THE EMPEROR WILHELM'S LAST MOMENTS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1723, 12 April 1888, Page 4

THE EMPEROR WILHELM'S LAST MOMENTS.

ISTewa per Orient to March 9th says that the late Emperor Wilhelin's illness began on Sunday with a chill, and on Wednesday the recurrence of an 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 in the city were tolled while the sacrament of communion was being administered, which gave rise to the rumour that the Emperor was dead. After receiving the sacrament the Emperor fell into a deep sleep. Two news agencies in Berlin telegraphed a message all over the world to the effect that the Emperor was dead, and the intelligence was readily credited at the time. The same evening Queen Victoria received a telegram stating that the Emperor was still alive, but very-weak, and. the evening papers in London published special editions. contradicting the previous statements of the Emperor's death, but many believed that this was merely a diplomatic trick, and doubters were greatly disappointed by the receipt next morning of 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 1 a.m. all hope was abandoned. There were then sixty persons round the Emperor's bed, and prayers were offered, and the old monarch took 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. Then he 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 time to live, and I prefer to say all I wish now." Addressing Prince William, he-spoke of the most minute details in connection with the civil and military affairs, of foreign matters, and the relations of the Empire toward France. The effect of the effort was iudescribable upon those present. The doctors were astounded at the display of strength. He did not exhibit the slightest fear of death. The last few hours he experienced no pain. Shortly after eight o'clock on Friday morning, royalites, dignitaries, generals and Ministers were summoned beside the dying monarch, who was in a half sitting posture on a camp bedstead. The bedroom was crowded. Prince William bending over tbe old Kaiser's aged form earnestly watched the Emperor's face. As he passe 1 away the expression left on the dead face was most peaceful and placid.