To any one who has experienced his hearty welcome
to his land and his home the assertion that he is arrogant and
autocratic is so far away from truth as to be ludicrous. Again I must
say that I have never met a ruler, in monarchy or republic, in whom
genuine democratic geniality was a so predominant characteristic.
[Illustration: FRANKLIN H. GIDDINGS
_(Photo by the Misses Selby.)_
_See Page 526_]
[Illustration: RUDOLF EUCKEN
_See Page 534_]
But the characteristic of the Emperor which struck me most forcibly is
his profound sense of duty and his readiness for self-sacrifice for the
welfare of his country. This is a general German trait. It is the most
admirable side of German nature. And the Emperor is, in this respect
especially, their Princeps. I remember sitting beside him one day, when
one of the ladies of his household asked me if I were acquainted with a
certain wealthy ultra-fashionable New York social leader. I replied, by
name only. She pressed me to know why not more nearly, why not
personally. And to this, I replied that I was not of her class; that I
could not amuse her, and that I did not approve of the frivolous and
demoralizing example and influence of one so favorably circumstanced for
doing good.
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