The New York herald., 1870-01-03
TIE HOLY LAND.
The Knlghts OF III. John of Observation-Disclosures
OF the Crown Priuce OF Prussia.

The knights OF III. John of Jerusalcm-Acsion
Of the Crown Prince OF Prussia.
corresponding OF the National Zeft4nJ, OF Ber-
lin, writes from Jerusalem
The visit OF the Crown Prince OF Prussia viii form
an important event III the modern history OF tho
holy CITY, since be has taken possession or the for
mcr property OF The Knights OF 81 John In the
Gf the King of Prussia. For many years single
the commanders and Grand Master 10 interest
themselves Tor their ancient estates IN Jerusalem
But as they had become the domains or a mosque,
anl mad IN part been privately sold TO the Greeks,
the realization OF this wish seemed Impossible
During the visit OF the Crown Prince TO Constaht-
nople however, the Sultan presented them TO the
King OF Prussia, and hs Royal Highness fastened
hither TO take possession OF his new inheritance.
The old seat OF the Knights OF 81. John lies oppo-
site the chief I1gade Oh The Cnurcn OF the Holy
Sepulchre IN southery direction, but where once
noble ediices stood nothing but heaps OF ruins the
ebodes Of miserable aad poverty stricken people,
are now TO be found The ruins or the Church or
Malta Latina Major are In the best state OF preseFya-
tion, and It's portal, though injured stl exctes 1he
admiration Of every passing traveller. The neghoof-
hood OF the Holy Scpuichre made the Greeks most
desirous OF gaining possession OF The place ana thcy
spared neither brDes nor intrixues 10 attain lner
ekd5. Vne piece they succeeded IN Obtaining. They
have built convent upon II, and only last year
They endeayored To purchase the wnoe estate Tor
large sum- The news OF its having been presented
70 King William was therefore Liost unexpected
blow TO their hopes. angry as shey are they
rejoice that Ii has not fallen into the hands OF the
Roman Catholics, who were their 0la rivals III The
matter. On sunday the 7th OF November, the Crown
Prince took possession In presence of the authorl-
ties, Baron Won Alien, the Consul General, the
gregation and division OF Prussian marines. Tie
Crown Prince went through the ceremony In the
name OF the King the Pacha opened the gate the
Prussian eagle was placed above 1t, aud IN a few
minutes the royal standard sireamed from the high
est point in the field Of ruins. IL said that
Tile Knights OF ST. John intend at once to commence
the restoration Of their old property Their FIRST
step Will he the erection Of place OF worshIp Tor
the German congregation has hitherto had TO trust
to the hospitality of the English Church, had
building Of its own. The Greek Patriarch not only
gracefully submitted to what could not be altered
but did more an he presented q field belonging 10
his church 10 the Crown Prlncess as the site for
hospital for children Before leaving The city the
Crown Prince, IN his fathers name, presented the
Order OF the Rod Eagle 20 DR.. Sandreczy, mission
ary Who has done mucn for the Christians and the
Germans OF Jerusalem, ana TO the most learned Mo-
hammedan OF the city, Schlcich Assad Fiscntlsch.
wnu formerly rendered legal assistance 10 the Pris
sian consulate The Greek Patriarch was prescnted
IN The nrst clea3 OF the same order.