Father and Son

Die Deutsche Wochenzeitung, described as an obscure German weekly periodical published in Holland, gives an account of an interview given by the ex-Kaiser of Germany at Doom to the editor. The ex-Kaiser explained away all the mysteries of his doings. Excerpts:

"Who can blame me if my children visit me here? Do you blame the Crown Prince for wanting to leave his lonely island to seek distraction in Doom? "

Speaking of the visits of Monarchists on steam yachts at Wieringen (present headquarters of the ex-crown Prince), he said: "What these gentlemen spoke of I cannot say. In any event it must have been an awful crush in the vicarage where the Crown Prince lives, if a few hundred ladies and gentlemen all crowded into the small house to conspire."

" Do you not think it extraordinary," said the ex-Kaiser with a comic grimace, "that people always make stories about junkers who wish to carry off the Crown Prince by boat or airplane?

"My son, Eitel Friedrich, has been here several times, and also Hellferich. Also many professors, intellectuals, artists and other people who wished to speak to me have visited me. Is it, then, a crime if I talk with these people of the situation in Germany? Will they finally deprive me of my right to interest myself in what goes on in Germany? . . I am amazed that even Stinnes was supposed to have been here. I don't know Stinnes personally or whether he is my friend or foe, but I have heard from acquaintances that he interests himself little in politics."

Referring to reports that he had visited a seaside resort: "I certainly was in Noordwyk-on-Sea with my wife, naturally with the consent of the Dutch Government. We visited Count Bentinck and my Adjutant, Ilseman. I did not play tennis, nor did I win a prize.

"I am surprised that so much should be made of these little things, which are not worth speaking about. It would require a whole press bureau to deny all rumors, but it would be a waste of money."

The ex-Crown Prince gave an interview to a correspondent of the Amsterdaf Telegraff in which he said:

"My youngest child, who is five years old, I have seen only once, when he was christened, and, counting the War years, I have been away from home for nine years. All these years living in my trunk. A child can understand that I am not living here for pleasure. Sooner or later the day must come when I shall return to Germany. I ask only to live like an ordinary citizen on my large estate in-Silesia and in the midst of my family. The Socialist Government wanted to seize that estate, but I am sure that I shall win my suit."

Asked if the Dutch Government prevented his return to Germany, the ex-Crown Prince retorted :

"The Government will be only too glad to see the last of me, for I am only a trouble to it. But, in the first place, I would not for anything in the world increase the unrest in Germany by my return; therefore I must wait for more normal times. In the second place, in order to return I require the permission of the German Government."

Throughout the interview the ex-Crown Prince spoke in Dutch, a language that he has acquired during his stay at Wieringen. He said he intended to apply to the German Government for permission to return and live in Germany.