Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1888-06-22
ISLAND POND, VERMONT, JUNE %, 1888.

life. The crown princess also won the love
and respect Of the army by her assiduous
and unceasing labors in the hospital depart
ment, where through her powers of organi-
zation and her crowning womanly sympathy
the condition of the sick and wounded was
greatly ameliorated.
The peace with France in 1871 brought
the military career of the crown prince to
a glorious close. Hs hung up his laurelled
sword, and henceforward his efforts were
directed to mastering the problems Of the
new empire and preparing himself for the
imperial duties to which his fathers ad-
vanced age made it probable that he would
ere long be called. In every leading de-
partment of public, industrial and social life
his intelligent, guiding and potent influence
was felt. He made his life an example and
his labors blessing to the German people.
We pass now to a darker phase Of the
record, to story of suffering and sorrow
that has won the sympathy Of the world. 1t
was late in the spring of 1887 that the first
note of alarm for the health of the prince
was sounded, and from that time down to
the present there has been long series of
conflict ng accounts of his condition. The
first announcement was a 'scareo and the
world received it with deepest regret. 1t
was unexpected news, but the American peo-
pie took in its full meaning Instantly Gen.
Grants long and patient suffering was still
tie German crown prince was stricken with
a similar disease was full of dreadful meaning.
The most skilful physicians and surgeons in
Europe were summoned to Berlin, and after
the first thorough diagnosis of the disease in
the princes throat, it was announced
hat there was no immediate cause for
alarm. This had momentarY reassuring
erect upon the German people, but almost
Immediately skeptical physicians and diplo-
mats began analyzing the official bulletins Of
the princes condition, and information ap-
pearing to come from well informed circles,
was to theeffect that the heir to the throne
was in truth in very precarious condition.
The varying phases of the disease con-
tinued, Improvement and relapse follow
ing one another. But, alas, its insidious
progress was also maintained, aud the inev-
liable end drew steadily nearer. In May
there was so decided change for the better
that reduction of the emperors medical
staff was announced, and it was stated that
bulletins of his condition would be issued
only weekly. He was even we'll enough to
be present at the marriage of his son, Prince
Henry, with the Princess Irene of Hesse
which was solemnized at Charlottenburg
Castle on the Path ult But the melioration
was, as usual deceptive, and only
two days later it was known in
so contracted as to necessitate change in
the shape of the canuIa and more frequent
cleansing of the apparatus. Then inflamma-
tion set in and the physicians recognized
that the last chance of prolonging the
precious life was over Care and science had
done their best, and now they could no
longer hope even to retard the approach of
the great conqueror. The grief of the
German people will be profound and
with good reason. Knowing the force of
character and the liberal tendencies of the
emperor so well, they looked forward to his
leaving an impress upon the history of the
nation. But, in his short and troubled reign,
he had little real opportur.Jy to do more than
declare his intention of maintaining the con-
stitution and treaties, and peaceful relations
with all countries where peace was honora-
bic. He was Ieat and noble prince, and
but for the fatal malady which has stricken
him down. he would undoubtedly have made
a great and noble emperor