Another American episode of the year was the visit of Prince Henry, the Emperor’s brother, to the United States.  Prince Henry left for America in February.  The visit was in reality made in pursuance of the Emperor’s world-policy of economic expansion, but there were not a few politicians in England and America to assert that it was part of a deep scheme of the Emperor’s to counteract too warm a development of Anglo-American friendship.  However that may be, the visit was a striking one, even though it gave no great pleasure to Germans, who could not see any particular reason for it, nor any prospect of it yielding Germany immediate tangible return for trouble and expense.  Prince Henry, it is said, though the most genial and democratic of Hohenzollerns, was a little taken back at the American freedom of manners, the wringing of hands, the slapping on the back, and other republican demonstrations of friendship; but he cannot have shown anything of such a feeling, for he was feted on all sides, and soon developed into a popular hero.

One of the incidents of the visit, previously arranged, was the christening of the Emperor’s new American-built yacht, Meteor III, by Miss Alice Roosevelt, the President’s daughter.  On February 25th the Emperor received a cablegram from Prince Henry:  “Fine boat, baptized by the hand of Miss Alice Roosevelt, just launched amid brilliant assembly.  Hearty congratulations;” and at the same time one from the President’s daughter:  “To his Majesty the Kaiser, Berlin—­Meteor successfully launched.  I congratulate you, thank you for the kindness shown me, and send you my best wishes.  Alice Roosevelt.”

During the visit the Emperor cabled to President Roosevelt his thanks and that of his people for the hospitable reception of his brother by all classes, adding: 

“My outstretched hand was grasped by you with a strong, manly, and friendly grip.  May Heaven bless the relations of the two nations with peace and goodwill!  My best compliments and wishes to Alice Roosevelt.”

Reference to this cordial electric correspondence may close with mention of a telegram sent in reply to a message from Mr. Melville Stone, of the American Associated Press: 

“Accept my thanks for your message.  I estimate the great and sympathetic reception (it was a banquet) given to my dear brother by the newspaper proprietors of the United States very highly.”

Prince Henry returned to Germany on March 17th, a Doctor of Law of Harvard University.

There have been moments when people in America were influenced by other sentiments than those of entirely respectful admiration for the Emperor.  It was with mixed feelings that the American public heard the news of his telegraphed offer to President Roosevelt in May, 1902, when, as the telegram said, the Emperor was “under the deep impression made by the brilliant and cordial reception” given to his brother,