OSTRACISED FOR HUMANITY.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 356, 5 March 1903, Page 6

OSTRACISED FOR HUMANITY.

I'rinrc Mphonae. of Hararla, Give* the "Hlu« Letter" (or Bela* Too Gentlo. As a penalty for being - too humane Prince Alphonse. the nephew of the regent of liavaria. has been given the **l»lue Letter." In American slang vernacular this might be interpreted to mean that lie will hereafter rere:ve the "marble heart" in select otl'eial circles. The "Bine Letter" crtans utlu-inl degradation. He is. it siesr,s. too humane for his uncle and the military commanders, and he has been railed upon to suffer for his humanity. lie was asked to resign from the Bavarian army for no other reason than that he was too gentle and easygoirur with those under his command. He is not severe enough to please The military, and the mistake he made was to manifest too much consideration for the horses under his charge. It was during the last maneiiv.rs. On reaching a steep and stony descent. Prince Alphonse ordered the men to dismount, so that the horses might be spared. It is said that the order completely upset the plan of action. Popular feeling is intense against the authorities who have brought about the prince's dismissal, for he has always been popular with the subjects of his uncle. It is believed to be the first time a Bavarian prince ha-s received the "Blue Letter."