Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-03-09

premature. The latest intelligence from
the palace is that he is still alive, though
unconscious. An official bulletin issued
at O'Clock this evening announces that
the Emperor lives. and that on the whole
his condition is more tranquil. Tho bull
letin has reassured the people, who bad
been intensely excited by reports OF his
death which had been published in news
paper extras.
BERLIN, March S-9:2J r. M--The
Emperor fell into swoon at 5 o'clock
this afternoon and remained unconscious
until o'clock. He afterwards fell into
a quiet sleep. which lasted till z o'clock.
Wine and other liquid nourishment are
administered to him occasionally.
pEArHLIKE swooS.
BERLIN, March SIT is stated that
lust before the swoon the Emperor waE
talking with the Grand Duchess OF Baden,
and that he -suddenly fell backward
in a faint upon the bed. All efforts to
revive him were in vain. and even the
doctors for time thought he was dead.
AN DsPERLL DECREE.
The following is the text of an impe-
rial decree promulgated to-day declaring
Prince William 10 be the representative
of the Emperor in State affairs
Considering the uncertain state OF
my health. which compels me tempora-
riiy to abstain from the transaction OF
affairs, and in view OF the illness and
prolonged absence of my son, Frederick
William, charge your Royal Highness
with all cases where believe representa-
ton necessary in current Government
business, specially the signing OF orders,
without a special order being requisite
on every separate occasion.
A CRISIS IMMINENT.
At tnoon all the members Of the impe-
rial family except the Crown Prince
and Crown Princess were in the room
adjoining that occupied by the Emperor.
At 1925 Chaplain koegel gave the last
sacrament to the Emperor. The En-
peror was occasionally delirious before
noon. At $50 the physicians in attend
ance upon the Emperor published an as
surance that his somDolent condition IS
notthe result OF the injection of morphis.
This confirms the belief that a crisis Is
imminent.
THE EMPREss's DEVOTION.
BERLIN, March S.-Divine service was
held in the palace at o'clock this after
noon. All the members of the imperial
family. court dignitares, and members
of the household were present. Hundreds
of people stood barebeaded in the rain
outside the palace and joined in the
prayers offered by Chaplain Reege.
The Emperor is continually growing
weaker The doctors have tried to in
ject camphor and other stimdlants me
chanically. This morning the Emperor
tried to sit up in bed He shook hands
with the Empress, who was seated by
his bedside, but was unable to speak to
her. The courage and devotion
OF the Empress is admirable. Ill and
weak herself, and broken with sorrow
and grief. her efforts TO cheer and con-
sole her husband have been unceasing.
THE EMPEROR GREATLY nPRoyED.
BERLIN, March S.-Between and 10
p. NJ. the Emperor was greatly inn
proved. he repeatedly partook OF soup
and drank one glass OF champagne. He
spoke TO the doctors and expressed de-
sire TO get up, but was not allowed To
rise, except partially, SO that his bed
might be rearranged.
Bismarck and Prince William paid the
Emperor q short visit nj 3 o'clock.
THE IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES.
BERLIN, March 81 4. M-The i'm
proyement in the Emperor's condition
continues. lie is sleeping soundly and
his breathing is regular. He has taken
substantial food and appears to have
good appetite. He was given oysters, an
egg, and little champagne and sherry.
His pulse had fallen from ll6
to 96. When awake he is fully
conscious, showing an interest in what
is passing around him. He asked the
Grand Duchess of Baden, who sat by
his bed, whether she had already dined
and with whom, and then asked why she
had not dined with the Empress. He
expressed regret that he was causing
so much trouble"
SIGNS AN ORDER PRoBoGUING THE REICH
STAG.
BERLIN, March 9.-The Emperor this
morning was able to sign an order pro-
rogulng the Reichstag. Otherwise the
signing functions have been assumed by
Prince William. All troops are kept in
barracks in readiness for the contin-
gency OF taking the new oath Of allegi-
ance.
PUBLIC FEELING scASDALrzID.
BERLIN, March 9.--Public feeling is
greatly scandalized by the recklessness
Of the press in announcing the death Of
the Emperor and by the conduct Of
the clergyman in the church at Pots
dam, who informed the congregation
that prayers for the recovery OF the
monarch were useless.
NOTHING OFFICIAL RECEIVED AT LONDON.
LONDON, March 9.-At 1920 A. NJ. no
official report of the death Of Emperor
William had reached the German En-
bassy. No bulletins were posted at the
German Embassy this evening. Count
Won Hatzfeldt professed to have received
no official information Of the death Of
the Emperor.
CAUSE OF THE PREMATURE ANNOUNCE
MgST.
LONDON, March 80 A. M-There ID
four or FIVE hours delay in the receipt Of
dispatches from Berlin owing to ths
crowded condition Of the wires by the
immense number OF messages sent. It
appears now as il the announcing OF ep-
peror Williams death vas due to faint
| ing spell with which the Emperor was
seized between and o'clock in the
afternoon, which had every appearance
OF final collapse. All the Berlin papers
announced tho death of the Emperor
late in the afternoon.
The Vienna Erie Pressexr asserts that
in the event Of the Emperors death the
imperial decree granting regency powers
to Prince William ipso facto is nuit!fxs
and that Frederick William becomes En-
peror by right OF succession.
The Prince OF Wales and Lord Sails
bury were clossted with the Queen lase
night until l1:80 o'clock. The result OF
the conference is not known. The Queen
| u,fl rasuvn IN Wip.lsor in the morning.