Frances A Gerard
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 76
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901 edition. Excerpt: ... of Munich had said when Maximilian I. made his entry into the city: "You are our Maxl because you have come to us." Had the Chancellor's advice been followed, the people of Munich would have stood by their "Ludwig." We now* return to what was passing in that city. It was arranged that four gentlemen were to be appointed to go to Hohenschwangau and announce to the King the decision that had been come to. This in itself was somewhat of a singular method of procedure. One doesn't generally inform the insane man that he is insane. This, however, being agreed upon, the Commission was appointed. It consisted of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Von Crailsheim, the King's former Master of the Horse, Count von Holstein, Count Torring, and Baron Washington. To these were added Doctor von Gudden, a specialist of great experience in mental diseases, his assistantsurgeon, Dr. Franz Miiller, and four keepers. Doctor Rumpler and Field-Marshal von Malsen accompanied the party. To these gentlemen was given the trying duty of informing the Queen Mother, who had gone to spend the summer at Elbigenalp, of what was about to take place. * It is impossible without being behind the scenes to arrive at a correct judgment in such a case as this, where so much must naturally depend upon hearsay--trifles being exaggerated and meanings given to what in themselves were harmless circumstances. As the whole story unfolds itself before the reader, his astonishment grows at the friendless position in which the King seems to have stood in this great crisis of his life. Is it possible that no friendly influence could have been exerted, no kind, soothing nurse or old friend who could have calmed the agitation of his distracted mind? The Queen Mother could not have been that...