The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1918-08-27
VICTOR NOW LOVED TRIBUTE TO HERO
War Has Brought Popularity to
ItaIy's King.
His Democratic Ways, and Courage In
the Face of Danger, Have Greatly
Endeared Him to Both Sol-
diers and Citizens.

diers and Citizens.
| The 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 occa sion.
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
, AuSCTlan SyIupdlu. LSIS.
Poor little man! So small, and
rather alone! He has a splendid
! wife, worthy daughter of the old lion
Of Montenegro, and he finds much
homely happiness in his sturdy fam
fly. But he has been the subject Of
many Sights and much Indifference; |;
indeed, only in Italy Is it known how
near he was exiled 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 eolorless 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 furrows on his forehead and
beside his mouth, yet he bears him
self like a young man, walking fast
and never firing. He speaks little
and simply, always to the point, look
ing men straight in the eyes and awak-
ening strong feeling wherever he
goes.
He huzzes about the battle 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
little cold meat, bread, cheese and
chocolate-and he is always ready to
share it with the nearest soldier. He
saws "Tu' to everyone in fatherly
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
der called out to him.. "Nay, majesty,
what be doing here? This is no place
for thee. Get thee gone at once!
He interests himself in all the men
he meets. 'Dear me-" he says, "what
a lot of post cards! Are they all for
sweethearts? Give them to me and
I will send them with my own letters.
Such things should not be delayed. y
sWhy do you look so glum? No
news from your family? Cheer up!
! I'll send wire for you 70 inquire.
The soldiers see him praying with
glistening eyes over dying comrade.
"For your majesty" gasped a 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 a picture of the
kings courage. In the midst Of shell
fire a lieutenant who had fallen, NOR
tally wounded, called soldier, gave
m a few keepsakes to convey to his
family and then ordered him to fly.
But the soldier tried to carry the
lieutenant to a place of safety. Some
gunners called to him through the in
fernal fire: "Save yourself! Save
YOURSELF" But still he remained. In
the distance a motor horn could be
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 arn.s. Flinging himself on the
corpse, the young fellow exclaimed
with tears:
Gwen the king has gone away!'
I Then hand touched his shoulder.
He shook himself, rose and stood at
attention. "My dear boy" said the
king, 'sthe car has gone, but the king
| is still with you
And there he remained till the end
! Of the day.