Princeton, New Jersey, January 1901
Professor Woodrow Wilson was a tall, thin man with a clipped, northeastern manner of speech. He carried himself with the utmost dignity. His short-combed hair and professorial glasses completed the figure of one of the most admired men in Princeton. And in America at large, many said.
"Now, Germany had a long-standing treaty of alliance with Spain at this time. The US risked war with three major European powers when she declared war. But Germany opted not to abide by the treaty, choosing prudence over loyalty." A pall of condemnation fell over the room, as everyone was perfectly well aware that German Crown Prince Waldemar sat among them. It lingered for a moment, but it was not over.
"In fact, Germany was so two-faced that she offered a treaty of alliance with the
United States just a few months after this!" Wilson fixed his eyes predatorially on Waldemar. "Were you aware of that, young man? Does your father discuss foreign policy with you?"
Momentary dread chilled Waldemar at the accusations directed at him. But he forced it aside. "He does, Professor. I’ve been attending cabinet meetings since I was a boy."
"So long?" Wilson mocked.
Wally’s eyes were challenging, now. "And yes, I was aware of the offer of alliance. Relations between Prussia and the United States were very good at the time."
"Before Panama, you mean? That
very costly military adventure?" His emphasis on the word "very" dug at Wally's heart.
"Yes. Before Panama. And we had no wish to associate ourselves with the sinking of the
Maine. That was Spain’s doing, not ours. That, Sir, is the reason why we did not abide by the Spanish treaty." At least, that was the reason Wally most preferred to discuss at the moment.
"Interesting," Wilson said with a little bite, "that you still refer to Germany as Prussia. The old military dictatorship. But anyway," he redirected, "we’re getting quite far afield here." Wally was not going to be allowed to respond to that last volley.
"The first American military offensives," Wilson continued, "were naturally against Spanish holdings in Texas and California. Those invasions proceeded quickly, as the Spanish defenses and Spanish soldiers were not well trained or equipped."
He looked over his shoulder at the map – a colorful pull-down of the Americas clipped to the chalkboard. "And a naval blockade of Cuba was begun, headed up by a squadron of modern US cruisers, including the
Brooklyn, Rochester, Charlotte and Atlanta."
"Shortly thereafter, American soldiers landed in Cuba, led at the Battle of San Juan Hill by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt – the man who is currently Governor of New York, and who may well be our country’s next Vice President."
He droned on and on. Wally, his temper slowly giving way to genuine interest in the history being taught – his favorite subject, no matter the teacher – took sporadic notes. The rest he simply absorbed, adding to the fabric of these years that already existed in his mind.
"By the middle of 1900," Wilson explained, "the United States controlled all of Cuba and Puerto Rico, and had also landed troops in the Spanish Philippines. Then in August came the most ambitious American move – the storming of the beaches at San Lucar, between Seville and Cadiz.”
“As you all know, peace was concluded just last month, and the United States has made a good number of territorial acquisitions."
Afterward, outside the classroom building, Wally stopped to chat with some friends as other classmates engaged in a playful snowball fight on the Commons. He was fresh back from the Russian War, which caused him to miss the fall term at Princeton. But he had hurried back once his duties were concluded. Now they were curious about his first experiences in combat. The conversation produced a cloud of frozen breath, which hovered around them.
Wally felt a hand gently touch his shoulder, from behind.
Looking around, Wally found a most beautiful creature attached to it. He smiled, a little sheepishly. "My lady," he greeted his attractive classmate. She wore a long, stylish wool coat, and a cute stocking cap. He knew her – had seen her in class and around – had even remarked upon her more than once in the couple of weeks since he had arrived back in the USA. But had never actually met her.
Elizabeth’s sympathetic smile grew warm at his inviting words. "Oh, that’s sweet, Wally." But she changed back – she did want to offer sympathy. "I just wanted to say I thought Professor Wilson was just dreadful, the way he taunted you. Why would he do that?"
Waldemar shrugged. "I’ve spoken to him before. He seems to have a serious problem with Germans. Something disapproving in the way he treats me."
"Hmm," she nodded. "Well, I hope he doesn’t hold his grudge too tightly, into the future. You have
grades to expect from the man!" She smiled brightly. "I’ll see you tomorrow, Wally. Have a good night!" She batted her eyelashes as she turned, but her eyes remained fixed on him as she walked. She twiddled her gloved fingers in a friendly goodbye, then faced forward and walked off with a cute little sway, chatting with her girlfriend.
Elizabeth slowly disappeared into the distance across campus, glancing back at him from time to time. Wally remained transfixed. And speechless. His friend, Jim, had to punch him in the shoulder to bring him around. He glanced back. Wally would have a good night, indeed… If he could dream of her!
