The Adair County news. [volume] (Columbia, Ky.) 1897-1987, 1918-10-16

ference apparent to me in our status
as look back on it was that such an
interview was very unusual expert
ence for me, while it was not at all IN
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 Handwriting Monarch.
That this unceremonious reception of
a 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 simple breakfast,
has 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 counsel
At night he studies the plans of battle
for the following day and never retires
without sending 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
keel 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 Mr. Holt, che gave me a graphic
description of his experience in one
town near the frontier. The Austrian:
discovered his presence in the towr
and began bombarding 1t. The Kins
Immediately withdrew from the towI
in order that, as he told me, he NIGH
not unnecessarily imperil the resi-
dents. What he did not tell me wa:
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 owl
life.
"He is very much interested in tn,
mechanics of warfare. He described
graphically the barrage drill of tn,
italian troops as he had witnessed ii
''He showed me with great glee /;
German cross from a captured afr
plane he had framed and hung on tn,
wall of his room. He described tn,
different designs he had seen painte,
on German planes and was particular
ly amused at one which had the desigl
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 arm
colonel, who, at the direction of tn
boys royal father, treated him in ey
cry way like the son of private cit
zen. He has ever since preferre
simple, rigorous living. Hunting an
mountain climbing are among his ia
vorite pastimes.
"What did he have to say about tn
political and military situationT
asked.
"You must remember" Mr.. Holt re
piled, shat one cannot quote Kin
directly. While we discussed variou
phases of the situation very freely,
would not be at liberty to give vel
batim report of his opinions. In fac
he was careful in talking with me nc
to express himself positively on ma
tiers of state policy. When er
croached on such ground, he woul
generally counter by asking me wha
they told me in Rome about it.
An AdmIrer Of America.
For instance, asked him If 1t wa
true that Italy desired America
send military aid to her. he asked
they told me that in Rome.
ayes replied.
'The King said that was right-Ital
did want our aid. He said we c0ul
help particularly by sending them ste'
J and coal.
"He expressed great deal of inte
est In American affairs and the Amer
} ca attitude toward the war and keY
me busy answering thoughtful que
lions about them. he expressed til
greatest feeling Of friendship toward
America and appreciation for what v
have already done in the war. q
thought our efforts already made wei
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