'Atlantean' Relics Fascinate Kaiser.

New York Times 100 years ago today, December 29, 1912:
He Sees the Mysterious Objects Brought from Africa by Dr. Frobenius.
"NEVER MADE BY NEGROES"
Emperor's Remark on Viewing Terra Cottas — Dr. Frobenius Likely to Continue Exploration Work.
Special Cable to The New York Times.
    BERLIN, Dec. 28.— Dr. Leo Frobenius, chief of the German Central African Exploration expedition, who asserts that he has located the exact site of the lost Atlantis, expounded his views and the results of his travels before the Kaiser this week at a soirée at the home of the Colonial Secretary, Dr. Solf. The Kaiser himself is a keen archaeologist, his fondness for the subject being one of the thing's responsible for his close friendship with Allison V. Armour, who puts in a good deal of his time cruising in ancient waters on board his private yacht, the Utowana, in search of archaeological booty.
    The Kaiser is much interested in the trophies that Frobenius obtained in support of his Atlantis views, particularly the collection of terra cottas.
    "One sees that these were never made by negroes." was his Majesty's terse comment.
    The Emperor also thought the terra cottas were portraits, as every head is different.
    Dr. Frobenius exhibited the photograph of a Byzantine imperial castle which he had discovered in the heart of Africa. He explained that most of his exploration had taken place on British soil, but he had ran across the ruins of a Persian city on German territory.
    This statement evoked a spontaneous outburst from the Kaiser to the effect that everything must be done to enable a thorough excavation of the ruins. Dr. Frobenius, therefore, will probably soon return to Africa with imperial backing.