Universal Classics Library (Volume 23) - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1901. Excerpt: ... The King appears very tranquil concerning future contingencies. He is building near New Sans Souci, or rather repairing and furnishing a charming house, which formerly belonged to the Lord Marshal, and which is destined for Mademoiselle Voss. The Princess of Brunswick has requested to have a house at Potsdam; and the King has bestowed that on her which he inhabited as Prince Royal, which he is furnishing at his own expense. It is evident that this expiring Princess, crippled byDavid's disease, and consumed by inanity, is to be lady of honor to Mademoiselle Voss. The debts of the Queen Dowager, the reigning Queen, the Prince Royal, now become King, and of some other complaisant people, male and female, are paid; and, if we add to these sums the pensions that have been bestowed, the houses that have been furnished, and the officers that have been created, we shall find the amount to be tolerably large. This is the true way to be prodigal without being generous. To this article it may be added that the King has given to Messieurs Blumenthal, Gaudi, and Heinitz, Ministers of State, each a bailliage. This is a new mode of making a present of a thousand louis. Apropos of the last of these Ministers, the King has replied to several persons employed in the Department of the Mines, who had complained of being superseded, that hereafter there shall be no claims of seniority. He has terminated the affair of the Duke of Mecklenburg with some slight modifications. He has given a miraculous kind reception to General Count Kalckreuth; who was aid-de-camp to and principal agent of Prince Henry; who quarreled with him outrageously for the Princess; and whom Frederick II. kept at a distance that he might not too openly embroil himself with his brother. Kalckreuth is a man ...