The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1922-10-03

haps have come into agreement with
the gentlemen, through informal con-
versations, in the question of the |
building of the Central Canal-opposed
as is well known, by the Conserva-
tives-aS well as in the less important
matters of the construction of the
Cathedral and the Berlin Opera House,
in which l was deeply interested for
the sake of the church and of art.
am saying nothing new if ! remark
that it was by no means easy to deal
with the gentlemen of the Conserva-
tive Party. Through their traditional
services to the State they had acquired
great experience and independence of
judgment, and had thus formed firm
political convictions, to which they
held faithfully and in genuinely con-
servative manner From their ranks
great statesmen, eminent Ministers,
a brilliant officer corps, a model body
of officials, had largely been produced.
Therefore, the consciousness of their
own merit was not without justifica-
ton; in addition, their loyalty to their
king was unshakable. The King and
the country both owed them gratitude.
Finds Fault With Conservatives
Their weakness lay IN the fact that
they were at times too conservative
that is they recognized too late the de-
mandS of the time and began by op-
posing progress, although it might be
progress advantageous to themselves.
One may understand this in view of
their past, but the fact remains that
it worked to the detriment of their
relations with me, especially during
my reign, when the development Of
: the empire, particularly of industry
: and commerce, pushed rapidly for
ward; and / desired-and was obliged
Ito place no obstacles in the way of
; that development, but to promote it.
When / said that it was not always
easy, for the reasons adduced, to deal
: with the Conservatives, l am well
aware that the same thing is main
tanned about me. Perhaps this is be-
cause l stood close to the Conserva-
, tives on account of my traditions, but
was not a Conservative for party rea-
sons. / was and am, indeed, in favor
, of progressive conservatism, which
: preserves what is vital, rejects what is
; outworn and accepts that portion of
? the new which is useful.
{ Let me add that in discussions
I was able to endure the truth, even
] when it was uncomfortable and bitter
; better than people are aware, provided
: it was told to me tactfully.
: So that, when it is maintained that
3 I and the Conservatives did not get
r along in dealings with each other, the
:, same reason was at the root of the
s difficulty on both sides. 1t would
e have been better to arrive oftener a.
/ an understanding with me in private
d conversations for which was alway!
J, ready. And in the canal question, OF
b which we could not agree, who wa!
better qualified than the Conservative
l to understand and appreciate the fac
It that l have never subscribed to tn,
n pretty eouplet, "Unser KONG absolut
e wenn er unseren Willen tut? (Abso
d lutte our King may be, if he does wha
2, we decree.) For, had / acted accord
L. ing to that principle very comfort
e able one for me-the Conservatives
5, in view of their belief in a strong Kin
" who really governs, would logicall
l. have been forced to oppose me. Sure
e ly the Conservatives must have rt
.e spected me for having matched thei
lie honorable axiom Of manly pride bt