HYPOCRITICAL AS EVER

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2645, 20 October 1919, Page 6

HYPOCRITICAL AS EVER

WI.ILIE AT WIERINGEN. The German ex-Cruwn Prime, it seems, is still at, Wieringen. But if a referendum Mere held among the inhabitants of Wieringen the island would soon be rid of him. Even the feeling of the humblest peasant is decidedly against a prolonged stay of the uninvited guest. “ J.illle ’NV ill if caused a small commotion in the island in the beginning; but now each man goes his way without taking any notice of the illustrious personage. It is tine that he walks in “ klompen." or wooden shoes, anil that he pals tip to the villagers : but these things he must do. otherwise he would he- miserable beyond relief. That is the consensus oi opinion among the Wieringers. But. says one of the island notables, he is as hypocritical as ever. His handling of the plough and Ins work at the village blacksmith's are a make-believe —another manifestation of his old craving for popularitv. And the village holies of Oosterland will have none ot his haughtiness, none of his philandering. " 1 say * Good morning, mynheer.’ just as I say it to anyone else,’’ said one of them to me. Your Highness,' does not pass my lips. Oh, yes, lie did flinch mv cheeks, hut 1 told him to keep his hands to himself. Let him think more of his wife and his kiddies." The schoolmaster has not a single good word to say for Willie, who scandalised the place when he had two representatives of the Amsterdam demi-monde to visit him. But wily Willie is scattering Ids bounties broadcast, giving sweets to the little children and occasional presents to their parents. The only fly-proprietor on the island has dune well by driving him and his small retinue and their occasional visitors about. He has been able to buy a motor car, and shows you with some pride the fur coat he has got from “ the Prince,” and the gold tie-pin with its gold “ W " and the Imperial crown. Yes, sturdy Jaap Bruul, the proprietor of i lie Wieringen stage, coach, the only public means of conveyance, would he loth to see his best client depart. Huteven Braid's man betrays a spirit of independence towards the majesty of the expotential potentate. ‘ 1 I just treat him as do you, mynheer." the Wieringen cabby said to me, “ not as they did in Potsdam, and if he doesn't like it he can lump it." No doubt the burgomaster of Wieringen. who is ex officio head of the police—which force consists of the village policeman and one member of the Dutch State Constabulary—would be glad to have the responsibility of guarding the ex-Crown Prince taken off his shoulders.

But the happiest man on the island, should Willie quit, would lie the village parson, who. in deference to the wishes of the Dutch Ciovernment. gave up his manse, for six weeks, which have grown to more than six months, and who fervently hopes that his house need not shelter young William for six veavs.