Roosevelt natu-
rally Yields less influence in these fields.
Besides, Mr. Roosevelt's interest in such
matters. while lively. is probably not so
great as the Kaiser's. II demonstrates
Itself at times, however, as in the case OF
the designs for thu new gold coins.
There is one respect in which Emperor
William easily excels the President, and
that Is in the extent to which he domi-
mates the ordinary life OF his people, and
particularly that Of Berlin. In spite Of
his alleged desire 70 centralize power as
much as possible in his own hands, one
cannot imagine Mr.. Roosevelt for exam
pie, debating the style and architecture of
private buildings erected on Pennsylvania
avenue in Washington: yet that is what
the Kaiser tries to do, and in most cases
succeeds in doing, in Berlin. II a new
theater is TO be built, a new statue placed,
or any action taken affecting the appear
ance Of the German capital, the Emperor
Is usually consulted. II his opinion is not
sought. he gives IL anyway. and generally
finds some means Of enforcing his ideas.
Particularly is this true Of any change In
Inter den Linden, the Fifth avenue
Of Berlin, which it's people regard, and
with some reason, as the finest street in
Europe.
THE Kaiser feels a proprietary interest
in Inter den Linden. 1t is the show
street Of the capital and he is intensely
interested in making Berlin the finest and
most beautiful city in the world. II is
the fashionable shopping center. the site
Of great galleries and public buildings
stretching from the palace Of the Hohen-
zollerns to the city's great park and the
Brandenburg Gate, the triumphal arch Of
royal entrances and military spectacles.
Along II the Emperor rides every morn
ing on the way 20 HIS daily gallop in the
park. II anybody makes any changes in
Inter den Linden that Wilhelm II is not
in favor of there is likely to be immediate
and serious trouble
Agreeable TO Innkeeper's PInn.
"a striking Illustration OF his dominat-
ing position in matters which might be
regarded as trivial from an imperial view
point was given last year during my stay
in Berlin. At the beginning Of Inter den
Linden. No. /. facing the Tiergarten and
the great Brandenburg Tor, formerly
stood the famous old palace Of Count
Redfern. designed by the great architect
Friedrich Schinkel. who impressed his
personality so powerfully upon the beauti-
fication of Berlin. From the point OF
view Of social exclusiveness. or that of
attractive surroundings. II was the most
desirable site in the city. The naughty
and conservative residents Of the neigh
boFhood were horrihed one day TO learn
that the palace had passed into the hands
Of one Of the citys hotel keepers, who
proposed to put up a Dig hotel right in
the midst Of all their exclusiveness. There
was great indignation, and the outraged
owners OF fashionable establishments i'm
mediately brought the matter to the at
tention OF the Emperor, only TO learn that
the foresighted hotel proprietor had been
there ahead OF them.
THE Kaiser informed the protesting
fashionables that he thoroughly approved
the idea of a fine modern building in place
OF the old palace, and that he was for
the hotel, only he proposed 20 supervise
the plans and see that they met his ideas
as to what hotel in these surroundings
ought 10 be. Accordingly he went over
the plans. making suggestions here and
there, inspected the material for the ex-
terror walls and the drawings for inside
decorations. He followed each step In the
enterprise Just as though ne were to be
the proprietor, and was even consulted
about the name, deciding, with forbear-
ance surprising TO those who are familiar
with stories OF his egotism, that II should
DE called the Adlon, after the founder.
AT the instance Of the Emperor, who
takes strong interest In American in
venuons, number OF up-to-date improve