Meade County news., 1918-09-12
VICTOR NOW LOVED
War Has Brought Popularity to
ItaIy's King.
He Democratic Ways, and Courage III
the Face Of Danger, Have Greatly
Endeared Him to Both Sol.
dlers 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 occasion.
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 fre-
luently taken In vain. The press pub
Iished impudent caricatures and open
ly accused him Of being swayed by
Austrian sympathizers.
Poor little mani So small, and
rather alonel He has q splendid
wife, worthy daughter Of the old lion
Of Montenegro, and he finds much
homely happiness in his sturdy FAM
lily. But he has been the subject OF
many sights and much indifference;
Indeed, only In Italy is 1t known how
near he was exiled in May, 1915.
But the time for pity has gone by,
h. ts. hxy fos thn V,nn0t
popular man in the kingdom. He 10
almost a dwarf, with colorless face
slightly bronzed by the elements,
crisp, manly voice, and a 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 burrows 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 buzzes 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 10 always ready to
share 1t with the nearest soldier. He
says "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
lot Of post cardsl Are they all for
sweethearts? Give them to me and
will send them with my own letters.
Such things should not be delayed"
"Why do you look so glum? No
news from your family? Cheer upl
I'll send wire for you to inquire"
The soldiers see him praying with
gllstenlng eyes over dying c0mrade.
''For your majesty" gasped dying
soldier as he stretched out his arms.
mot so, my son." was the grave re-
ply, "for Italy,"
Another incident that happened on
the battle front gives picture Of the
kings courage. In the midst Of shell
fire a lieutenant who had fallen, NOR
tally wounded, called soldier, gave
him 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 q 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 arms. Fllnging himself on the
corpse, the young fellow exclaimed
with tears:
"Even the king has gone away"
Then a hand touched his shoulder.
He shook himself, rose and stood at
attention. my dear boy" said the
king, "the car has gone, but the king
is still with you"
And there he remained till the end
Of the day.