Imperial Valley Press

PRINCE MAX

Death of Prince Maximilian Von Baden removes another of the central figures in the last days of the World War, not so well known in America as Foch, Clemenceau, and others perhaps, but well remembered in Europe.

It was Prince Max, a thorough democrat despite his royal title, who persuaded the Kaiser to abdicate and seek refuge in Holland at a time when it was apparent the German cause not only was lost, but the nation itself threatened by the red menace which had invaded its army, navy and political circles.

Upon Prince Max, as chancellor of the empire, fell the disagreeable and arduous task of asking for and obtaining an armistice from the allied powers.

Bitterly berated in Germany for the seemingly harsh terms which he accepted, he has been vindicated by the passing years, which have shown that harsh terms were necessary and that Prince Max did a remarkable piece of work in being able to hold the German representatives in hand and at the same time endeavor to get the best terms he could for his country.

The prince never forgot that the lives of thousands of German women and children, starved by months of the blockade, depended upon his terms with the allies and on his efforts to get food for them. He got the food and made the terms. He was a humanitarian first and a statesman last, which is perhaps why we are so unfamiliar with him.