The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-08
Sixteth Anniversary of Emperor Francis JOseph's ReignIs
 a Brilliant Event
EMPEROR OF GERMANY
 IS THE GUEST 0F HONOR
Aged Austrian Monarch Is Recipient of Hearty Congratulations Upon His Long Continuance On
 Imperial Throne.

Vienna, May 1.-The heads of the princely houses of Germany. led by Emperor William, have assembled in Vienna to present their congratulations to Emperor Francis Joseph on the oc- casion of the diamond jubilee of his reign as Emperor-King of Austria Hungary, and to inaugurate series of festivities. with which the jubilee is to be celebrated throughout the dual monarchy.
 Emperor William and the Empress arrived at the Meidling railroad station this morning from Pola, where they landed yesterday. The royal visitors were met and welcomed at this station by Emperor Francis Joseph, who ac- companied them by train to another station near Schoenbrunn palace, known as Penzing. Here there was great gathering of notables to receive the German Emperor and his wife.
 This unique gathering of royalty at tracted a host of visitors into Vienna and the city has been bedecl1ed with bunting while triumphal arches span the principal thoroughfares.
 The imperial guests were given d magnificent reception. The route from the railroad station to Schoenbrunn palace. which was lined with troops, was decorated with Venetian masts and flags and filled with great throng of people from the city and it's suburbs.
 Shortly before noon all the other royal visitors, most of whom had been ip Hofh11rU in Vienna, were driven out in court car riages to Schoenbrunn and assembled in the great crimson drawing room of that palace, where they were joined by Emperor William and the Empress. The procession, composed of the Ger man princes, all in brilliant uniforms, and headed by Emperor William and his wife, then proceeded to the Marie Antoinette salon, where Emperor Francis Joseph awaited his visitors.
 Emperor Williams Speech.
 Emperor William made a speech Tn which he rendered Emperor Francis Joseph the congratulations of those present upon the 60th anniversary of the beginning of his reign. The Ger man Emperor spoke in high praise of Emperor Francis Josepn's untiring de- VOtlOn to the WelldTe Ol HIS COunly dliI of the glorious example his 50 years of labor had given to the world, and in conclusion he said: We then, true friends and allies of your majesty, have hastened hither, and with us is her majesty, the Empress-Queen, my consort, to hear testimony of the deep feelings of close friendship and de- votion which we entertain for your majesty. With overflowing hearts we offer homage to the noble ruler the true ally, and the mighty guardian Of peace, upon whose head we invoke the richest blessings of providence"
 In returning thanks for this proof of friendship, which he said would be one of the most precious recollections of his life, Emperor Francis Joseph said:
 Tn this act of cordial attachment I may, l think, discern solemn mani festation of the monarchial principle to which Germany owes her power and greatness Austria Hungarys strength also is to be found in this principal. Such a great assemblage of German princes around me is, at the same time most eloquent confirmation of the close and indissolulable alliance which has existed between us for nearly 30 years. This day fortifies me in t1e joyous expectation that this alliance which pursues none but pacifications that are effectively assisted by similar efforts on the part of other powers, will fully accomplish it's object unto the remotest future"
 The reception of the royal visitors was carried out quietly and as private ly as possible in order not to fatigue the veteran monarch of Austria Hun gary.
 Brilliant Occasion.
 At the same time nothing was left un- fn 1n1r and memorable. It is a long time since Vienna has seen such gathering of sov- ereigns and princes as greeted Emperor Francis Joseph today. Headed bys Elm peror William of Germany and the Elm press and two of their children, Prince August William and Princess Victoria Louise, the list included Prince Leopold, the regent of Bavaria the King of Sax ony, the King of Wurtemberg, the Grand Duke of Baden, the Grand Duke of Saxe- Weimer, the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. the Grand Duke of Meclxlenburg- -Schwer- in, Duke Frederick of Anhalt, Prince Leo- pold W of Lippe and Prince George of Schaumburg-Lippe.
 Emperor William spent the afternoon calling on ,archdukes and the various em- bassies Francis Joseph also took a long carriage ride through the streets of the city and called upon the German princes He received an ovation from the people everywhere he went.
 Gala Banquet.
 Two hundred and fifty guests assembled at gala banquet given in Schoenbrunn palace this afternoon. Emperor Francis Joseph sat at the center table with the Empress of Germany at his right hand and the Emperor of Germany at his left hand. The scene was brilliant one. the majority of the guests wearing many or deFs
 After the dinner the guests gathered in the salons, and at o'clock there was a