River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1888-06-07
LETTER FROM GERMANY.
\ DEAR FRIENDs OF RIvER FAILS

| the writing OF my last letter The in
terval has been characterized by more
than ordinary events of interest.
Both continents have been filed with
the news of the last illness and death
of the great emperor. William of Ger
many. The precariouS condition of
the health of the present emperor has
caused and still continues to cause
much anxious inquiry and feelings of
deepest concern. The sufferings and
| privations OF the thousands of unfor-
| tunate jewellers in the flooded region.
has given rise to much deep sympathy,
and aroused large spirit of helpful
ness and true substantial benevolence.
From across the ocean comes the news
of negotiations of important treaties
between the United States and foreign
countries The boom of the political
organs in view of the coming presi-
Dental campaign has once more begun
to resound. and for a time at least,
that question will take precedence of
all others in enlisting the interest
of American citizens, both at home
and abroad. One or two of these
events / have watched, perhaps. with
much deeper interest than | would
have felt as a resident of Wisconsin.
The last illness, death and funeral
services of Emperor William were
especially stirring and impressive.
All the inhabitants of Germany, for
eigners as well as subjects of the
crown, awaited. as it were, in breath
less suspense and read with most in
tense interest the various bulletins
| that appeared from hour to hour in
reference to the condition of the dying
emperor. In the cities business was
partially suspended and places of
amusement closed. Before the va
rious show.windows, large crowds of
people gathered, eagerly reading the
latest intelligence, and, when finally
the official notice appeared, publishing
in touching language the last moments
and death of the beloved kaiser, the
whole country put on the badge of
mourning; and many loyal German
was seen to shed tears as he recalled
the devotion. courage, and glory of
| the man, who by his kindly deport-
ment, and endearing ways had won
| the hearts of his subjects as none of
his contemporary rulers in the whole
of Europe. AT present like
solicitude is manifested concerning
the condition of his successor. All
his little gains and relapses are pc
rused with a deep and tender interest.
During my visit in Berlin, which
occurred several weeks ago, | first
fully recognized the intense interest
that is centered in the welfare of the
emperor. 1t so happened that | was
engaged in examining the armory,
when the emperor and empress made
a short call at their royal palace just
across the street. Upon stepping to
the window, l observed large crowd
assembling in the wide street below.
This meant, that by patient waiting,
for an unknown period of time, some
member of the royal family might be
seen. Not willing to take the chances
of waiting several hours, | returned
to the examination of the very valua-
BILE collection of innumerable instru-
ments of warfare from all the nations
of the world, ranging in the perfection
of mechanism and usefulness all the
way from the leather cannon of the
Swedes 10 the most improved type Of
the Gatlin gun. Fifteen or twenty
minutes later [ was again attracted to
the window by the sound of brass
music. On looking out, perceived
band, dressed in magnificent uniform,
with instruments shining, and spark
ling in the sunlight, marching by in
front of the palace. From all direc-
tions people streamed and hurried to
swell the throng. Suddenly the cur
tain was partly withdrawn from one
of the windows of the corner room of
the palace and the emperor and en-
press stepped up into sight. the former
| bowling. the latter waving her hand
kerchief in acknowledgment to the
deafening cheers that rent the air
without. Again and again the hats
were raised and cheer was added to
cheer. The populacein its enthusiasm
crowded up to the very window and
| fairly scaled the lower walls of the
| building to get full view, and to give
expression to its JOY. The royal couple
tarried but few moments IN sight or
the people. Immediately upon their
retreat from the window, a covered
carriage drove up to the great hall
door, which they quickly entered.
! Again the heartiest cheers Tesounded.
All thrOnged close up to the carriage
to get another view. The beautiful
glossy, black horses proceeded with
| the greatest difficulty. The thTong
seemed reckless of all danger in the
mad desire to obtain just one more
| look at their sovereign. At length,
| however. having forced a passage, the
carriage rolled rapidly away, while all
eyes continued to gaze after 1t, until 1t
passed out of sight. On another occa-
sion | witnessed the principal street
of Berlin, one mile in length, lined
| with people, three and four deep on
both sides of the carriage road, when
| The emperor was expected to pass
/ They stood there several hours, wait
ing to get a sight of him, and to ex-
press their devotion. On pleasant
| DAYS. | am told, there is always
| throng in front of the emperor's pal
ace at Charlottenburg. waiting for an
| opportunity to see him as he drives
| OUT Every item in the daily news
papers concerning his welfare is de-
voured with the greatest eagerness.
Whenever the symptoms of his dis
ease change in the least, extra bulle-
| tins are at once published and dis
| tributed among the people. In many
similar ways the German people strive
to give expression to their deep and
abiding interest in the present en-
peror. 1t is not my purpose, however,
to write about Germany in this letter,
and therefore must not dwell upon
this subject longer. Suffice it for this
time that l enjoyed my visit to Berlin
very much and saw many things well
worth seeing.
And now | will return to the subject
of my last letter, concerning which |
promised you at least one or two new
chapters. | believe the letter closed
with the leave-taking on the part of
few passengers at Movelle. Soon after
| quitting this place, the steamer en-
| tered the North Channel. A prophecy
of rough weather had been made for
| this portion of the journey by num-
Der of passengers. In my imagination
| 1 perceived the return of those mar
velous sensations that had been expe-
rienced during the first touch of rough
weather. Fortunately, however, for
| the preservation of the good spirits of
all, nothing OF the kind occurred. The
| sea remained calm in spite of pretty
stiff breeze and. though the SKY was
| o 'ercast with clouds, the weather re-
a. - il.