AN HISTORICAL BUILDING.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 7, 27 January 1903, Page 2

AN HISTORICAL BUILDING.

Near Sans Souci, the favourite residence of Frederick the Great, there was a mill which much interfered with the view from the palace. One day the King sent to inquire what the owner would take for the mill ; and the unexpected reply came that the owner would not sell it for any money. The King, much incensed gave orders that the mill should be pulled down. The' miller made no resistance, but folding his arms, quietly remarked, The King may do this, but there are laws in Prussia.” And he took legal proceedings the result of which was that the King had to rebuild the mill, and to pay a good sum of money besides in compensation. Although his Majesty was much chagrined at this end to the matter he put the best face he could upon it and turning to his courtiers he said : ” I am glad t 6 see that there arc just laws and upright judges in my kingdom.” A sequel to this incident occurred about 1840. A doscendent of the miller had come into possession of the mill. After having struggled for several years against ever-increasing, poverty, and being at length unable to keep on his business, he wrote to the King of Prussia, reminding him of the incident we have just related, and stating that if his Majesty felt so disposed, he would be thankful in his present difficulty to sell the mill. The King wrote the following reply with his own hands : "My Dear Neighbour,—l cannot allow you to sell the mill. It must always be in your possession, as long as one member of your family exists, for it belongs to the history of Prussia. I regret, however, to hear that you are in such straighten ed circumstances and therefore send you herewith six thousand thalers, in the hope that it may be of some use in restoring your fortunes. “ Consider me always your affectionate neighbour, “ Frederick William.”