Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-18
Quarter of a Century of the New
German Empire.
CEREMONIES RECALLING VERSAILLES
Celebrate ms in Berlin and Other
Large Cities.
KAISER'S PACIFIC SPEECH

BERLIN, January 1S.-Throughout the
German empire today the twenty-Gfth an
niversary of the crowning at Versailles of
King William of Prussia, grandfather of
the present emperor, as Emperor of Ger
many and the consequent re-establishment
of the German empire, was celebrated in
some form or other
In Berlin, as we'll as in all other large
cities, the municipalities and voluntary
citizens committees had made preparations
for the day. Stores were closed and busi-
ness was suspended from noon today.
At the banqueting hall of the Rathaus
this city, special celebration was held
arranged by the city council. consisting
of a session of honor of the day and of an
Grafton in the forenoon.
In Dresden, Munich, Stuttgart. Leipsic
BresIau, Hamburg, Hanover and other
cities celebrations were held under the
auspices of the local governments.
At Nuremhurg the celebration was spe-
cially impressive and general \ grand
ovation, at which the singing and veterans
association Will participate, is to take place
on the picturesque and ancient market
es and a flood of electric light will cnliven
the scene.
The store windows in all the large cities
were decked with patriotic emblems.
In the White Hall.
The principal event, however, was the
celebration, under the emperor's lead, in
Berlin.
The fete at the white hall OF the Schloss,
which was preceded by service in the
churches. began at 10:45 am. in the pres
ence of the highest dignitaries of the en-
pire. as we'll as of the delegates of the
reichstag, bt1ndersrath and diet, and of all
the survivors of those who were members
of these bodies in 1SI6-1.
The jewel-studded insignia of the empire.
crown, sceptre and globe, were borne by
dignitaries standing on both sides of the
throne. -.--. ..
The presence of old Simson. the vet
eran president Of the reichstag in 1871, and
of the leading generals of war still alive,
added much interest to the scene.
Delegations from all the regiments whose
chief was Emperor William 1 or whose
chief is the present emperor, were also in
attendance. Each delegation consisted of
the commander of the regiment, one lieu
tenant, the colors of the regiment, the color
bearer and one non-commissioned officer.
All the flags and banners belonging to
regiments outside Berlin were gathered at
the Potsdam depot yesterday and were con-
veyed, escorted by a company of the sec
ond guard regiment, to the Schloss.
The Emperor's Speech.
The emperor surrounded by ministers of
state, generals of the army, admirals of
the navy, members of the diplomatic corps,
kings and princes. all in glittering uniforms,
made speech from the throne. His maj
esty said:
I've. William, by the grace of God the
German emperor, king of Prussia will
axe known herewith and publicly declare
that, twenty-five years having elapsed since
the day when his majesty, our grandfather,
now resting with God. answering the ap-
peal Of the German princes and free towns
and the desire of the nation, assumed the
dignity of emperor, we have decided to
celebrate the memory of this remarkable
event which brought a final and brilliant
fulfllment to the aspirations which the
German people entertained so long, and
accorded the restored empire the position
to which it was entitled among the nations
of the world by it's history, its develop
ment and culture. For this purpose we
have summoned the plenipotentiaries of our
mighty allies and the representatives of
the people and also those men who at that
great epoch prominently contributed to the
work of the union of the German people
Surrounded by the flags and standards
of the glorious regiments, the witnesses of
the death-defying courage of our armies
which greeted the first emperor, that were
all to the memory that stirred the heart a
devoted picture is given to tine fatherland
In the union of its princes and nations there
represented"
His majesty then thanked Providence that
in the past twenty-five years he had be-
slowed blessing on the empire and re-
pedled MS SrandfdtherS 5 VOW to protect
the rights of the empire and preserve peace
Rad, so far, with Gods help, been fulfilled.
Pillar of Peace.
The emperor also referred TO the work
achieved by the German nation in the past
twenty-five years under the direction of its
great emperor and the advice of it's tried
statesmen, and more particularly that of its
chancellor, Prince Bismarck"
The emperor then appealed to all sections
to sink pacty differences and support him
In promoting ''the greatness and prosperity
OF our beloved fathe-lani.'' He added:
we shall then be able to oppose unitediy
and soliily any attacks upon our indepen-
dence and devote ourselves undisturbed to
the cultivation of or interests
But the German empire is far from being
IN danger from other states, and, always
enjoying the respect and confidence of the
nations will continue in the future as in
the past strong pillar of peace
.Ihat this be so, may God grant
1896 TO-
(Signed) ''WUJJ.,Iu
(CountersigneD
or