Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-01-20
FROM THE THRONE.
Emperor William Speaks on
Anniversary of Empire.
People Entreated to Sink Differences
and Promote Country's Prosperity.
Prince Bismarck ompIimented-RoyalF avors
and Pardons Freely Distributed.

Berlin, Jan. 19.-Throughout the Ger
man empire Saturday, the 18th ami
versary of the browning at Versailles or
King William of Prussia, grandfather of
the present emperor, as Emperor OF Ger
many, and the consequent re-establish-
ment Of the German empire, was cele-
brated in some form or other The great
event was the gathering in the white hall
of the castle, where the emperor, sur
| rounded 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 Il speech
from the throne. His majesty said;
We, William, by the grace of God, Ger
man emperor and king of Prussia, etc.
| make known and herewith publicly de-
clare that % years having elapsed since
| the day when his majesty, our grand
| father, now resting with God, answering
the appeal of the German princes and free
| towns and the desire of the nation, as
sumed the dignity of emperor, we have
decided to celebrate the memory of this re-
| liltsihdD!t INPNN WHICH Drought IL Iln2t
and brilliant fulfilment to the aspirations
| which the German people entertained so
| long and afforded the restored empire the
| position to which it was entitled among
the nations of the world by its history, its
| development and culture For this pur-
| pose we have summoned the plenipoten-
tlaries of our mighty allies and the repre-
sentatiyes Of the people and also those
|
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 day.
we recall to memory with much stirred
heart the devoted picture which the
| fatherland in the union of its princes and
nations then presented.
His majesty then thanked Providence
that the past p years had bestowed bless
ing upon the empire and declared that his
| grandfather's vow to protect the rights of
the empire and preserve peace had 50 far.
| with God help, been fulfilled.
The Emperor's Speech
also alluded to the work achieved by the
German nation for the past p years under
the direction of Its great emperor and the
advice of its tried statesmen, and more
particularly that of its chancellor. Prince
| Bismarck
He continued: Conscious of the fact
that, while favoring no one aud iniurinc
no one, the empire had been called upon
to raise its voice before the nations in
) favor of peace, the young empire has been
? able to devote itself undisturbed to inter
! II
ment of our army, which it is our imperial
duty to maintain to the height of eff
cheney for the protection of the independ-
ency of the fatherland, our administrative
} bodies have been solicitous of the welfare
Of the people.
The emperor in his speech then appealed
to all sections to sink party differences
J and assist him in promoting ''the great
ness and prosperity Of our beloved father
: land"
He added: We shall then be able to
oppose unitedly and solidly any attacks
upon our independence and devote our
| selves undiSturbcd to the cultivation of
our interests. But, the German empire is
far from being in danger from other states
) and, always enjoying the respect and con-
fidence of the nations, will continue in the
future, as In the past a strong pillar of
peace That this be so, may God gran t,
Other Celebrations.
The anniversary was celebrated by do
crees published at the instance of the
secretaries of culture and worship in
Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria Wurtcmburg.
Baden, Hesse, and the other German
states, and all the schools in the empire
suitably observed the day by applaudinc
, patriotic addresses delivered by the prin-
cipals and teachers and by recitation and
singing
In Berlin, rs well as in all other large
cities, the municipalities and voluntary
citizens committees had made preparations
for the day. stores We're closed and bust
ness was suspended from noon.
At the banQuetng hall of the Rathaus.
This city, Il special celebration was held.
arranged by the city council, consisting of
q session in honor of the day and of an
Grafton in the forenoon
In Dresden. Munich, Stuttgart. Leipsic.
Brcsau, Hamburg. Hanover and other
cities celebrations were held under the
auspices of the local governments. At
Nuremberg the celebration was especially
impressive and general A grand ovation.
at which the singing and veterans associ-
atlons participated, took place on the pic
, turcSqUe and ancient market square in the
evening Thousands of torches and a
flood of electric light cnlivened the scene.
The store windows in all the large cities
= were decked with patriotic emblems. The
principal event, however, was the celebra-
ton under the emperor lead in Berlin.
Following the celebration at the White
hall the emperor reviewed the guard
corps.
His majesty also received delegation
representing the students of all the Ger
man universities. The address to the en-
peror was made by Cuno Pieran, a law
student of Berlin university. In the even
e ing there was u state banquet and the
a Schloss and city was illuminated in homer
n of the occasion.