Evening star., 1938-03-13
Fifty Years Ago
In The Star

Wilhelm I, Emperor Of Germany, died
in Berlin March 8, 1888, being succeeded
by his eldest son. Fried
emperor ana erich Wilhelm, even then
Diplomat. i'll of a mortal malady.
The Star of March 10 con-
tains the report of an interview with
George Bancroft, diplomat and historian,
who, in his 88th year, resided in WASH
ington, on H street near Seventeenth.
He had been Minister to Prussia from
the United States and had accomplished
a diplomatic achievement in negotiating
an important treaty with that country.
The account follows:
I'm the parlor of the residence in this
city of Mr.. George Bancroft hangs q
large portrait in oil Of the late Emperor
of Germany. It was painted by Bulow
in 1874 and was presented by the Kaiser
to Mr.. Bancroft as the latter was termi-
mating his mission of seven years as the
diplomatic representative of this country
to Germany. This unusual expression of
regard from a sovereign to a foreign
minister was the result of the intimate
friendship which had existed between the
Emperor and Mr.. Bancroft and which
continued unabated down to the day of
the formers death. The painting repre-
Sents the Emperor in the full uniform of
commander of the regiment which had
been placed under him by his father. In
gilt raised letters upon the frame is an
inscription in German. which the EN-
peror wrote himself. The translation Is
as follows:
William the First, King of Prussia,
Emperor of Germany, to George Ban
croft the friend of Prussia and Germany
through the years 1867-1874.'
Resting upon the top Of the cabinet
beneath the picture Is a cup and saucer,
the former bearing in colors on the out
side the coat of arms OF Prince Bismarck.
1t was presented to Mr. Bancroft by the
great prime minister. Hanging on the
Frederick the Great, which was presented
to Mr.. Bancroft by the Empress,
with these tokens Of regard and the
pleasant memories OF the years spent in
Germany, the venerable historian speaks
OF the dead Emperor in terms of more
than usual warmth. He was informed Of
his death yesterday by the Charge DAT
1alres, Baron ZedtWitz, who called upon
him personally for that purpose. Mr.
Bancroft sincerely mourns the Emperor's s
death as that of personal friend, and
as he sat by the wood fire in his library
this morning he spoke of the deceased to
Star representative. Mr.. Bancroft said
that they were near the same age and
he had sustained intimate relations with
the dead Emperor. A delightful COM
panion, he said, firm friend, a man of
positive convictions and yet not SELF
Willed he discharged the important du-
ties which devolved upon him with great
wisdom and courage. In personal inter-
course MIR. Bancroft thought that the
emperor was seen to advantage. He had
1und OF good humor and was at times
JoVlal. Well informed on subjects of gen.
eral culture, he was entertaining and in
structive in conversation.
Herman, who is Mr.. Bancroft's man
OF anairs, is a patriotic German and he
Is In deep grief at the death of the En-
peror. He served in the German Army
ana was in the late war with France.
after the Battle of Sedan he saw the
emperor, who passed in front of the regi-
ment to which he belonged. He proposes
10 wear Grape on his hat for the regular
period of mourning"
Many Washingtonians of today remem-
Der George Bancroft and Herman. The
historian was fond Of horseback riding
ana was always accompanied on his
equestrian exercises by his faithful Ger
MAJ man attendant, who sat In his saddle
like q Uhlan.