Bogalusa enterprise and American. (Bogalusa, La.) 1918-19??, 1918-10-03

ference apparent to me in our status
as look back on it was that such an
interview was very unusual expert
ence for me, while It was not at all I'M
usual for the King, and forgot to be
conscious of that at the time
"VictOr Emmanuel impressed me as
sort of combination of Colonel House
and the late Frank R. Stockton. He is
man of simple and charming manner,
without pose, who has thrown himself
heart and soul into the cause of his
country and is working for it night
and day, as hard as any other person
in Italy. But he prefers to stay be-
hind the scores while doing it."
A Hard-Working. Monarch.
That this unceremonious reception OF
representative of the American De-
mocracy was no pose for theatrical eff
feet is clearly evident from Mr.. Hollis
report of what he observed and learn
ed of the Kings daily routine. The
Monarch has selected this little villa
for his headquarters on account of itB
location in convenient reach of every
part of the battle-line. Each morning
he rises early, eats simple breakfast,
has light luncheon put up for him,
gets into his automobile and spends
the day visiting some point on the
line, comforting with the officers and
talking with the soldiers, learning
their needs first hand and inspiring
them by his presence and his counsel.
AT night he studies the plans of battle
for the following day and never retires
without sending a letter to his family,
to whom he is passionately devoted
He has made observations of the
battlefield from dirigibles and aero
planes. At one time in 1915 he climb
ed to the snow-covered crest of Rauch-
koel Mountains when the temperature
was below zero in order that he might
congratulate the Alpine troops who
had just captured several Austrian POI
sitions.
Experiences Under Fire.
'In the course of our conversation"
said Mr.. Holt, "he gave me graphic
description OF his experience in one
town near the frontier. The Austrians
his presence in the town
and began bombarding it. The King
withdrew from The town
in order that, as he told me, he might
not unnecessarily imperil the resi-
dents. What he did not tell me was
that he departed from the town open
ly, for he was evidently much more
for the safety of the people
than he was over the peril of his own
life.
"He is very much interested in the
mechanics of warfare. He described
graphically the barrage drill of the
Italian troops as he had witnessed it.
He showed me with great gIee q
German cross from a captured cir
plane he had framed and hung on the |
wall Of his room. He described the |
different designs he had seen painted !
On German planes and was particular. |
" amused at one which had the design |
IF Teddy Bear"
His Democratic Traditions.
The Kings ability to play his pres
snt role Is the result both of his demo
cratic inheritance from his Savoy an
cestors and his Spartan upbringing.
he was tutored by a stern, old army,
colonel, who, at the direction Of the /
Boys royal father, treated him in ev-
FRY way like the son of a private citi-
zen. He has eyer since preferred
nipple, rigorous living. Hunting and
mountain climbing are among his IA
vOrite pastimes.
what did he have to say about the
POLITICAL and military situation" ]
lsked.
'YoN 2Hsst remember" Mr.. Holt re-
Jifcd, "eaat one cannot quote King
Iirectly. While we discussed various
lhases of the situation very freely, Il
would not be at liberty to give YER
atm report Of his opinions. In fact,
lie was careful in talking with me not
o express himself positively on mat
ers of state policy. When 1 en-
reached on such ground, he would
counter by asking me what
hey told me in Rome about it.
An Admirer Of America.
"For instance, 1 asked him if It was
rue that Italy desired America to
end military aid to her He asked If
hey told me that in Rome.
Yes replied.
1.-THE King said that was right-Italy
Id want our aid. He said we could
clip particularly By sending them steel
nd coal.
"He expressed great deal of inter-
st in American affairs and the Ameri-
IN attitude toward the war and kept
le busy answering thoughtful ques-
ons about them. He expressed the
reatest feeling of friendship towards
merica and appreciation for what we
ave already done in the war. He
fought our efforts already made were
ary. lous."