KAISER AT DOORN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 71, 25 March 1940, Page 7

KAISER AT DOORN.

HIS WAR INTEREST. SILENCE ON HITLER'S RULE. HOBBIES ABSORB ENERGY. The former Kaiser, Wllhclm n.. is nowadays at Doom, a careful oln-Tvcr of ]«olitica] and military event*. He lias even called into being quite an extensive organisation so a.s to keep himself well informed. Doorn TTfUST receives not only the chief German mid English newspapers, but the rows bulletins of both tho?e countries are regnlarly heard there on the radio. He follows, wiUi map and flag*, movement* of troops at the front, lie keeps to himself his opinion about the chances of the existing regime in Germany, says a writer in "The Christian Science Monitor." The. mobilisation was not without its influence on him. Like everyone else he has a rationing card, by means of which lie get* his sug/ar and, in the garden, there is a bomb-proof shelter capable of sWltcj-ing the whole household. Two German members of tbe household aro mobilised and arc employed at the German Legation at Tbe llagiie; two Netherlands servants—the gardejwr and the chauffeur—have been called up to «-er\c in the Netherlands Army. The Kaiser took personal leave of them anil gave them his signed portrait as well as several months' wages. Twenty-Two Grandson* in War. The death on the Polish Front of his grandson. Prince Oscar, made a deep impression on him and his interest in warlike operations at tbe front springs not least from tbe fact that 22 of his grandsons are serving under the German flag. Netherlands soldiers camped round Doom House have been given permission to walk in its rose garden. Between Wilhelm as a historical figure, as the leader of the German people at war in 1914. and Wilhelm the exile, a greater contrast cannot I* imagined. Wilhelm, at Doom ITouse, lives—at least in tbe world's eyes—the life of a contented country gentleman. He meditates much, works much, follows with great attention all the happeaiings over the frontier in the German Reich—once his Reich. If he is asked bis opinion about the Hitler regime, he Je.plios that be is glad of any signs that Germany is again united within itself. He has a number of convinced Naris on his staff whom be «wnt for from Germany. ] Some time ago a visitor described his ! impressions of life at Doorn House a« j follows: "The Kaiser talks fluently and clearlv and without pause; it is almost I impossible to interrupt him: and there ' is hardly a date or a name that be does not immediately recaU." He is as downright as ever, and still likes to pepper his talk with slang expressions. Yet he remains a man of bin period and never talks about anything that has occurred since November, 191 & His part in German national life was played out then, and with absolute strictness, he accepts the fact and gives no excuse for speculation or intrigue. Once someone ventured to speak of von Bulow. his late Chancellor, who bad attacked him so violently in his posthumous memoirs. The Kaiser, with a gesture of the hand, said, "Let him rest in peace." And he turned the subject to speak with warm affection of those who had been faithful to him in his exile, and of friends, such as the painter, Adolf von MenzeL Villagers Like Him. He gets np soon after S a-m. and, after breakfast, goes for a brisk walk in his park. When he walks into the village a private detective follows at a discreet distance, although there is no particular need for snch a precaution, for, as a I matter of fact, he is well liked by the j villagers. J He enjoys a little gardening and takes I personal care of his roses. He often : makes long excursions by car to the j North Sea Coast, visits "friends, or is I visited by son or grandson. He still bears and attends daily to the headship of the family affairs, and be still has a heavy ■ post to fill. j Hence the Kaiser retires, as a rule, j to his study after the evening meal, j to finish his daily tasks. Often, however, he invites the so-called "Works Association" of Doorn—bis friends the archaeologists. Since, in 19!3, he bought the palace of Corfu, archaeology has been his favourite hobby. Now. in his exile, and his memoirs finished, it has • become a passion. Nearly every year he publishes a natural scientific study, such ] as "Studies About Gorgo." or "Kingship , in Ancient Mesopotamia." ■ Learned men are his favourite cotn- . pan ions and it is they whom he nv*t . j often imites to »i-it him. If one has •I had tlw privilege <.i lUtcninr 1" one of .!hi« anin.aled I*ik«. <•"<• reali-e* how in II ilr'-tn bis euerg.v ha* fom.J au nnfJil