The Springdale news., 1915-06-25

empty one 1 met. and drove furiously to the Quai dOrsay.
 "I was lucky enough to find NJ Fleu- riot there, and at once communicated to him the terrible news which I had just heard.
 ''The minister was absolutely stupe- fied
 "Did Lord Soames tell you this?' was his first question.
 "Lord Soames! No, have not seen him for days I answered. remember ing the caution I had received. The intelligence reached me direct from Berlin, by a channel which I am not permitted to disclose. But you may rely upon it's absolute truth
 M. Fleuriot tore his hair.
 Beast that I am,' he cried de- spairinglY, T ought to have suspected that this pretended alliance was one of Bismarck's traps. And I believed in the faith of that Prussiani'
 "'Then there is such a document?' exclaimed, little less dismayed than he was.
 Alas, yes! Their ambassador in sisted that the first written proposal should come from us. 1 placed it in his hands four days ago, and doubtless it Is by this time in Bismarcks pos session. I have betrayed my country to that wretch,'
 q exerted myself to soothe him. Finally I said;
 "'Give me a letter to our ambassa- dor Tn Berlin, and I will go there my self and regain this paper from Bis marek's clutches
 You will? Baron, you are an angel! Do this, and you shall have the grand cross of the legion, 1 swear it. Your Fleuriot will regard you as his savior!
 "On the second day 1 arrived in Der lin. My first step was to see our am bassador there, an upright and pains taking diplomatist. but man who was by no means match for the internal craft of Bismarck.
 My sudden appearance naturally caused him the greatest astonishment which was changed into ehagrin as T riot, had been duped by the perfidious chancellor.
 But what you tell me is impos- sible,' he exclaimed. I know the char acter of Wilhelm II too we'll. That he should conceive the idea of trans forming the foreign policy of Germany does not surprise me. but that he should have the cunning to eontriye a plot of this kind Is incredible. He is a Charles XII, not a MachiaYelli.
 This was the very point on which I desired to sound tie ambassador. l fixed on him an ironieal smile..
 And what part has the kaiser in this affair, then?' asked him.
 He gazed at me in beWilderment.
 "'Why, Prince von Bismarck in- formed me'-he began, and stopped short, chilled by the sarcasm of my look
 Bismarck informed you that he was acting under the kaser's instrue- tions. But what assurance have you that this was not part of the trick?'
 "'You must be right he exclaimed at length. The kaiser never has re- ferred to the matter, though I have twice conyersed with him since it was broaehed.'
 T was satisfied It only remained for me 10 put in execution the design which 1 had conceived.
 '"The following morning found me at the imperial palace.
 AS soon as l had sent up my name, I was ushered up the great main stair case of the palace to the first landing stage and brought into his majesty s private cabinet. The kaiser, as l en- tered, started up from a table on which lay the design of a battleship, and welcomed me with effusion.
 q thought it well to commence by administering a compliment.
 My government I observed, 'en- tertains sentiments of the most pro- found respect for your majesty. and it believes that you cherish no hostile feeling toward France
 ".Your government is right he in- LeIJtClcu. DO iOuS as fTdlCp con- ducts herself with propriety, and re- frains from indulging in disturbing projects, she may assure herself of my good will
 T affected to receive this condescen- sion with delight
 An. sire exclaimed. if my coun- trymen could only hear those gracious words, Such kindness makes my present mission easy. It is no doubt an irregular thing for my government to communicate with your majesty, except through the official channels. Our excuse is the high regard in which France holds your majesty personally, and the belief that, in matters of for eign policy it is no longer the Prince von Bismarck who exercises sole con- troll
 The emperor drew himself up.
 I am the only person who exer- cises sole control i'll my empire,' he remarked with haughtiness. My chan