The Chesterfield advertiser. [volume] (Chesterfield C.H., S.C.) 1884-1978, 1918-09-26
VICTOR NOW LOVED
War Has Brought Popularity to
ItaIy's King.
His Democratic Ways, and COURAGE IN
che Face Of Danger, Have Greatly
Endeared Him to Both Sol.
diers and Cltixens.

Inc war haS cast some kings down
from their thrones and held up others
to the scOrn Of the world. But 1t has
also made some honored and beloved,
not by their own people only but by
millions OF the citizens OF other coun-
tries. King Albert Of Belgium Is one
King Victor of Italy Is another. Vic.
tor has not the imposing presence and
heroic bearing Of Albert, but his soul
has risen nobly to the occasion.
The extreme democracy Of Italy.
says Mr.. Herbert Vivian In "Italy at
war;" has always expressed itself In
the freest criticism Of the monarchy.
During the agitation of May, 1915,
when many persons feared that Italy
might shrink from. war. the name OF
King Victor Emmanuel III was fire.
quently taken In vain. The press pub
lished impudent caricatures and open
ly accused him Of being swayed by
Austrian sympathizers.
Poor little man! So small, and
rather alone! He has a splendid
wife, worthy daughter Of the old lion
or Montenegro, and he finds much
homely happiness in his sturdy fam
lily. But he has been the subject of
many sights and much Indifference;
indeed. only In Italy is 1t known how
near he was exlled in May, 1915.
But the time for pity has gone by,
and the king Is now by far the most
popular man In the kingdom. He Is
almost dwarf, with a colOrless face
slightly bronzed by the elements, a
crisp, manly voice, and way Of laugh
Ing with his eyes. He stands erect,
with his short legs wide apart. His
hair Is beginning to grow gray. and
there are burrows on his forehead and
beside his mouth, yet he bears him
self like young man, walking fast
and never firing. He speaks little
and simply. always to the point, look
Ing men straight in the eyes and nwnk-
ening strong feeling wherever he
goes.
He buzZes about the bnttle front in
little gray motor. without escorts,
and with no precautions for his safety
He sleeps little and cares not where
he Is quite happy In an Alpine hut or
on straw. His fare Is of the simplest
a little cold meat, bread. cheese and
chocolnte-and he is always ready to
share 1t with the nearest soldier. He
suyS "Tu" to everyone in fnthpr!y
way, and welcomes familiarity from
the soldiers. They treat him as one
OF themselves, but none have ever
taken advantage OF his good nature
He laughed heartily when an old sol
dier called out to him: "Nay. ma jesty,
what be doing here? This Is no place
for thee. Get thee gone Mt once ="
He interests himself In MI the men
he meets. "Dear me-" he says. "what
lot Of post cards! Are they all for
swcethenrts? Give them to me and
I will send them with my own letters.
Such things should not be delayed"
"Why do you look so glum? No
news from your family? Cheer .p!
I'll send wire for you to inquire"
The soldiers see him praying with
glistening eyes over dying cOmrnde.
"FOr your majesty" gasped dying
soldier as he stretched out his arms.
"Not so. my son." was the grave re-
ply, "for Italy"
Another incident that happened on
the battle front gives q picture Of the
kings courage. In the midst Of shell
fire lieutenant who had fallen, NOR
tally wounded, called soldier, gave
him few keepsakes to convey to his
family and then ordered him to fly.
But the soldier tried to carry the
lieutenant to a place IF safety. Some
gunners called to him through the in
fernnl fire: "Save yourself! Save
YOURSELF" But still he remained. In
the distance motor horn could he
heard, and the whisper went round
that the king had left the field The
soldier still struggled with the off,
GERS body, but the lieutenant died
In his arms. Flinging himself on the
corpse, the young fellow exclaimed
with tears:
"Even the king has gone away!"
Then hand touched his shoulder.
He shook himself, rose and stood at
attention. "My dear boy" said the
king, "the car has gone, but the king
Is still with you"
And there he remained till the end
Of the day.