New-York tribune., 1901-04-14

it may be argued that steps 30 far as the
a regency. But the stories concerning Emperor
Williams health are more serious than mere
rumors. 1t was no idle gossip or sensational
fabrication that caused the leading medical
papers of Europe, especially those of Paris and
London. to express grave apprehensions as to
his condition and to describe him suffering
from nervous disease" resulting from "consti-
tutonal causes" His popularity in England
since the death of Queen Victoria has been
great and the friendship manifested toward him
in Great Britain so sincere that such uItra-re-
spectacle and conservative weekly reviews
The Spectator" and The Saturday Review
would not venture without good ground to dis
cuss the necessity of a regency" in order to
preserve Germany and the peace OF the civilized
world from the disastrous effects that might
suit from some great action which the En-
perors disordered mind might induce him to
take in full reliance on Providence"
The crisis which appears to be at hand
has long been anticipated. though perhaps, not
looked for this time. In fact. of the sad
Gcst things about Emperor William is that he
has known for many years, at any rate since he
ascended the throne, that death alone could pre-
serve him from the loss of his reason. " hich is
the inevitable result of the ncurabe malady
with which he has been afflicted since childhood.
This malady Is one which slowly yet IRE
sistby its way from the 70 the brain,
on reaching which insanity ensues. and il
is accompanied by discharges which when
rested produce the most intolerable agony. 1t
is the same maady as that with which King
Frederick William " OF Prussia, granduncle of
the Kaiser, stricken, and which eliminated
in his insanity. He was not, however, deprived
of the reins of government and placed under re-
straint until he had astounded and shocked all
Europe by his extraordinary vagaries and
! traVagant utteranceS.
! There are many traits Of resemblance between
| this monarch and Emperor William. In both
find the strongly developed tendencies to
religious mysticism. the same belief in their
divine mission and in their infalbty. Both
nave been remarkable also for their generous
impulses and for their paradoxical combination
/ Of a liberalism akin to downright socialism
! with autocratic and absolutist ideas worthy of
the Midd!,. Ages. Like the Kaiser King Fred
erlck William animated by the most noble
/ and high minded Intentions was anxious to
right every wrong, and to assume the part tow
ard mankind in general and toward his subjects
in particular Of a all wise and far seeing Provi-
dence.
Although the list is long and momentous
one since there is single old established
dynasty in Europe which has not included
among its regnlng princes and prlncesses names
Of suvereigns who instead of being in condi-
ton to rule their subjects were only fitted to
exercise sway in i;edlam, yet there is no hard
and fast series OF rules esta blished procedure
TO serve as q guide those who obliged to
take upon themselves the perilous duty of
placing under restraint ruler whose mental
! faculties have become impaired. Those who
sumo this task have to face the risk of arrest
and punishment for treason. No matter how
necessary their action or how great its sue
cess they can rely UPON always being subjected
10 hostile charges and distressing insinuations
on the part of those whose sympathics for the
stricken monarch outweigh their common sense
| According to the laws of all monarchical coun-
tries of Europe. it is felony involving severe
! uenalties even to declare that the sovereign is
! insane until he is officially pronounced to be So
and il is treason to take any steps to deprive
MIN of his power and of his liberty until he is
legally proclaimed of unsound mind
| Though the circumstances OF the establish