South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-10-19

The winter OF 1740, before his &C
cession. had been very severe. and
the spring cold and backward. In
many places the people were in alb
solute want. One Of Frederick's
first acts was 10 distribute the grain
in the government storehouses, TAX
ing pains that il be sold at low prices
and. If need be, given outright TO the
needy. He appointed an inspector
Of the poor, 10 guard the unfortu-
note against suffering, and provided
comfortable homes for a thousand
elderly females in which they could
support themselves by spinning. In
fact. he did, by way Of prevention,
substantially what our own nation IS
now doing 10 correct the extortion
of spectators in the necessities Of
life. He abolished examination by
torture-possibly remembering that
it had once been proposed to prac-
tice IL on himself. Next, he direct
ed that all religions should be toler-
ated; for in this country every man
must be permitted to get 10 Heaven
in his own way. Perhaps, here, too.
he recOllected the Gaming his father
who was a Lutheran, once gave him
because he leaned toward the Pre-
destinarian doctrines OF Calvin. He
discharged the 1000 Potsdam grena-
dIers, the pet giants his father had
recruited from all lands, distribut-
ing into other regiments such as
wished 10 continue in service. He
founded the "Order of Merit, which
still exists in Prussia. He settled an
old question OF fiefdom by occupy
ing the territory with his troops until
the ruling bishop came 10 terms. He
also took a journey 10 the borders
Of France and Holland and on the
trip met Voltaire, whose writings he
had long admired. In fact, he was
a busy king through those first six
months. and became a very popular
one.
In the meantime he was revolvine
In his mind great thoughts for the
aggrandizement of Prussia and the
glory Of his name There were two
domains belonging 70 the iempire TO
which, owing TO some ancient bar
gaining. the elector Of Brandenburg
had a shadow of claim. One was In
the west-Juellch and Berg; the
other at the south-Silesia. Fred
erick William had long vainly dick
cred with the emperor about the
former. Frederick resolved to seize
the latter. He sent TO the empress
the young, beautiful. and high spirit
ed Maria Theresa-who was already
in trouble because some parts of the
empire had declined TO submit to
her-a proposition 70 aid her with
money and troops In return for the
cession of Silesia, and without wait
ing for an answer, he marched in
and took possession. She refused his
terms and there ensued a war, in
which Prussia, being prepared. had
the advantage. In 1742, a treaty was
signed. granting Frederick most Of
the province. He devoted the next
two years to strengthening his posi-
ton. In the meantime Maria Theresa
was gaining victories over her enc
mics. Frederick, believing that she,
If she triumphed over them, would
undertake TO recover Silesia, entered
into alliance with France, and in
1744 attacked Austria in Bohemia.
There followed a year Of brilliant
campaigning in which, on the whole,
Frederick was victorious; and, IN
December. 1745, by a second treaty,
he had Silesia confirmed 20 him.
Now. at the age OF 33. he had attain
ed a high reputation as king and
warrior. and had made Prussia a
nation respected in Europe.