New-York tribune., 1900-05-07
AN IMPERIAL CEREMONY.
MAJORITY OF THE GERMAN CROWN
PRINCE DECLARED.


Berlin May 7-Yesterday was the third and
last day of the festivities in connection with the
celebration of the coming OF age Of the Crown
Prince. and capped the climax The weather
was unusually fine. warm and sunny for early
spring The streets downtown were consequent-
ly crowded by virtually the entire population Of
Berlin. including several scores Of thousands
from outside moving to and fro in holiday at
tire.
At a. m the two E,mperors. attended by a
gorgeous retinue were present at a special I'M
perial mass celebrated by Cardinal Kepp in
st Edwig's Church. From the church both
drove TO the Sieges Alice for the unveiling Of the
statue of Emperor Sigismond, who preceded in
the fifteenth century the Hohenzolerns
rulers of Brandenburg. The statue is particu-
Iary fine the sculptor being EIgene Doermel-
The ceremony was beautiful throughout.
Then the EmpeTors drove back 70 the Castle
where at 1890 a. m. Emperor William and the
Crown Prince received the congratulations OF
the Special Missions including that Of the United
States Ambassador White made a short speech.
using English throughout. which both the En-
peror and the Crown Prince understand perfect
ly, first addressing the Emperor and presenting
congratulations from President Mckinley in pur-
suance of the telegram received Thursday. The
Emperor rejoined in a pleasant speech, saying
he was very much gratified and that the senti-
ments expressed by President Mckinley were
cordially reciprocated by both himself and his
son.
Mr.. White then turned 10 the Crown Prince
and made another brief speech TO the same pur-
port
Soon after occurred the sym nbolicaI services In
the Castle chapel. whereby the majority of the
Crown Prince was declared. The scene was most
impressive the chapel being beautifully dec
GRATED. Emperor Francis Joseph and the Ger
Empress led the way. Emperor William
with the Grand Duke of Baden. following Next
came the youngest Imperial child: and then the
Crown Prince and the Italian Crown Prince.
Others present were the chiefs OF the accredited
missions, all the Princes, the Imperial Chancel-
lor, Prince Won Hohenlohe. the members Of the
Bundesrath. Knights of the order of the Black
Eagle, Generals, Admrals. members of the Cabi-
net. officers of the ReichstaE, officers of the
Prussian Diet, regimental delegations. etc.
When the doors We're closed a circle was
formed around the walls by, members Of the
Garde-du- Corps. men of magnificent physique. in
eagle-crowned silver helmets. This small body
of elite soldiers has had its strength taxed 20
the utmost during the festivities. Two members
Of the corps dropped from sheer fatigue during
the ceremony and tainted. This was noticed.
however. by few. their comrades closed up
the ranks Immediately. hiding the fallen from
view.
The ceremony began by the Cathedral choir
singing, under the leadership of Professor Pruef-
fer. Psalm cxxiii. and then the choral. Praise
the Lord, the Mighty King of Glory" The sing
ing was magnificent. The chief Court Chaplain
delivered a discourse from the text, BE strong.
show thyself a man." Then double quartet
sang He Has Given His Angels Charge over
Thee from MendelssOhn's Elijah after which
all present sang the old Holland hymn. Let Us
Go TO Prayers" The singing was accompanied
by trumpeter corps blowing long silver tubas.
Then followed the most impressive part or the
ceremony the taking of the oath by the Crown
Prince. In front of the pulpit stood tall SOL
dier with drawn sword. Across the altar was
laid the flag of the Life Company of the lst
Guard Regiment. The Crown Prince raised two
fingers of his naked right hand and placed his
left upon the flag. Then both the Prince and
the Emperor, who stood close together, having
first placed their helmets upon their heads Lieu
tenant General PleSsen pronounced the
oath. which the Crown Prince repeated, sentence
by sentence. in resonant voice The oath was
very precise, stringent and comprehensive the
Prince vowing to be faithful throughout life
to the Emperor in all military commands on
land
The oath having been concluded. Emperor
William shook his sons hand and kissed him
twice upon the cheek. The Crown Prince then
kissed the EmpeTOr's hand after which the cere-
mony came To an end with the singing OF the
old Holland hymn. William of Nassau
Outside in the Lustgarten. the 1st Life
Guards Field Artillery gave salute of twenty
one guns. and the entire congregation slowly
filed out of the chapel to reassemble in the
famous White Hall. there to he presented to the
Crown Prince
Emperor Francis Joseph has appointed the
Crown Prince TO be chief of a Hussar regiment.
He has also presented 10 him fine portrait of
himself as a Prussian Field Marshal
BY virtue of Yesterdays ceremony the Crown
Prince has acquired the capacity 10 succeed TO
the throne. if from any reason the throne be-
comes vacant. and he now claim a suitable
allowance from the Crown funds He has also
become Governor Of POmeTania and Prince Of
Oels a post carrying large revenues
to 7Qy- =ha nv1nr
nous quantity of material about the Crown
Prince biographical and otherwise, describing
him as a most sympathetic youth as earnest,
unaffected modest - and as filled with a strong
sense of duty and sound in body and soul