THE EX-KAISER AS THEOLOGIAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17826, 7 January 1920, Page 5

THE EX-KAISER AS THEOLOGIAN.

LETTERS TO " NICKY." Preaa Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, January 5. (Received Jan. 6, at 7.50 p.m.) The ex-Kaiser sent to "Nioky his impressions of Jerusalem, where his refligiou; sentiments received a shock. After describing hia emotions in treading tie/ ground where the Saviour trod, he adds: The manifold and different confessions of the sects of the common Christian faith have done much in the way of church building on so-called traditional places. It has been something, of a race for the highest towers and the biggest churches which do not harmonise with the sites on which they are erected, or, in fact, one could call it an exhibition of church models. This also has affected the clergies of different churches, who take pleasure in intrigues and politioal design, thus fostering Tmtred instead of love, and leading to free fights and battles in the churches instead of psalms and friendly intercourse. More still, they have created the worship of stones and wood, forbidden in the seoond commandment, instead of Divinity itself. Very naturally this fetish adoration has created a supreme contempt for Christians with Moslems. I felt profoundly ashamed before the Moslems, and if I had oome without any religion, I certainly would have turned Moslem. The way in which our religion is understood in Jerusalem will never convert a single Moslem."—A. and N.Z. Cable.

(Received Jan. 6, at 9.40 p.m.) The ex-Kaiser, continuing his references to, his Palestine trip, says: "I return home with the firm conviction that the Saviour's grave is certainly not beneath the church at Saint Sepulchre, which in appearance and decoration compares badly with the Mosqne of Omar in its simple awe-inspiring grandeur." The ex-Kaiser believed that the astounding reception he received was due to his friendship with the Sultan because '1 always employed a loyal policy towards him, and the same I have so often advocated for you too." The ex-Kaiser adds: "Hatred of English is growing moro intense, and there is also growing an open contempt for Franco."—A. and N.Z. Cable, (Received Jan. 0, at 10.16 p.m.) Tho ex-Kaiser continues: "That is unavoidable in consequence of the terrible quagmire France is now floundering in over her internal affairs, splashing dirt right and left till the whole of Europe reeks with the stench. Here people look upon them as a dying nation, especially since the ignominious Fashoda retreat. What <5n earth possessed them, after such a well arranged and plucky expedition bv poor, brave .Marchand? They were in a first rate position, and ablo to help us and another in Africa who was sorely in need of strong help. The news came as a thunderbolt on the Eastern peoples. If it is true, as the papers say, that Count Mouravieff counselled Franoe to take this step, he was singularly ill-advised. It has given our friends' . allies a mortal blow here,_ and brought down their ancient prestige, never to rise again. The Moslems call it 'France's second Sedan."* The ex-Kaiser concludes his Eastern,impressions by warning "Nicky" that Turkey is very much alive, and not a dying man. "Beware of the Mussulman; if you touch their national honour, their kaliph."—A and N.Z. Cable. (Received Jan. 6, at 11.5 p.m.) Writing in August, 1901, tho ex-kaiser refers to tho coming visit of the Czar to the German fleet, and wishes him to understand " that the fleet is just in the act of expansion and transformation, whica is a drawback to its outward appearance, it displaying lamentable want of harmony and homogencousness." He also thanks the ex-Czar for his sympathy over "my poor, dear mama, Pier suffering, however, was so terrible that one could only look upon her end as a release. "--A. and N.Z. Cable.