Der Fuehrer - Hitler's Rise to Power (1944) - Heiden

190 DER FUEHRERthe injustice that was done his majesty's late-lamented father.' In allcircumstances and with all persons, he found the right words. NowKahr, too, found his word: he was prepared to co-operate 'as the king'sdeputy.' He had almost forgotten that he was putting on a comedy.The accord seemed complete. They all returned to the hall. Kahrspoke; Ludendorff spoke; Lossow spoke; Seisser spoke — the first twowith emotion, the others with painful restraint. Hitler and Ludendorffcelebrated the greatness of the moment: here in this hall, a Germannational government had been formed. Hitler repeated that he himselfhad undertaken the political direction of this government, thus fulfilling'the oath I swore five years ago as a blind cripple in a military hospital.'As the historian, Karl Alexander von Muller, subsequently related,Hitler was as pleased as a child, 'beaming with joy, overjoyed at hissuccess; he had a childlike, frank expression of happiness that I shallnever forget.' Beside Muller sat Max von Gruber, professor of racialhygiene at Munich University, impassioned nationalist and scientist,uncontested authority in racial questions. As a witness, he made the followingstatement to the state's attorney: 'For the first time I saw Hitler atclose quarters. Face and head: bad race, mongrel. Low, recedingforehead, ugly nose, broad cheekbones, small eyes, dark hair; facialexpression, not of a man commanding with full self-control, butbetraying insane excitement. Finally, an expression of blissful egotism.'The men on the platform all shook hands and swore loyalty to oneanother. The audience stood on tables and chairs and shouted,overpowered by enthusiasm. Hitler, who had threatened to shoot Kahrbut a few minutes before, clasped his hand and said: 'Excellency, I shallstand faithfully behind you like a dog!' — perhaps he meant a watchdog.Lossow and Seisser, to whom Hitler had broken his word of honor,received new oaths and new words of honor. And to the applauding,cheering throng, Hitler cried out that now there would be a march onBerlin, the 'great sinful Babel,' and there we shall establish a new Reich,a Reich 'of power and glory, Amen!'Suddenly, amid the merry tumult, a stout, gray-bearded man