Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 204, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 September 1918 — VICTOR NOW LOVED [ARTICLE]

VICTOR NOW LOVED

War Has Brought Popularity to Italy’s King. His Democratic Ways, and Courage In the Face of Danger, Have Greatly Endeared, Him to Both Soldiers and Citizens. ' i The war has cast some kings down from their thrones and held up others to the scorn of the world. But it has also made some honored and beloved, not by their own people only but by millions of the citizens of other countries. King Albert of Belgium is one; King Victor of Italy is another. Victor has not the "imposing presence and heroic bearing of Albert, but his soul has risen nobly to the occasion. The extreme democracy of Italy, says Mr. Herbert Vivian in “Italy at War,” has always expressed itself in the freest criticism of the monarchy. During the agitation of May, 1915, when many persons feared that Italy might shrink from war, the name of King Victor Emmanuel HI was frequently taken in vain. The press published impudent caricatures and openly accused him of being swayed by Austrian sympathizers. Poor little man! So small, and rather alone! He has a splendid wife, Worthy daughter of the old lion of Montenegro, and he finds much homely happiness in his sturdy family. But he has been the subject of many slights and much Indifference; indeed, only in Italy is it known how near he was exiled in May, 1915. But the time for pity has gone by, and the king is now by far the most popular man in the kingdom. He is almost a dwarf, with a colorless face slightly bronzed by the elements, a crisp, manly voice, and a way of laughing with his eyes. He stands erect, with his short legs wide apart. His hair is beginning to grow gray, and there are furrows on his forehead and beside his mouth, yet he bears him- . self like a young man, walking fast and never tiring. He speaks little and simply, always to the point, looking men straight in the eyes and awakening strong feeling wherever he goes.

• He buzzes about the battle front In a little .gray motor, without escorts, - and with no precautions for his safety. He sleeps little and cares not where; he is quite happy in an Alpine hut or on striftv. His fare is of the simplest—a little cold meat, bread, cheese and chocolate—and he is always ready to share It with the nearest soldier. He says “Tu” to in a fatherly way, and welcomes familiarity from the soldiers. They treat him as one of themselves, but none have ever taken advantage of his good nature. He laughed heartily when an old soldier called out to him: “Nay, majesty, what be doing here? This is no place for thee. Get thee gone at once!” He interests himself in all the men he meets. “Dear me," he says* “what a lot of post cards! Are they all for sweethearts? Give them to me and I will send them with my own letters. Such things should not be delayed.” “Why do you look so glum? No news from your family? Cheer up! I’ll send a wire for you to inquire.” The soldiers see him praying with glistening eyes over a dying comrade. “For your majesty,” gasped a dying soldier as he stretched out his arms. “Not so, my son,” was the grave reply, “for Italy.” Another incident that happened on the battle front gives a picture of the king’s courage. In the midst of shell fire a lieutenant who had fallen, mortally wounded, called a soldier, gave him a few keepsakes to convey to his family and then ordered him to fly. But the soldier-tried to carry the lieutenant to a place of safety. Some gunners called to him through the infernal fire: “Save yourself! Save yourself!” But still he remained. lathe distance a motor horn could be heard, and the whisper went round that the king had left the field. The soldier still struggled with the officer’s body, but the lieutenant died in his arms. Flinging himself on the corpse, the young fellow exclaimed with tears: "Even the king has gon? away!” Then a hand touched his shoulder. He shook himself, rose and stood at attention. “My dear boy,” said the king, “the car has gone, but the king ■; is still with you.” And there he remained till the end of the day.