The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1916-09-21
KAISER WILHELM
VISITS ALL FROM IS
GERMAN EMPEROR SEES MORE
FIGH;lNG THAN ANY OTHER
RULER-HIS NIGOR RE-
MAINS UNABATED.

Behind the Somme Front, France
Correspondence of Tho Associat-
ed Press )-There never was time
when so little was known of .he
Faiser's movements as at present.
When he decides upon a trip TO some
point on the front, it is kept as secret
as possible and if ever reported i'll
the German press is delayed until
the royal visitor is far away--per-
haps on the other side of the empire.
1t is believed Emperor AWilliam Wis
its the front more frequently than
any other ruler.
Recently correspondents visiting
the southern section of the Somme
front did not learn until we'll past
midnight that the emperor at o.
clock on the morning of the day just
breaking would review as many of
the troops as could be assembled at
a point a few miles back from the
fighting. but still within sound of
the guns.
The correspondents We're on hand
before the appointed time and had
a chance to see some manoeuvring
that would have done credit to first
line troops in .peacet!me On tho dot
of nine the companies drew up in
parade formation on broad level
ground that was formerly back
yard of an ancient chateau. They
formed three sides of a square, at
one end of which was military
band, and nthe center:the officers.
Half an hour after the appointed
time the kaiser arrived in lean,
gray automobile. He sprang from the
car with the vigor of young man
He wore the helmet of a general of
infantry, but the tall boots. coming
i'll front high above the knee. of a
cuirrasier. He cast from his should
ers the long gray cape. with fur
collar in which he is shown in his
favorite pictures. and with stride
of long steps lifting each fott high
from the ground, his majesty walk
ed toward that end Of the formation
where the band stood.
His standard bearers, who always
walk behind With his flag, had their
work cut out for them as he strobe
ahead. At first he paused just mo-
mont, greeted the general in COM
mand, bowed and saluted to other
officers. and then turned down the
line. He walked as one attempting
to go through a days.f pasture and
still keep ones feet reasonably dry,
with great high steps.
After making the rounds of three
sides Of the square the emperor turn
ed and strobe to the center to chat
with the various high officers gather
ed there, and then began TO pin or
ders and medals on the breasts of
the chosen few
1t was only at the conclusion of this
ceremony that correspondents stand
ing at little distance had a chance
o see his majesty at close range, and
to get a good look at his scanned lin
ed. but strong, healthy, vigorous
face.
After the decorating the kaiser
walked to the roadway that leads by
the chateau, then faced about and
prepared TO review the troops. Most
of them We're new troops, probably
few had ever marched by their emper
or before, and it was possible to de
tcct some nervousness. But they
paraded in the goose-step as bravely
and as stiffly as ever did a like set
of men on the Tempelhofer field.
The commander made the custom
ary address in which he pledged 10y
|alty to his majesty and firm de-
termination to fight on. His voice
rose and fell with emotion. and wha,
he said obviously affected the EN-.
peror. The kaiser answered in a
voice that from distance was hare
to understand though it was silver
clear and more highly pitched thar
that of his general. The soldiers
| however, could hear it, and theil
faces glowed sther emperor thank
ed them.