The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-01-23
National News Association

| tNational News Association
BERLIN, Jan. 23.-All Prussia, and
in fact nearly all Germany, is en- fete
today for the beginning of the great
celebration of the 2OOth anniversary
Of the birth of Frederick the Great.
From the Capital down to the small
est hamlet and village business is at
standstill and the populace has CIV
en- itself up to the joyousness of the
occasion
The celebration in Berlin began to-
day with lecture at the War Acade-
my on the prowess of Frederick, the
Great as general and strategist. The
lecture was attended by the Emperor
who was surrounded by ministers of
state, generals Of the army, admirals
Of the navy, and members of the di-
plomatic corps, all in glittering uni
form.
Tomorrow will be the big day of
the bicentenary celebration. In the
morning the Emperor. attended by the
high officers Of the Prussian army,
will participate in solemn memorial
service in the old garrison church at
Potsdam. behind the altar of which
Frederick the Great lies buried in all
iron casket
Berlin will observe the day as a
public holiday. In the afternoon there
will be parades. regimental celebra-
tons and historical exercises. The
day will close with military gala op-
era. One of the principal events will
be the fete in the White Hall of the
Schloss which will be attended by del
egations representing all Of the regi-
ments which can trace their origin
back to Fredcrican times. Each dele
cation will consist OF the commander
OF the regiment, one lieutenant, the
colors of the regiment. the color-bear-
er and one nOn-Commissioned officer
The celebration of the day will not
be confined to the capital. In all the
principal cities and towns of Prussia
the municipalities and voluntary citi-
; zens' committees have made prepare
| tons for the day. In every school the
scholars will observe the day by ap-
plauding patriotic addresses delivered
by the principals and teachers and by
recitation and singing. Every scholar
will be presented short history of
Frederick the Great
Frederick, surnamed the Great,
whose memory is being honored by
the forty odd million inhabitants Of
Prussia, is one of the dominant figures
in the history of Europe He was born
January "a. 1712, and when he was
twenty-eight years old succeeded his
father Frederick William as King of
Prussia. The character of the young
king was still very imperfectly under
stood. when events occurred which ex-
hibited it in a strong light
A few months after his accession
died Charles VI. emperor of Germany.
and Maria Theresa succeeded to the
Austrian throne. Frederick set up a
claim to Silesia and in a short cam
paign succeeded in wrestling that rich
territory from Maria Theresa and an
nexing it to the Prussian dominions.
His action. however. plunged all Eu-
rope into q bloody war. The conflict
ragged by sea and land in Italy, in Ger
many. and in Flanders.
The war lasted till, in the year 174s.
1t was terminated by the treaty of Ak
a-Chapello. OF all the powers that
had taken part in it. the only gainer
was Frederick. Not only had he added
to his patrimony the fine province of
Silesia. but by his consummate diplo-