( lives 
0 the 
Mount 
¢ ang 
Jloyed 
fence. 
7S are 
1S are 
vators 
until 
sttled 
Karl 
tence 
much 
vas 2 
v that 
1 the 
1natic 
1cked 
Ce 9 
arved 
yrtant 
tion 
WwW his 
Noirs 
arngl 
WOVE 
~tect 
fer 
dm 
“ry. 
Preface. 
* 
¥ 
If this be true, we have not long to wait for his explanation of the 
mystery. 
The latest revelation, contained in the Zurich pamphlet, if 
genuine, is sufficient proof of the truth of the whole story. The 
name of the author is probably a fictitious one, and the name of 
the Prince who furnished the documents is not given. But here 
again the internal evidence is very strong. No one would have 
forged such a letter as is asserted to have been written by Grand- 
Duke Ludwig, and Von Berstett’s confession places the matter 
beyond doubt. Already an attempt has been made to deny the 
authenticity of the facsimile letter ; but the critic of that portion 
of the revelation maintains strict silence concerning Von Berstett’s 
explanation, which is still more important than the letter. 
To the objection that any stirring up of this scandal is dis- 
pleasing to the successors of the guilty Grand-Duke, and to other 
important personages connected with the affair, there is only the 
reply that the subject is of so great and universal interest, that 
the prejudices and privileges of individuals cannot be allowed to 
put a stop to honest investigation. It must be. disagreeable for 
royal persons to live continually in “the fierce light that beats 
upon a throne,” and know that all their sayings and doings are a 
matter of public comment—doubly disagreeable when there is 
anything to hide and be ashamed of ; but this is a slight grievance 
in view of the superior advantages enjoyed by such people for 
leading a pleasant life. 
The misguided wretch who attempts to better himself or 
society in general by attacking hereditary potentates with dagger 
or dynamite is not shielded from publicity and punishment, and 
when a royal personage condescends to criminal acts, although 
his high position may save him from open accusation and merited 
retribution, he cannot escape the impartial judgment of history 
upon his evil deeds. 
The time has gone by for intimidating witnesses and suppress- 
ing information concerning that long-past event. The present 
line is established upon the throne; the Court has outlived its 
earlier notoriety for extravagance and dissolute conduct; the