COUNT VON MOLTKE AT HOME.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 97, 19 March 1881, Page 4

COUNT VON MOLTKE AT HOME.

"In a receut publication by Baron A. yon Firks," the Times states, " an interesting glimpse is presented of the private and domestic life of the great German strategist, Count yon Moltke. The happy marriage of the chief of the Pussian general staff was disolyed by the death of his wife on the 24th of December, 1868. Since then his domestic affairs have been managed by his only surviving sister, Frau yon Burt, whose only son has likewise been attached as second adjutant to his uncle. Count Moltke resides in the new building belonging to the general staff. It is situated on the King's square, or Konigsplatz, Berlin. His apartments have a south era aspect, and look out upon the Column of Victory, which commemorates chiefly his own unprecedented triumphs over the Austrians and French. His habits and mode of life are characterised by the greatest simplicity and regularity, his time being divided and spent strictly according to the rules he has previously laid down for himself. During the winter half of the year the Field-Marshal, in his dressing-gown and with his head covered by a little round smoking-cap, enters his study or working room at seven o'clock every morning, and takes his early cup of coffee, over which he smokes a cigar. Then he commences the regular work of the day. He writes very quickly and regularly, but not unfrequently, on reading over his manuscript, make alterations and additions. His handwriting is flowing and very legible, the characters being clear, firm, and uniform. At this work he goes till nine o'clock, when his official letters are brought in aud laid before him. After reading these, he proceeds to put on his uniform and finish his toilet for the day. At 11 o'clock he hears the daily reports of his adjutants, and then takes his luncheon, which is generally of a very simple character. After this he is generally engaged in his study till two o'clock. At the stroke of two the divisional chief of the great general staff appears and makes his report for the day, the time he occupies varying according to circumstances. When this work is finished, the Count, as a general rule, takes a walk, and, on ruturning home, dines with the members of his family. His favourite wine at dinner is moselle. After his principal meal of the day he takes coffee and a cigar in his study, where the members of his family or friends generally find him ready to engage in a cheerful conversation on the topics of the day. From five to seven o'clock in the evening, however, the Field Marshal is again at his books and papers, writing letters aud finishing up his official work of the day. Between seven and eight o'clock he looks at the evening papers, and at 8 p.m. tea is served in the family circle, after which Count Molfeke is very fond of joining in a rubber of whist. Then towards the close of the evening there is a little music, and at 10 o'clock the Field Marshal retires to rest, to rise again at half-past 6 for a similar day's work on the morrow. During the summer months Count Moltke spends most of his time on his estate at Kreisau, near Schweidnitz, in Silesia. At the entrance to the forecourt there are two Grecian athletes, and not far from them, resting on large flat bases of stone, two cannons taken in the late FrancoGerman war, presented by the Emperor to his victorious chief of the general staff. The Count's favorite spot in his park is a seat under the shadowy branches of a giant oak, whence a view of the hills of the Eulengebrig is obtained. In the park, too, is the tomb of his deceased wife, to whom he was greatly attached."