Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-03-03
my weluemonth
at Krupp Plant"
Dutch Engineer S Amazing Story
Of Starvation and Cruelty
in Essen.
BI VAN DER LINDEN
Copyright. 1917. International NeNs
Bureau.

Tho authorities 1T Essen arc very
strict regarding workmcn passing from
one part of the works TO another. Each
employee is allowed 10 know only that
part OF the factory in which lie or she
is employed. During the twelve
months ! was in Essen | met many
who have lab".od at krupps from child
hood. and vet who know absolutely
nothing OF the geography OF the works
or of the nature OF the operations be-
ing carried on. excep, the particular
work they are engaged upon.
reached the bureau at II o'clock
ana WAS almost Immediately taken
into the presence OF the nominal head
OF the works. Herr krupp Won Bohlcn
TO my surprise. found General
Hucppner with him. Bohieu is a
middle aBed man, who very much prdes
himself on his good looks. Rather
taller than the average man. he is Of
athletic build. and before the war was
we'll known in England rs the owner
OF the famous racing yacht Gcrma mia.
which was seized at cowes at the
declaration Of hostilitics. At the works
he was looked upon as Il hard. cold
unsympathetic man, who ruled with
rod Of iron. lie was the chosen Of the
Kaiser. who through him. mas har-
ncSsed all the resources OF Krupps in
the attempt to carry out his dream of
world VIDE dominance.
The way in which the Kaiser OBJ
tanned complete control OF the huge
works shows the deep cunning and alb
Solutc ruthiesSncss OF his methods
when he sets out TO attain u big OBJ
jective.
The kntser'a Cunning.
The story goes and am assured
that the facts are correct. that soms
years ago, when old Frederick Krupp.
the founder of the works. was ncarinA
his end. the Kaiser persuaded him to
make his young daughter. Bertha, the
sole heircSs. and to leave his wife and
other daughter. Barbara, with no con
trolling interest in tho affairs OF the
firm. TO get the consent OF the dying
rather. Wilhelm even went so far as Ia
hint that il Bertha were left sole
hetress, such thing as Il marriage be-
tween the lady and the crown prince
was possible. The Kaiser attained his
end. and when old Frederick passed
away he no doubt chortled with glee
To find the girl, of whom he was the
god -father. was sole heircss of the
works. for he knew she was helpless in
his hands
"krurrs.' the Kaiser argued. must
not provide possible enemies of mine
with the good guns and ammunition 10
be used against me. We have the
secrets: ihey must be used solely for
the Fdtherland. Germany must be IN
Il ros!tion to beat the world"
tn" kaiser's method Of choosing n
nSnnnd ior his Cod-chile was this
First OF all he had placed before him
a list of names OF eligible members of
the diplomatic and civil services, and
thcn ordered that tho photographs OF
certain or these gentlemen should be
obtained for him. From the batch he
picked that OF Won Bohlcn. whose face
appealed TO him. A. the time the
choi1" was IL progress the War Lord
discussed the matter with Won Ruelow.
at that time Chancellor. and said: 81
ike his chin; it's as firm as n bulldogs
re has n cruel but mastery face; !
should think lie is an adaptable man:
he is the right sort for me-"
Fiat" Bcrtha's ItuSbund
Won Rohlcn was the son OF former
Baden minister. had had ,Iniversit,.
education. belonged TO the Guard Illus
sarS and was squadron commander
OF tho l.andwchr.
Won Ruelow mildly p-o.c=tcd th,,
the man was fifteen years older ;hnn
tho girl, and not likely to max. her q
good husband. whsrcupoN the Kaiser
replied: What does tina; matter to
me want a man at the head oc
ihess works whom can command and
make obey. What would hannen III
The girl chose for q husband some SEN
timcntnl paciiiStr We must he able 10
rely absolutely upon krupps' help ii
We arc I" win tho great war" Won
OF tho Kaiser. ana Wilhelm brought the
couple together ana forced on tho
MARRIAGE.
y" ! WAS EsAorcd into the room. Gen
era! ltc"ppher and Won Rohlcn looked
UP. fhts u the man" said Hoeppncr
Won Rohlcn thanked me warmly
'ciin@ me that Z WAS his intention to
reward me for the service which had
rendered his wife by promoting mo TO
me position Of supervising engineer.
nave had your record looked up nnd
think YOU will fu!Ell the duties well.
Eemember. above all, you must never
mention to a soul the reason YOU have
been promoted"
General Hoeppner stared at me coldly
curing the time that Won Bohlen was
speaking. and then when he had
ceased. the officer said: You will be
sep the workers under you we'll in
hand. There must be no outbreaks
else YOU viii suffer"
Am Promoted.
Promised that ! would fulhl The
duties TO the best OF my ability. where
upon FIocppncr said: Il think / can
rely upon your discretion TO keen Il
stili tongue. You were guarded
when questioned al Mullcr's house last
.liant As he said this he gave me IL
significant look. and remembered the
ne" i0Ga;cr, VINO during the time had
Detn Questioned regarded me closely.
VAS convinced that the man was
spy and $" decided that in all my
, tutu'c dealings was to lie on nay
guard. for felt sure thai with nv
record should be closely watched and.
Il possible, trapped.
sun, ! was naturally rather pleased
:" have the honor bestowed upon me.
Tor the position. being one OF great re-
. spoiH!b!IIty. vas a Wcll-paid one. and
carried with j. greater freedom. | was
| nj
mouse. and take up my quarters in "a
building situated within tins works
estate \ SOFT Of garden city had hccn
ere ct"d within the estate. and here the
supervisors and other minor heads of
departments, such as foremen. were ac-
rDtninudut"d.
NatmrallN, was not sorry To nuit the
lodc ing-housc. and found my n.w quar-
tcTS much more comfortable. had
no" combined hrd sitting room to
,.,ls we'd