Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1888-03-15
DEATH OF EMPEROR WILLIAM.

Rcisch Anzeiger (Berlin) March 9.
On Wednesday, when his strength be-
gan to fail, the Emperor spoke repeated
ly to Prince William about the condition
of the Crown Prince and about politics
and military affairs. On Thursday he
talked with his daughter, the Grand
Duchess of Baden, about the death of her
son, Prince Louis. At noon he asked for
Prince Bismarck, Who came and converS-
ed with him on the political situation.
The Emperor spoke clearly, and thanked
the Chancellor for his services to the
country.
Increased feebleneSs soon followed, at
tended with delirium. His voice became
feebler and feebler, finally sinking to a
whisper. At he was so weak that the
members of the family, Prince Bismarck
and Count Won Moltke and the servants
of the household gathered around the
bed. The Emperor, supported by the doc
tors. held the hand of his wife on one side
and his daughters hand on the other
Prince William stood alone at the head
of the couch Chaplain koegel spoke a
few words of consolation, to which the
Emperor whispered occasional responses
At $50 the patient manifested extreme
weakness. and death seemed imminent
Suddenly the Emperor rallied and asked
for Count Won MOltke and Prince VIII
liam, with both of whom he talked about
the state of the army and the PrusSian
people, entering into minute particulars
when speaking of military matters, to the
aStoniShment of both his listeners. He
then referred to Germany'S alliances with
various countries and the possibility of
war. But during the latter portion of his
remarks the fantasies of delirium were
mingled with coherent utterances.
This temporary recovery Of strength
lasted till 10 o'clock. At frequent inter
valS he converSed in touching, earnest
manner with those about him. Between
10 and he appeared to Sleep At about
2 o'clock it was observed that serious
change was beginning to take place in
the EmperOr's face, although there was
again slight improvement in his coudi-
ton. But at I o'clock it was seen that
the Emperor'S last moments were near.
The members of the family were again
summoned to his bedside, and at $50
o'clock the doctors declared that he was
dead. During the last few hours the En-
perOr was partially conscious.
During the last thirtySix hours the En-
peror was dr0wsy, delirious and conscious
alternately, starting at times eXcitedly to
make remarks relative to family or polit-
ical matters. Once he mistOOk Prince
Bismarck for the Crown Prince. and,
taking his hand, pleaded that he would
always be kind to the Gar. lie after
ward recognized Prince Bismarck, and
expressed i'll broken sentences his salts
faction with the Austro- German alliance.
About 8 O'clock in the morning ne talked
so much that the Grand Duchess of Bad
en- said that he would tire himself. The
Emperor replied, Il have no time to be
tired" Prince William stood at the foot
of the bed. During the last moments the
Emperor did not suffer. His face wore a
tranquil, almost smiling, expression. A
few minutes before his death the Emper-
or exclaimed, Fritz, dear Fritz"
Emperor William left 3O0000,OOO marks
in cash. 1t is expected that the funeral
will take place next Thursday Profound
gloom prevails in Berlin. Rain is falling
in torrents.
Count Won Moltke at the closing scene
was deeply moved, and at last wept bit
terly, but when he subsequently appeared
in the Reichstag he was composed, being
| only shade graver than usual.
The Reichstag sitting was an event of
historical importance, never likely to be
forgotten by those who witnessed it.
Prince Bismarck controlled his feelings
only b. violent efforts. He was only able
to force out few words at a time. Some
times he could hardly speak at all. and
was obliged to make long pauSes to sup
press tears which he tried to hide by lift
ing his portfolio or a glass of water.
The Crown Prince becomes Emperor
without any formality beyond the ordi-
nary. The new monarch will not per-
form any act of government until his
predecessor is buried or until he has
taken the oath TO support the constitu-
ton.