Ripley County democrat., 1918-09-27

ference apparent to me in our status
as look back on 1t was that such an
interview was a very unusual expert
ence for me, while 1t was not at all un
usual for the King, and forgot to bs
conscious Of that at the time
Victor Emmanuel impressed me as
q sort Of combination of Colonel House
and the late Frank n. Stockton. He Il
a 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 II night
and day, as hard as any other person
In Italy. But he prefers to stay be
hind the scenes while doing It."
A Hard-Worklns Monarch.
That this unceremonlous reception OF
a representative OF the American De
mocracy was no pose for theatrical Of.
feet Il 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 its
location IN convenient reach Of every
part Of the hattle-llne. Each morning
he rises early eats a simple breakfast,
has a 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 letter to his family.
to whom he is passlonately devoted.
He has made observations Of the
battlefield from dlrigibles and aero
planes. At one time In 1915 he climb
ed to the snow-covered crest OF Rauch-
koel Mountains when the tempernturc
was below zero In order that he might
congratulate the Alpine troops who
had just captured several Austrian po-
sitions.
Experiences Under Fire.
'In the course OF our conversation" I"
said Mr. Holt, 'he gave me a graphic
description OF his experience in one
town near the frontier. The Austrians
discovered his presence In the tow
and began bonlbarding 1t. The King
withdrew from the town
In order that, as he told me, ne might
not unnecessarily lmperil the resi-
dents. What he did not tell me was
that he departed from the town open
ly, for he was evidently much more
concerned for the safety OF the people
than he was over the peril Of his own
life. r. y
"Iie is very much Interested in the
mechanics Of warfare. He described
graphically the harrage driu of the
Italian troops as he had witnessed 1t.
"fie showed me with great glee a
German cross from a captured air
plane he had framed and hung on the
wall of bis room. He described the
different designs he had seen painted
on German planes and was particular
ly amused at one which had the design
of Teddy Bear
His Democratic Traditions.
The Kings ability to play his pres
ent role Is the result both OF his demo-
cratic Inheritance from his Savoy an
cestors and bis Spartan upbringing.
He was tutored by a stern, old army
colonel. who, at the direction Of the
boys royal father, treated him In ev-
cry way like the son Of a private citi-
zen. He has ever since preferred
simple, rigorous living. Hunting and
mountain climbing are among his "a
vorlte pastimes.
"what did he have to say about the
political and military sltuationT |
asked.
"You must remember" Mr.. Holt re-
piled, "that one cannot quote d King
While we discussed various
phases Of the situation very freely, I
would not be at liberty to give ver-
hatim report OF his opinions. In fact,
he was careful IN talking With me not
to express himself positively on mat
ters Of state policy. When | en-
croached on such ground, he would
generally counter hy asking me what
they told me IN Rome about II. I,
An ASssIrer ii Annerlss.
"For Instance. | asked him Il It was
true that Italy desired America to
send military aid to her. He asked II
they told me that in Rome, i
Yes. replied.
"The King said flint was right italy
did want ouf aid He said we could
help particularly o. sending them steel
and COAX
Sic expressed q great deal Of inter-
est n American affaifs and the Aineri-
ean attitude toward tile war and kept
me busv answering thoughtful ques-
lions about them ne Expressed f'le
greatest feeding pf frIendzhip toSfaros
AmnrIca and appreciation for what. Un
have aireadS done II tIle war lie
thepghi our efforts already made we're