THE KAISER AS A DEMOCRAT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 58, 1 November 1912, Page 7

THE KAISER AS A DEMOCRAT.

HIS DIGNITY LAID ASIDE. The German Emperor endeavoured to impress the Swiss during his visit in connection with the military manoeuvres as a person of democratic simplicity.' He succeeded admirably, and the public, as well as the newspapers, expressed their delight at the sympathetic and kindly personality of the monarch whom they had hitherto regarded as the, personification of stern discipline and Imperial dignity.

One day the Kaiser walked through the crowded streets of Zurich attended only liy Colonel Sprechcr, his aide-de-camp, smiling at the crowds which cheered him every .step of the journey from his villa to the National Museum, and sometimes stopping to exchange a few words with his admirers. This excursion was entirely unpremeditated. The police and octectives charged with the task of guarding the Imperial visitor were needy out of their minds with anxiety. He d;s-

regarded all the precautions taken for Ids safety, and seemed determined to mingle with the populace as mm h as possible. The Emperor made a sligat mistake in distributing diamond pins, set with the Imperial monogram, as 'souvenirs to Swiss officers whom he met during the manoeuvres. The Swiss Con-' jtitution forbids the officers of the Republic to receive gifts or docortions. His Majesty left £2OO for the poor ol Zurich.

Leaving Zurich at noon, tiie Emperor arrived at Berne ' at 2.27, and was met by President Ferrer and the principal civil and military officials of the Republic. He was wearing the uniform of an officer of the German Imperial Guard, and carried his h icldMarshal’s baton.

After' the reception at the Federal Palace the Emperor visited the Parliament Buildings and Cathedral. During his drive through the town he stopped at the bear-pit and fed the bears. He also visited the German Legation.

During the reception at the Legation the Emperor praised the work of the Swiss soldiers at the manoeuvres, saying that lie was astonished at their discipline and efficiency.