The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1918-11-25
AUSTRIA NEEDS
FOOD AND FUEL
Former Emperor Charles
Makes Appeal to the
United States
IN INTERVIEW WITH
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Representative of the Latter
Visited Him at Eckert-
san Castle

Vienna, Sunday, Nov. "a (by the As
ISOLATED Press Declaring there is
pressing need in Austria for assistance
from America and the allies, former En-
peror Charles of Austria Hungary insist
ed to-day that the danger of bolshevism
is very great in his country. 1t was in
conversation with correspondent of the
Associated Press that the former SOW
ereign told of the peril which is impend
ing
The former emperor, his wife and FIVE
children are at Eckertsau castle. With
them are few faithful men and wom--
en-, including Count Alexander Ester
hazy, former chief of court to the en-
peror, and Naval Captain Seedank. An
interview with the former emperor was
granted after the request had been trans
mitted through the president of the
council of the German Austrian republic.
The correspondent then was permitted to
motor some 25 miles to the castle, which
is located in the center OF a vast plain
devoted to farming. This plain is dotted
here and there with clusters of villages,
made up of long, low one-story houses
not unlike the settlements in dutch"
Pennsylvania. Men and women were
busy in the fields digging beet roots
when the correspondent passed by.
Eckertsau castle is constructed of stone
and is surrounded by trees. 1t is guard
ed by few soldiers, although there are
scarcely any callers. The building dates
from the twelfth century but its large
rooms were remodelled century ago
and later handsomely furnished, SO that
the castle now appears to be merely a
luxurious country place.
As the correspondent entered the
gates he was met by Captain Seedank
and conducted through a lofty hall to
the second story of the castle, where he
was received by former Emperor Charles.
The former emperor wore generals
uniform and apparently was vigorous,
but lines about his blue eyes gave hints
of the stress of recent days. He appeared
to feel keenly the great tragedy that has
come through the collapse of his empire,
but he cordially greeted the correspond
ent, shaking hands with strong, friend
ly grip.
Motioning the correspondent to chair
by center table and taking another
himself, the former emperor spoke first
in English and then lapsed into French.
81 authorize the Associated Press to
say that not single day should be lost
by America and the allies in helping the
people here, so grave is the situation"
ha ha -
pre-occupations was the task Of obtain
ing food for the soldiers and people, but
now, Notwithstanding all my efforts, it
is most distressing to find there is none
left for them. If America and the al
lies do not recognize this fact, suffering
here will be very great within few
weeks. Indeed it is already so and ev-
cry day we do not use in the endeavor
to get food is day lost.
eve have done our best, and more
cannot be done. If food and coal is not
brought, we shall have disorder in Wen
ma Possibly that disorder from Russia
switch we call bolshevism, will come. The
people here are fine, kind and patient,
but when anyone is without food he is
apt to do violent things. Looking back
in Russia because of the lack of food. |
think it is in the interest of the allies
to aid us as boshvism, when started,
may spread and become a danger to the
allies, too
Our food situation is worse because
of transportation conditions. The rail-
roads became badly disorganized lately.
] am very glad to see an American, who
represents country which is working
for peace. / have worked for peace al
ways.
Regarding the future, cannot speak
of the past, | can only repeat that
feel | did my duty. However, do hope
peace will bring good fortune, happiness
and better understanding among all peo-
pies"
During the interview the former mon
arch did not show bitterness toward the
allies or America because Of their mill
tary victory, though it may be inferred
that he is heart sore over the loss of his
army and also over his failure to pre-
serve his empire intact. He feels that
the breaking up of the empire into small
groups Of nations is bound to bring eco
nomic and political disaster to all, and
that some sort Of central government
is necessary for their common interests.
1t was pointed out to the correspond
ent by officers at the castle that the for
mer emperor's whole heart and mind has
been centered on the work of securing
the welfare of the people The only
pleasure he has taken during the war
has been to hunt for few hours each
week. He worked eighteen hours a day
for long periods. He is said to be much
hurt by stories which were circulated
in allied countries about his private life,
especially drunkenness. As matter of
fact, he drinks but one glass of wine or
beer at lunch and never drinks liquors
at dinner.
Before the correspondent left, after