The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-09-20

as I look back on it was that such an interview was a very unusual eXperi- ence for me, while it was not at all un- usual for the King, and forgot to be conscious of that at the time.
 "ViCtor Emmanuel impressed me as a sort of combination of Colonel House and the late Frank R. Stockton. He Is 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 it 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-Working Monar8.
 That this unceremonious reception Of a representative of the American De mocracy was no pose for theatrical ef- feet is clearly evident from Mir. Holt's 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 battIe-line. Each morning he rises early, eats a simple breakfast, has light luncheon put up for him, gets into his automobile and spends the day visiting some point on the line, conferring 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 pO- sitiOnS.
 Experiences Under Fire.
 "In the course of our conversation" said Mir. Holt, 'he gave me a graphic description of his experience in one town near the frontier ThesAustrIans discovered his presence in the town and began bombardlng it. The King immediately 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 concerned 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 1t.
 "He showed me with great glee German cross from a captured air 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 vas 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 his Spartan upbringing. He was tutored by stern, old army colonel, who, at the direction of the boys royal father, treated him in ev- cry way like the son of private citi- zen. He has ever since preferred simple, rigorous living. Hunting and mountain climbing are among his fa- vorite pastimes.
 What did he have to say about the political and military situation" I asked.
 You must remember," MT. Holt re-
 piled, "that one cannot quote a King
 directly. While we discussed various
 phases of the situation very freely, would not be at liberty to give a yer batim 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 I en- croached on such ground, he would generally counter by asking me what they told me in Rome about 1t.
 An Admirer of America. t "For instance, I asked him if it was : true that Italy desired America to 3 send military aid to her. He asked il : they told me that in Rome. l "'Yes, I replied.
 : ''The King said that was right-Italy , did want our aid. He said we could X help particularly by sending them steel s and coal.
 t He expressed a great deal of inter n est in American affairs and the Amerl 0 can attitude toward the war and kept : me busy answering thoughtful Ques t tions about them. He expressed the e greatest feeling of friendship towards t America and appreciation for what w :, have already done in the war. Ht s thought our efforts already made were | marvellous"