The Era-leader., 1918-10-03

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 as
sort of combination Of Colonel House
and the late Franz; 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 ard 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-Worklng Monarch.
That this unceremOniOuS 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 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 rHti"es
| 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-
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 Mr.. Holt, "he gave me a graphic
description of his experience in one
town near the frontier. The Austrians
discovered his presence in the town
and began bOmbarding 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 to 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 glee q
German cross from 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 rale 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 a private citi.
zen. He has ever since preferred
simple, rigorous living. Hunting and
mountain climbing are among his IA
vorite pastimes.
; "What did he have to say about the
political and military situation?"
, asked.
"You must remember" Mr.. Holt re-
piled, "that one cannot quote King
, directly. While we discussed various
phases OF. the situation very freely,
| would not be at liberty to give yer
5 batim report of his opinions. In fact
' he was careful in talking with me moi
g to express himself positively on mat
| ters Of state policy. When 1 en-
8 croached on such ground, he would
generally counter by asking me wha
| they told me in Rome about it.
: An Admirer of America.
t "For instance, I asked him If It wa,
! true that Italy desired America t.
e send military aid to her. He asked i
J. they told me that in Rome.
d "'Yes,' l replied.
|. "The King said that was right-1tal,
:, did want our aid. He said we coul,
k help particularly by sending them stee
s and coal.
It "He expressed a great deal Of inter
n est in American affairs and the Amerj
o can attitude toward the war and ken
t. me busy answering thoughtful uues
It tions about them. He expressed tn
e greatest feeling of friendship toward
It America and appreciation for what W
r, have already done in the war, II
. thought our efforts already made Har
+ marvellous