South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-12-18
UNCROWNED QUEEN
TO VISIT AMERICA
Actress Queen of Franz Jo-
seph, 20 Appear on Stage
Here. Revives Romance.

bakers daughter. once known 70 the
world as the uDcrowned queen of
Austria who. reigning for almost
hair q century as the soul affinity OF
Emperor Francis Joseph. included in
her career one OF the most famous
romances OF European history. is
coming 20 America IN her old age
and poverty 10 earn money 10 pro
vide herself with the necessities Of
life
She - not coming 70 exploit her
romance. She who has loveG and
been loved by one OF tho most re-
nowned or tho Hapsburgs. who has
seen the dynasty OF the Hapsburgs
IN its power and its downfall. viii
not desecrate what Hes closest TO her
aged and withered heart.
She Is a poor old woman now. but
her love IL a sacred thing. her fond
est memory. She Will not speak OF
70. write It, permit 20 be made into
a motion picture. or reveal IN any
way her intimate acquaintance with
the Hapsburg family affairs gained
during the years she was the trusted
conhdant OF Franz Joseph
Plans 70 Return TO Stage.
Nea ring 70 years OF age. she r.
planning 20 return 20 the profession
she left az a young woman IN her
tventies 10 devote herself 20 the en-
peror. she will play the role OF
Eraudm other IN a drama that has
been written for her
Katti was a star IN the Vienna
court theater when the emperor lost
his admittedly susceptible heart 70
her. He was regarded az one OF the
sanest and healthiest OF his unstable
ard dsneEerats family. made eccen-
trio and mentally weak by genera
tions OF consangufneous marriages.
He was married TO a lovely woman.
Elizabeth. the youngest daughter OF
Duke Max OF Bavaria; but he count
ed II his royal right 70 indulge him
self in his general fondness for
pretty women This ne did 10 such
an extent that Elizabeth gradually
began 70 consider herself not a wife
but a "dutifu sovereign lady"
Fascinated by Talent
So II was that when the emperor.
seated IN his box at the HOfburg
theater IN Vienna. saw Katd Schratt
act and was fascinated by her, he
was accompanied TO the stars dress
ing room after the show by the ex
qulsite Empress Elizabeth. grown
tolerant after years OF pain and hurt
pride.
Well bred and sei{-controlled.
Elizabeth looked on as the entranced
eyes OF her royal spouse met those
OF Katti Schratt. born the daughter
OF a baker but risen TO fame as an
interpreter OF Ibsen roles; and a Ia
nous romance began.
Katti schratt was deeply appreci-
ative OF the honor conferred upon
her by the visit OF the emperor and
empress. She listened IN modest
confusion TO the compliments of
Franz Joseph and made deep Obeis-
ances to the kindly but regal en-
press.
She Went Before Emperor.
She had once before spoken with
the emperor Franz Joseph liked 10
have his subjects think that he was
solicltouS concerning their personal
welfare Shortly before he had in
stituted the custom or opening his
palace 20 the people and OF being ac-
cessibIe himself for a short time once
a week TO anyone who had a request
to make 20 him or a grievance he
or she thought he might remedy.
Katti Schratt. young and seductive
woman Of the stage. a dancer and
singer as we'll as a dramatic actress
had gone. along with other curious or
troubled ones, 20 the palace, knelt
before the emperor and stated
grievance.
II was because Katti had presented
her complaint so charmingly and so
gracefully that the emperor decided
- see her act. The empress accom-
panied him 70 the theater. She saw
his interest and decided 10 fan r.
into flame She suggested that they
tell the actress OF their appreciation
oc her artistry I'm person after the
end or the play. The emperor ac-
cepted the suggestion readily and
word was sent 20 Katti Schratt TO
expect royal visitors IN her dressing
room
Place Beside Throne.
A few weeks after that meeting.
Katti Schratt took up her resi- ence
near the emperor and until the day
~ his death lived not far from him.
She was openly and permanently
given a place beside the throne.
Katti was also appointed reader
10 Empress Elizabeth. This extreme
Is deIicately-miud proud and
brave queen had publicly expressed
the wish that the appointment be
made
Katt became a friend OF the fam
iIv as well as OF the emperor. Not.
however. before the scandal OF the
fafatuauon OF the two for each
other had spread. And Il was again
Elizabeth the gentle. the long-suf-
ferfug the uraEeous who acted TO
quiet the tongue Of scandal
one day after she had experienced
series 90 hUmfliauons because OF
her husbands affair with the actress
She decided that something must be
dome. The situation for her was all
most uube1rabie
Emperor Visited Her.
Taking her baby daughter. she set
out and called upon Frau Schratt.
called upon her rival at her country
estate ir Ischi where, as everyone
knew the emperor spent part OF
each day and sometimes the night
IN the company OF the actress.
Elizabeth visited with Frau Schratt
for a long time. much 20 the aston
ishmcnt OF the guests az her own
residence whom she had left IN order
90 call on the actress After that
no one dared to gossip In Elizabeth
presence about Franz Joseph and hG
Katt. Elizabeth had given social