THE GERMAN EMPEROR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1787, 12 March 1888, Page 2

THE GERMAN EMPEROR

Pkr Press Association.;

London Marc* 1 9,

Farly yesterday evening an apparently authentic telegram was received here stating that the Emperor Wilhelrn was dead. The news spread like wi'd-fire, and occasioned great excitement m Parliament. A m-ssage of condolence from the Queen was conveyed to Count Katzfeldt, German Ambassador ot London, who was not prepared to deny the truth of the statement that the Kmperor was dead. Later m the evening a message arrived stating that the Kmperor was living, but that his recovery was hopeless. The message went on to say that the Kmperor had bidden his family farewell, and that be had partaken of the Holy - acrament. At 10.50 this morning a message was rec ived stating that the Emperor died at half-past eight this morning.

The first report of the Emperor's ctaath originated m two evening papers published m Berlin. The report reached London at six o'clock on Thursday evening, and the streets were crowded with people anxious to buy extras containing the . news of his Majesty's death, aud also slips issued with a biography of< the deceased Emperor

It is stated that the German Government have ordered criminal prosecution against the two evening papers m Berlin which first announced that the Emperor was dead.

In Berlin the report was generally credited, notwithstanding that at the Embassies placards were posted denying that d- ath had ensued. However, subsequently, on a notice being issued to close the theatres and houses, and the draping of the principal streets m Berlin, the residents bpcame aware that the Emperor Willielm had passed away. A ll the evening the st ; eets were thronged with people expressing regret at the death and the loss which the nation had suffered. The Garrison troops were kept m readiness to take part m the ceremony of ..administering the oath to Prince William, who has been selected to act temporarily as Regent. However, before the Prince was sworn m, the Emperor rallied, and the Empress, who had been lying ill for some weeks past, was by her expr ss de ire carried into the room and laid beside her husband on the bed. The Kmperor, though very weak, was able to join m prayer that was offered, and afterwards conversed with the Empress and family and to>-k a farewell of them. He died at 8 30 am. The Crown Prince will take up his residence at Oharlottenburg, three miles west of Berlin. Sydney. March 10. The German Embassy has received a message from Berlin, officially announcing the death of the Emperor Wilhelm. Minute guns \7ere fired at noon, and a proclamation expressi g regret at the death of his Majesty has been gazetted. B run. March 9 His Majesty the Fmperor, when overtaken by death, was m a half-siiting posture on a camp bedstead, surrounded by members of his family, generals m the army, and members of the Cabinet. I His last moments were painless, and he amazed everyone with the fortitude shown and the manner m which he conversed with Prince William, his grandson, on civil, military and foreign affairs, especially as to relations with France. The sorrow shown by all German subjects at his Majesty's death is intense. All amusements have ceased, and the smypathy of all European countries has been aroused. The British Court has gone into mourning for a month, and the gaieties announced m connection with th« silver wedding of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales have been abandoned. , Prince Bismark, m announcing the I death of the Emperor m the Keichstatf, referred to the Crown Prince as Frederick 111., and the statement was received with great Bat sfaction, (Received Maroh 12, 1 p.tn,) f Ydnby. M »rcb 12. The German residents m the various Australian capitals intend holding solemn religious services m connection with the death of his Majesty the Emperor, and m accordance with the formalities prescribed to be used m churches on the death of a sovereign.