The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1888-03-14

The aged Kaiser has gone at last, and
in spite Of adverse circumstances the
Crown Prince Frederick William becomes
Emperor Of Germany There i said to
be law debarring from the German
throne an heir sufierin. from an incurable
disease. In that Frederick William will
not come to his own after all, but it j.,
yet by no means certain that his disease
Is incurable 1t is long and eyentful
life that has just ended ia Berlin. En-
pcror William was born nearly ~ years
ago. and was the second son of King
/ William III Of Prussia. There was then
/ little prospect that he would ever rise to
the exalted position that he has since oc-
cupied. Like all of the young Prus,ian
nobility he was bred TO arms. He was
at Waterloo before he was 20. In l9l1
governor of Pomcrania in l-i9 general
of the Prussian army, in lsjs regent Of
the kingdom, in ISL King of Prussia, in
lsG5 victorious over Austria, in ISL con
gncror of France and crowned Emperor
Of united Gcrnany-thesc are the great
steps by which he rose to a height of
power hardly exceeded by any European
monarch. With his able conductors, Bis
marck and Won Molke he erected out Of
a number of weak and discordant German
States one of the strongest empires of the
world. The Bismarckian scheme of GOV
eminent is hardly best fitted for "A free
and enlightened people at this stage in
the world history. but under that scheme
Germany has prOspered-at least in the dl-
rection of political power-and il may be
that under the circumstances and with
Gernany's environment it was the scheme
most suitable. However the Germans
themselves may have differed about that,
it is certain that all parties have been
united in spirit of lllial loyalty and
reverence toward the patriarcha Kaiser. |
What may be in store for Germany now
can only be- conf ectured but it is probab
le that momcntOu> events will follow the
kaisers death Everything depends on
the character Of the Crown Prince, all
ment. If he RECEIVERS Germany has
ruler in whom deep degree of confidence /
is felt If he dies also, and a prince sue
ceeds who is dstruSted, the future Of the /
empire looks dark and uncertain
Emperor William died at half past /
eight Friday morning Eye witnesses of .
his death state that during the last hours
of his life he suffered no pain. Shortly
after eight O'Clock, all the members of
the family staying at the palace, court
generals, and ministers Of
state were summoned to the chamber in
which the Emperor lay dying. The room
was crowded. Prince William stood near
est the Emperor, half bending over the
couch He earnestly watched the face of
he dying monarch until he expired. The
expression of the face was extremely
peaceful and placid. The papers contain
What are reported to be the last words
'poken by the Emperor. They are Alex
Inder has promised not to make war /
gainst me- 1t i reported that the En-
-. = 4 u.
,ught not to 20 to war with Russia. To
ward whom the most friendly attitude
ught to be adopted
The new King was proclaimed Freder-
ok Ill lie signs Frederic" without
cfcrence t, Emperor or King. The chan /
ellor received the following telegram J
At this moment Of deepest sorrow at t
he decease of the Emperor aud King,
ny beloved father, must express my G
hanks to you and to the Ministers Of '
tate for the devotion and loyalty with a
which you all served him. rely upon :
he assistance M you all in the arduous
barge which has developed upon ne
.mperor William arrived at Berlin Satur- ;
a.
Private funeral services were held over
ne remains of Emperor william in the =
chamber in the palace at Berlin
riday evening. The chamber was pro- j
isely decorated with flowers. The En- 5
ress Augusta Grand Duke and Grand
duchess of Baden, the Crown Prince, I
nd Crown Princess of Sweden and other "
lyal personages attended the seryice.
he Court has gone into mourning for I,
lree months, commencing Friday
cunt Chaplain Kasgal conducted service
the palace at 30 O'Clock. All prom
@
resent The anthems, BE faithful unto
.ath." and II know that my Redeemer =,
veth," were sung. kilograms of con-
,lence have been received from many
,reign countries. q