Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1893 — THE HISTORY OF A MILL. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE HISTORY OF A MILL.

An Incident Illustrative of Frederick the Great of Prussia. Of Frederick the Great, third King of Prussia, many anecdotes are related that will illustrate the character of that remarkable ruler. One of them relates to an old mill at Sans Soucl, near Potsdam, where Frederick had a favorite residence, and where, at one time, he hpd gathered around him the most brilliant literary coterie of Europe. The view

from the chateau of Sans Souci was greatly marred by an old mill, which belonged to a very crusty miller. Frederick resolved to buy it, and he sent for the miller and offered him a high price. To the King’s dismay the miller refused to part with the property, wishing to die in possession of the mill, as his grandfather had died. Frederick threatened to confiscate it, but the testy miller dared him, saying: “You might if there were no courts of justice in Berlin.” The King was pleased to think that there was such confidence in the integrity of the judiciary and made no further attempt to dispossess the old miller. A subsequent King of Prussia finding the mill in a state of decay, rebuilt it and confirmed it in the possession of the old miller's descendants. It still exists.

THE MILL OF SANS SOUCL.