AT THE CAT OF DEATH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1369, 13 October 1886, Page 3

AT THE CAT OF DEATH.

By a remarkable coincidence (says a London correspondent) both Germany ana France are at the present moment on the eve of important events following on identical circumstances. Both their rulers are at the very gates of death, and any day may bring the intelligence that the Imperial throne Is tenantleas and the Presidentill chair rmpiy. In both cases extraordinary efforts are made to minimise the facts or to hide them altogether. But private letters from the capitals leave no doubt of the condition of the two rulers. M. G-evy, living In the greater obscurity, more completely escapes the public eye But the poor old emperor of Germany is consta itly tumbling about, as with his Idomi a ile spirit he insists npon walking across tle room as if he were a mare chicken of 70 or 80. These occurrences must needs be reported, and from time to time they h i a corner in the news papers. If the Emperor lives till March next he will be ninety years of age, and i? already in a more or less happy state of second childhood. He is fed every two hours with beef tea, jollier, and other savo y compositions which do not require mastication,Jand every d?y Berlin is officially assured that the Empe; or is in excellent health. The old man's tenacity for his position is most pathetic. He will s'iil be Empeior, and above all a soldier Ha will still be dressed in his uniform, booted and spurred and helmeted, and loves above ali things to be helped to a seat near the window whe e ho can watch wi h childish his troops go by . As for M. Grhvy, a mere youth of aevt-n ynine, he for the most part sits iu his chair or hobbles round his garden watting f>r the end. It was a cruel thing to impose upon him ri -election as a President, Bnt it did not suit the Interests of the parties in Franco (o join in the struggle f r the Presidency at the momon' M. first term expired. There will be a fine rumpus In France when M. G'evy dies. It will come in Germany too, but may be postponed for a year or two whilst the Crown Prince has his chance.