The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1888-03-17 00:00:00

THE EMPEROR'S LAST HOURS.
DEATH-BED SCENES.

The slight improvement in the Emperor's condition
on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 7th inst., on
which date the patient first showed seriously alarming
symptoms, was still perceptible on the Thursday
morning, for despite a restless night he had a little
appetite. This gave rise to a hope that his strength
might return, especially as he seemed clearer and
recognised those around him more readily than on the
preceding day, when be more than. once fell into an
unconscious state, which continued for a length of
time. Amongst others lie recognised the Empress, whose
hand lie repeatedly pressed, and also Prince William,
with whom he discussed some military matters.
During the morning he was able to take some bouillon
and beef-tea at intervals. About noon, however,
things again changed for the worst, his pulse grew
very weak, and his strength fell away in a manner
that gave rise to the utmost alarm. At this time
Prince Bismarck arrived at the Palace, and joined
Count Moltke, Count Stolberg, the Minister of tho
Royal Household, the heads of the military and civil
Cabinets, and the highest Court officials, who had
been assembled since the early morning.
The Emperor, although he remained very weak, was
perfectly conscious, and shortly after two o'clock he
sent for Prince Bismarck, with whom he talked for
about 20 minutes. The Chancellor, somewhat re-
assured, then drove to the Reichstag, where ho pre-
sided at a Council of Ministers, which was followed
by a meeting of the Federal Council, whence he re-
turned direct to the palace at five. The Emperor's ,
strength had not increased in the interval, although
he had taken some beef tea, and shortly after had
fallen asleep. He was disturbed about five with a
rather severe attack of pain, upon which Prince Wil-
liam was called to his bedside, where the Empress and
the Grand Duchess of Baden already were. Prince
William soon came out of the room, looking very
grave, and summoned Dr. BlOgel, First Court Chaplain, ,
with whom he returned to the sick room. On this
becoming known outside, the news suddenly spread
that the end bad come, and this impression was
strengthened by the ringing out of all the church
bells. This, however, it appeared, merely meant that
the Emperor had taken the Communion.
After receiving the Communion the Emperor sank
into a deep sleep, from which he awoke a little
stronger, sat up in bed, and had something read to
him. The evening's bulletin, published at seven
p.m., was not reassuring, but it showed that there had
been no change for the worse. The Empress and the
Grand Duchess remained with the Emperor. The
other Princes and Princesses left the palace, hoping to
see his Majesty better in the morning. But in the
morning, as above announced, the Emperor was no
more.
About three o'clock in the morning (relates another
correspondent) the death-agony commenced, and the
whole Royal family were summoned to the Imperial
presence. The aged Empress remaintd there till
after her husband's decease.
From three o'clock until seven his Majesty was
still able to keep up the conversation which so
astonished and electrified his hearers on the previous
afternoon. Throughout the whole of this time he
was perfectly conscious, and fully able to arrange
his thoughts. At seven, however, it was seen
that the crisis was at hand. His mind
became more absent, and, thenceforward, down to
the supreme moment, he talked little. About 8.12 in
the morning when inquiry was made at the palace as
to the Emperor's condition, the answer returned was,
"He is resting." Several distinguished personages
were leaving at the time, and those waiting were
warned that the end was expected every moment. It
was only a few minutes afterwards that the illustrious
Monarch entered upon his final rest. Softly, quietly,
without token of the slightest pain, he fell asleep like
a child. Weakness had been steadily creeping on,
and at length the vital power had reached its lowest
ebb, and what was mortal in Wilhelm von Hohen-
zollern succumbed to a Power humanity cannot resist.
At 8.25 his head fell gently back, and in a few
moments he was gone. ' Then the full sense of their
loss seemed as if brought suddenly before the Royal
family, and grief inconsolable Wel( possession of
them.