THE OLD KAISER'S LAST MOMENTS.
[BY IIiEOTBIO TELEGRAPH— OOBYBIGHT ]
(per press association.)
ADELAIDE, April 9, News per Orient, March 9th, says that the late Emperor Wilhelm's illness began on Sunday with a chill, and on Wednesday a recurrence of the old malady threatened to end his career. On Thursday the symptoms became more alarming, and a* conspicuous change for the worse took place. The bells m the City were tolled while the Sacrament of Communion was being administered, which gave rise to the rumor that the Emperor was dead. After receiving the sacrament the Emperor fell into a deep sleep. Two news agencies m Berlin telegraphed a message all over the world to the effect that the Emperor was dead, and the intelligence was readily credited. At nine on the same evening Queen Victoria received a telegram stating that the Emperor was still alive, but very weak, and the evening papers m London published special additions contradicting the previous statements of the Emperor's death, but many believed that this was merely a diplomatic trick, and doubtless were greatly disappointed by the receipt on next morning iof more definite intelligence, An hour and a-half before the Emperor's death the doctors issued a bulletin stating that the Emperor's case was desperate. When the latter awoke he seemed a little stronger, but at four a.m. all hope was abandoned. There were then sixty persons round the Emperor's bed. Prayers were offered, and the old monarch took his leave of everybody present, speaking individually to many. His mind was perfectly clear, and his ideas were consecutive. For nearly half an-hour he spoke with scarcely a pause. Sitting up, he then partook of some light refreshment, and again conversed with his friends. Upon being urged to husband his remaining strength, the Emperor said: "No. I feel I have not much jtjme to live, and prefer to say all I wish now," Addressing Prince William he spoke of the most minute, details of his connection with civil and military affairs, of foreign matters, of the relation^ of the Empire towards France. The effect of the effort was | undescribable upon those present. The doctors were astounded at the display of strength, The Emperor did not exhibit the slightest fear of death. The last few hours he experienced n# pain. Shortly after eight o'clock on Friday morning royalties, dignitaries, generals, and ministers were summoned to the bedßide of the dying monarch, who was m a half sitting postuie m a camp bedstead, Prince William bending over the old Kaiser's aged form, and earnestly watching the Emperor's face as he passed away. The expression left on the dead face was most peaceful and placid.
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1811, 10 April 1888, Page 3
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445THE OLD KAISER'S LAST MOMENTS. Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1811, 10 April 1888, Page 3
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