The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-03
GERMANY'S AGED EMPEROR.
He Is Gradually Succumbing, but Dislikes
illusions to His Falling Health.

Allusions to His Failing Health.
Berlin Letter in New York World
Nothing could more forcby illustrate the un-
certainty growing out of what has been accurate
ly termed the armed peace of Europe than the
feeling of uneasness that manifests itself when
the slightest indisposition of Emperor William
is reported. A few days ago the news went
abroad that His Majesty was confined to his
room by severe cold, and Immediately pail of
gloom seemed to settle over the entire city.
Anxiety could be read in every face The cause
of this is the fact that everybody feels the peace
of Europe hangs on the slender thread of the
aged Emperor's lfe So long as the Emperor
lives there is little danger of a European war.
His Majesty has so often reiterated his determi-
nation to preserve the peace of Europe during
his remaining days that the sefshness as
we'll as the love of his subjects is touched by
every change of his health. When the news
was published that his Majesty was again able
to transact business, and that he would probably
resume his drives in few days, everyone felt
relieved But it is an open secret that Emperor
William is failing fast. His unequal fight against
old age is growing every day more apparent.
When couple of months ago he went to attend
the autumn manoouvres of the army he had
almost to be carried from place to place in the
arms of his attendants. 1t is told that tears were
seen to roll down the grim cheeks of many of
his old officers, as they saw their former chief,
who, a few years before, used to ride so
proudly at the head of his staff, helped like an
invalid from his cushioned carriage. His erect
bearing has given way to a weighty droop, and
the springy step of few years ago is now an un-
certain totter. Whenever he walks out he is
preceded and followed by attendants, lest he
should fall suddenly, and even last summer,
when at Gastein, a carriage was always within
sight when he went on his daily promenade.
And he is much weaker now than he was then.
But this is studiously concealed from him. His
Majesty greatly dislikes any alluson to his
growing weakness. and even manifests petulant
impatence when the subject is mentioned A
complimentary remark on his vigor and strength
always elicts smile and few pleasant remarks
from him. He will then discuss the future as
confidently as if he were yet a young man: For
instance, when going from the Isle of Mainau to
Gastein, a few months ago, he was discussing
with his medical attendant, DR.. Lauer, the
route they should follow-the Rosenheim road
or the Arlberg railway which passes through
magnificent Al pine scenery. In the midst of the
conversation he turned, and looking in the
doctors face, earnestly asked: How long do
you give me to live, doctors" 'Oh, few years
yet, your Majesty" replied the doctor VERY
well, then," answered his Majesty, in the great
est of good humor, I'VE will take the Rosenheim
road this year as usual, and we will 60 by the
Arberg next year.
The disappearance Of so many of his old serv-
cast q cloud of sadness over the aged monarch.
He complains that he sees races every day
where the old familiar faces used to be. For
instance, when, some few weeks ago the new
chief of police was appointed, his Majesty did
not hear about it till he was visited by the new
| functionary official business. He afterwards
| related to his attendants, with pathetic SIM
plcity how surprised he was on being con-
fronted, not by his old servant but by "a
| strange young man scarcely fifty years of age"
fha of lie Maia
celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary of his ac-
cession to the throne of Prussia. He has init
mated his desire for the entire absence of display
on the occasion, as the day is likewise the ami
versary of the death of his brother, Frederick
| William ~. 1t was intended that grand
| parade Of the veterans of 1915, 1864, 1866 and
| 1870 should take place, but the idea has been
abandoned at His Maiestys command. Private
| congratulations will be received, but 10 deputa-
tions or public bodies, and Sunday. the day fol-
| lowing the anniversary, will be day of thanks
| giving throughout the empire for the great
things accomplished during His Majesty's reign.