The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-06-19
KEEL FETES BEGIN.
Opening of the Baltic Canal
Brings Thousands.
All Nations Represented in the
Festivities.
PLENTY TO DRINK.
Of Beer 5000 Gallons Daily
Has Been Ordered.
Canal Cost S38,OOO,OOO and
Eight Years to Build.

KEEL, June 19-Thers was a heavy
downfall of rain this morning and for
time it seemed likely to jeopardize the
success of the fetes at the opening of the
Baltic canal Happily the clouds cleared
away and brilliant sunshine, accompanied
by pleasant breeze, followed.
AS a result the streets we're alive with
people and everywhere the greatest ami
nation prevailed. Many of the streets are
decorated with triumphal arches and
with greetings to the emperor suspended
across the streets. The whole city pre-
sents strikingly effective appearance.
The flags of all nations were hoisted
along the Alster at noon and the
sentries at the doors of the princi-
pal hotels denoted the presence there of
the imperial guests. Naturally the chief
center of attraction was the seaport,
where the display of warships attracted
many thousands of spectators.
Those of the United States, Great
Britain and Austria were especially adj
mired.
Large stands hidden by profusion of
towers have been erected at the entrance
of the canal
At s a. N. the war vessels of the four
teen nations represented, hoisted their
flags to the strains of the anthems of
their respective countries. The
official introduction of the for
eign admirals and commanders to the
port captain and military commandant of
Kiel occurred on board the Mars, and
concluded with the official interchange
of visits.
The Mars hoisted the flag of Admiral
Knor, and the latter subsequently, ac-
companied by the commanders of the
foreign squadrons, and many officers OF
various nations, started for II amburg
in order to meet the emperor
After the labor of eight years and an
expenditure of about 156,000,000 marks
1888, 800, O00) the great canal which joins
the Baltic sea to the German ocean, is
ready for use. 1t intersects the PENN
sula of Schleswig- Holstein from Bruins
Buttel, near the mouth of the Elbe river
to Hottenau, on the Kiel bay and oppo-
site that city, distance of about fifty
nine miles.
The whole canal is lighted by electric
ity, said to be the longest distance in the
world, Illuminated continuously that
way.
The military advantages accruing lie
in the fact that henceforth in times of
war the German navy cannot be rent or
kept apart, provisioning of either the
Baltic or the North sea cannot be inter :
rupted or rendered impossible.
Germany has about fifty large and
small vessels of her imperial navy at the
opening exercises. The United States is
represented by four vessels, seventy-ive
officers and 1,497 men. In all about
ffty-two foreign vessels with 814 officers
and II, 463 men are present.
OF the grant of $42O,OOO. more than
half, viz: $4,000 was used in prepare
tions, erecting temporary building scat
foldings in transportation to and for the
guests of the nation and of the material
and provisions needed for their enter
tainment.
A contract made with Hamburg firm
provides for the supply of IA tons of
200 bottles of spirits, 1000 bottles of beer,
5000 gallons of beer IN casks and 1000
gallons of milk, apart from the regular