The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-06-16
Germany Again in Mourning.

GSTLualy again IN mourning.
This is year of mourning for the Ger
man people. A little more than three
m 9nths ago the aged and much-beloved
Emperor William l. died, and now they
mourn the death of Frederick Ill, who,
during his brief and tragic reign, proved
how well he was fitted to direct the affairs
of great empire. AS crown prince he had
a strong hold upon the affections of the peo-
pie, and this hold was strengthened while
he was emperor. He was loved by his sub
jects, because he was worthy of their love.
Noble and generous he sought only their
good. and there was never a time in his life
when he was not ready to make any sacri-
flee for his country.
When he became emperor it was not ex-
pected that he would live more than few
weeks Indeed, the disease which finally
destroyed his life had such hold upon him
for months before he succeeded to the
throne that it was many times doubted
whether be would ever reach it. He was
permitted however, for little while to be
the ruler of the empire in the creating of
which he had so large part. ltmay be that
the strong desire TO occupy that exalted posi-
ton, and to crafty his wife, who was in
tensely anxious to be empress, helped him
to battle against the terrible disease from
which he was suffering. II, when he became
emperor, he had sought perfect rest and
permitted his son to discharge the duties of
emperor, it is not improbable that his life
would have been prolonged a few weeks. He
felt, however, that he had not long to live,
and there was many things he wanted to
do. He bore the burdens and endured the
excitement incidental to his position with
the firm belief that it was his duty to do so,
though he must have known that he was
pursuing a course that was shortening his
life. Until the very last day that he lived
he directed the affairs of the empire. Like
his father, he continued to perform his Off
cial duties until death called halt.
During all the time he was emperor there
was scarcely day that his death would
have caused great surprise, and notwith-
standing his nearneSs to the grave, he OPP
posed Bismarck, and insisted on carrying
out his policy with as much vigor as if he
had a reasonable expectation of living
many years He dismissed Won Puttkamer
from the ministry because he abridged the
freedom of elections, directed reforms in
the army, and did whatever else he thought
it was necessary for him to do with the
nerve and determination that were sur
prising in one in his condition.
The German people have lost friend as
we'll as an emperor. He was not ambitious
to win glory for himself, but he was am
bilious to make his subjects prosperous and
contented, and it is probable that he would
have succeeded in a large degree
The eyes of Europe are turned toward his
successor, he Crown Prince William. He
is pupil OF Bismarck, and it is probable
that he will be wholly guided by him. In
that case the peace of Europe
will hardly be disturbed at
present. The crown prince
lacks the kindly nature generous impulses
and liberal mind, which his father pos
sessed. He is a soldier, and takes great de-
light in his profession. When the posi-
bility of his accession to the throne was dis
cussed few months ago, the impression
was given out that he would take an early
opportunity to plunge the empire into
war. He has taken occasion to say that
this impression is an erroneous one, and
that it does him great injustice. Germany
and the whole Of Europe will have reason
to be glad if he proves himself to be man
things which will tend to benefit his whole
people and direct their minds toward
peaceful pursuits.