New-York tribune., 1922-11-05

well appointed, aud on the walls are huge
paintings Of the ancestors Of Wilhelm. In the
library great number Of costly books are
neatly arranged. Fine bronzes are on ped
estals
An astonishing thing to me was that not q
single photograph or painting of the Kaiser
was to be seen. Before the war the Kaiser's
castles were almost covered With photos and
paintings. His vanity is well known to the
world. But as though he were bowed in humil-
ity and wanted to forget all about his days
Of grandeur and romp, there was nothing in
Doom to remind him of the past.
Baron Ketteler and had but few minutes
to wait for Wilhelm to come down to luncheon.
As he approached We waited respectfully, and
Kettcler motioned with his arm to permit the
Kaiser to precede hin, to the dining room,
"Corne, Baron, we're not in Potsdam now,'
Wilhelm smilingly said and thumped Ketteler
ON the back.
Not in Potsdana now! Why, ceremony used
to be his strong point but now in exile he
was greeting a plain, ordinary baron as
though they were old pals on Broadway,
US. A..
The dining room is huge affair, and also
luxurious. The table is OF mahogany, the
linens and silver plain but heavy. Only the
porcelain bore the imperial crest.
Wilhelm sat at the head of The table He
was plainly dressed and attendants wore
ordinary black.
To his right was seated Ketteler, then my
self. On the left were two attendants, Cap
tain Sell and Major General Won Domnes.
They ate little, being occupied mostly by re
spectful attention to every movement of the
Kaiser. Evidently attendants and servants
still regard him as their idol and lord.
1t was interesting to see the Kaiser wield
a specially constructed silver device, coIa-
bination knife and fork. He holds it in his
right hand and by rather quick movement is
able actually to have knife and fork in his
right hand at the came time. His left hand
is helpless; he cannot even hold cigarette
between his fingers Some dishes. such as
steak, are prepared before being served TO
him. but vegetables and other soft foods that
do not necessitate much cutting he is able to
manage unaided.
noticed a red birthmarlS on the little
finger of his right hand. 1t reminded me
that in other days he always wore, at least
on public or court occasions, several large
diamond rings on the little finger. But no
more!
Luncheon lasted only thirty minutes. Viii
helm did most Of the talking and the rcpast
simple. Three dishes we're served, a sort
of croquette in clam or crab shells, coinbi-
nation of meat and vegetables and apple turn
overs for dessert He laughingly explained
to us that the dessert "must have been made
in your honor--we are not used to susA ex-
travagance."
Only one glass Of wine was served to each
of the diners, and glass of beer, was told,
is the only beverage for dinner.
Conversation at luncheon started between
Ketteler and Wilhelm the latter recalling
when the baron served as lieutenant in the
Red Guard Hussars. To me he talked quite
casually.
Recalling that / had lived in Paris for
eleven years prior to the war, he asked:
Have you been to Paris or London re-
centy?"
Yes, your majesty" replied
HAS there been any change?"
gave him my impressions and he seemed
greatly interested. incidentally, in his asking
about the two cities ii was the only time the
word swar" was mentioned
After luncheon we strolled in the garden
for half an hour and talked generalities
What does the new generation think Of
me?" he asked.
1T knows nothing about you,' was my
reply.
He sighed.
Il want nothing except to hide myself. But,
tell me, has the new generation forgotten it's
nlonarchial ideas and the glory of the Hohen-
zollerns?"
There is good deal Of monarchist senti-.
ment in Germany" told him.
SThe monarchy will come back not now, but
after some years don't know when--the
monarchy, not l." he said.
The full significance of his words did not
strike me until pondered over them later.
It meant, simply, that he admitted he was
beaten--fnally and forever. 1t was his first
admission to the world, directly or indirectly,
that he considered himself through.
Having lunched with Wilhelm and having
been granted such special honor in being al
lowed to take the photographs, we naturally
were considered Ey the attendants to be close
friends Of Wilhelm. and they talked rather
freely about details of life in exile.
The entire household, Il was told, really loved
the late Kaiserin. She was kind to them and
mothered them all.
She died of broken heart more than any
At- r. ~-1-- ~.