Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 83, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1901 — A DEMOCRATIC EMPEROR. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A DEMOCRATIC EMPEROR.

»lany Little Acte of Kindness of Feancii Joseph of Austria. Like many who live in the rnrlfied atmosphere of courts, Emperor Francis Joseph enjoys nothing better than a glimpse into the lives of his humblest subjects. So, In order to come closer In touch with the peasants, be has fallen into the habit of walking out alone every Sunday afternoon. Usually he turns his back upon the city and strolls out upon one of the country roads, whf-»e he almost invariably finds a companion going the same way, a simple tiller of the soil. When the Emperor’s questions regarding the details of life in the work-a-day world

bring down no suspicion of his identity; when he is regarded merely as a kind, chatty stranger then he is pleased. On one occasion an old man having listened to the sovereign’s talk with a group of laborers, without knowing who he was, followed Francis Joseph as he retraced his steps to the city. Gradually the old man edged up alongside. “Hello, stranger, you going up to town, too, looking for work?” he inquired, confidentially. His answer was a bright gold piece slipped Into his hand by the “stranger,” accompanied by a few words of cheer. This unexpected liberality on the part of his affable companion so fascinated the

peasant that they walked on together until they reached the palace gate. Some time later a foot passenger found the bewildered old man stumbling along the road, looking first at the gold piece in his palm and then back oVer his shoulder toward the Emper ! or’s palace.

EMPEROR FRANCIS JOSEPH.