An Emperor Abandoned Etiquette

It was not a fortnight ago that Herbert Bismarck was entertaining a party of friends in his bachelor quarters when, all of a sudden, the Emperor walked in. A seat was put for his Majesty at the table, and for an hour or so the Emperor chatted gayly with the guests; then, apologizing graciously for his intrusion, the Kaiser bade the company good evening and went his way.– Portrait of Herbert von Bismarck, done 1892 by C.W.Allers.

THE GERMAN EMPEROR

Some of the Whims and Hobbies 

of His Nibs

In one particular at least the young emperor of Germany seeks to emulate the example of the famous Caliph of Bagdad. He makes a practice of prowling around to find out by means of his own eyes and ears the will and the wants of his people. The military people do not fancy this this sort of thing, for they are (in Germany of all countries) severe stickiers at etiquette, and they regard it as shockingly degrading. that their sovereign should snoop around barracks in the darkness of night, in the disguise sometimes of a patrolman and sometimes of an officer.

Another practice of William’s is to call informally upon his acquaintances in Berlin; at any hour of the day or evening he is likely to make his appearance in the house of a friend, and, of course, being the Kaiser, he has to be made welcome. It was not a fortnight ago that Herbert Bismarck was entertaining a party of friends in his bachelor quarters when, all of a sudden, the Emperor walked in. A seat was put for his Majesty at the table, and for an hour or so the Emperor chatted gayly with the guests; then, apologizing graciously for his intrusion, the Kaiser bade the company good evening and went his way.– Fresno Weekly Expositor. 1890

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