Today -100: April 17, 1921: Of occupations, kaiserinnen, free hands (the best kind of hands), and arson

France, already threatening to seize the Ruhr and tax it heavily if Germany doesn’t coup up sufficient reparations, is now also threatening to occupy Westphalia’s industrial region.

The funeral in Potsdam of former kaiser Wilhelm’s wife, the former kaiserin Augusta was postponed from last Friday to next Tuesday, evidently to allow the organization of a proper degree of rabid monarchist agitation around it. The Hohenzollerns were a bit dispirited about their chances for retaking the throne after watching – closely – Charles’s lame attempt to establish himself as king of Hungary. The authorities are worried that an openly restoration-cheerleading funeral will provoke the Communists to react violently. Wilhelm will not be allowed into Germany for the funeral.

Poland ratifies the Peace of Riga with Russia. Lithuania claims there’s a secret clause giving Russia a free hand in Latvia and Poland one in Lithuania. There isn’t. 

In retaliation for the killing of Maj. MacKinnon, the British burn 12 homes in Ballymaoelligott, County Kerry, including a presbytery.

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