Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1918-10-04


interview was very unusual expert
ence for me, while 1t was not at all un-
usual for the King, and forgot to be
conscious of that at the time.
"Victor Emmanuel impressed me AZ
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 hi.
country and Is working for 1t nigh
and day, Us hard as any other person
In Italy. But he prefers to stay be
hind the scenes while doing It."
A Handwriting Monarch.
That this unceremonicus reception OF
representative of the American De
mocracy was no pose for theatrical eff
feet is 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 battle-line. 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 counsei.
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 ne 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 20
sitions.
Experiences Under Fire.
I'm the course Of our conversation"
said Mr.. Holt, "he gave me . graphic
description of his experience in one
town near the frontier. The Austrians
discovered his presence in the town
and began bombarding 1t. The KIM
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 It
HE showed me with great gIee a
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 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 his 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 private citi-
zen. He has ever since preferred
simple, rigorous living. Hunting and
mountain climbing are among his fa-
vorite pastimes.
B what did he have to say about the
political and military situation?" |
asked
= you must remember" Mr.. Holt re
piled, that one cannot quote Kin,
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 MOI
to express himself positively on mat
tiers Of state policy. When l en-
croached on such ground, he would
generally counter by asking me VIVA.
they told me In Rome about 1t.
An AdmIrer Of America.
"For instance, asked him II It was
true that Italy desired America t.
send military aid to her. He asked If
they told me that In Rome.
ayes replied.
"The King said that was right-Ital,
did want our aid. He said we coulf
help particularly by sending them stee
and coal. -...
she expressed great deal Of inter
est in American affairs and the Amer
can attitude toward the war and kept
me busy answering thoughtful CUES
tons about them. He expressed the /
greatest feeling Of friendship towards
America and appreciation for what we
have already done in the war. He
thought cur efforts already made were