Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-26
j. S. CIR rs ADORN
EX-KA|SER'S TREE
Doom Exile Wears Uniform
of General at Feast in
Old Time Event.

BY the Associated Prese.
DOORN, Holland. December 25.-
Surrounded by friends and relatives.
former Emperor William of Germany
spent one of the merriest Christmases
since his exile, in his barbedwire re-
treat in this little Dutch village.
Doom House saw a real, old-fash-
Toned Christmas, with William and his
wife, Princess Hermine, hosts to
Prince Du Reiss, some members of
German arstocracy and Dutch noble
men with whom William keeps up an
acquaintance. None of the former
Kaiser's own children attended the
festivities.
Princess Hermine received gifts Of
gowns and furs from her husband but
what he gave him was not divulged
Christmas presents from Germans liv-
ing in Southern and Middle Western
make the eX.Kaiser's Yuletide an I'M
usually happy one.
Potsdam Events Recalled.
The former Kaiser, now an exile for
nine years, but still hopeful of ending
his days on the soil Of the fatherland,
had a merry time; from all appear
ances the Yuletide had much of the
time-honored festivity that prevailed
when the Hohenzollern family passed
the holiday in the Potsdam palace be-
fore the World War.
Preparations for the celebration of
a typical German "Weihnachtsfest ="
had been going on for weeks, and it
was late last night when the last
sprigs Of holly and mistletoe were fas.
tened to chandeliers, mantelpfeces and
the heavy Gobelin tapestries on the
walls. Large sprays of Christmas
green's set off life sized portraits of
Frederick the Great and other an
cestors of the present lord of Doom
house"
This years Christmas tree, a tall
fir from the chateau grounds. was
felled a week ago under William s
personal direction. 1t was placed in
rating 1t fell chiefly to Princess Her
mine and her children, home from
their schools in Germany.
Hermtne personally took charge of
the large list of gifts for relatives,
friends and retainers, while William
was engaged in his favorite pastime,
busily saving and fashioning blocks
of wood. branded with an imperial
wv" which, in accord with his usual
custom, he presented to all.
Everybody in the castle was up
early for family prayers. over which
the former Emperor presided. Then
followed a ceremonious breakfast in
the large dining room, in one corner
of which stood the traditional German
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS." a representation
Of the stable with the Christ child in
the manger.
Strolls Through Village.
With a few companions William
strolled through the village. The nov
city Of seeing the former Kaiser NOV
ing in their midst has long since worn
off as far as the villagers are con-
cerned. and those who saw him mere
ly touched their caps or bowed re-
spectfully, Just as they would do to
any prominent citizen.
When he returned he changed into
q generals uniform for the Christmas
feast. He wore this uniform for the
rest of the day
Soon the company adjourned to the
marble hall, where the tree was IL
Illuminated, Christmas hymns were
sung to the accompaniment Of the
village church organist and a large
heap of gifts was distributed. For
William himself there were many
packages, most Of them from Ger
many, but some from admirers in all
parts of the world, including the
United States.
Special Christmas hampers were
prepared for the outdoor staff Of gar
deners and keepers of the estate.
These were filled with articles of
clothing and "delicatessen" of various
kinds, several pigs from the imperial
piggeries having been slaughtered for
the purpose.
The festivities will be continued to-
morrow, when both the great hall and
dining room will be thrown open to
all the household.