Year: 1871

Speeches bv the Emperor William and his


Son, the Crown Prince.


During the recent fetes in Berlin numerous
addresses were presented to the Emperor and
his family. In reply to the address of the Bur-
gomaster of Berlin, the Emperor William spoke
as follows-


You may imagine, gentlemen, with what feelings
! am standing before you today, on the spot waere
audacous self-sufhciency could have presu ned to
forete the events that have occurred in the inter-
val 1t was the will of Providence that such greaS
things should be accomplished by US. Let us ac-
knowledge that we have been instruments in the
CALAMITY that it afford to dispense with praise
But am moved to thank you, gentlemen, fer all
We're supported by the consciousness that
families @ u and that those S disabled sable u in WAR war
their compatriots. AS regards the new institutions
of Germany and my personal position in the empire,
took the field seeking no advantage for myself,
and hardly expecting that we should attain so much
as we have. In the short span Of life still left me,
cessors win see the young tree grow and blossom.
The German heart has long yearned for this con-
summation. The dawn has come at length Let US
strive that the dav may be long and fair.


After the speech the King bowed, which the
deputations returned, with the usual cheers.
They then waited upon the Crown Prince, when
the Burgomaster of Berlin, acting as spokes-
man, addressed his Highness.


THE GROWN PRINCE





thank the representatives Of the capital for the
eloquent words with which they have greeted me ON
my return home. /, too, remember 1866, and the
day when had the pleasure of seeing you assem-
bled around me for similar purpose. The cam
pagn OF 1866 was important for Prussia aud Ger
many inasmuch as it laid the foundation Of the
unity Of the fatherland. The present war, upon
which we entered hopefully, it is true, but without
anticipating its eventual results has crowned the
work. Equally unprecedented as its course is its
reward. Germany ls united. The Emperor and the
empire are once more realities. The security and
Af fneh rln hoNA hnnp alun r,v;tt
Gods help, permanently established. You have
thanked the Sd Army for its share in the and with
sincere qualification accept your appreciation in
the name OF my gallant companions in arms. The
Sd Army, well as the entire people, thought it a
good omen when we were enabled to strike the first
decisive blow in struggle the prize Of which we
foresaw might be German unity. From the very
outset OF this Sangutnary combat North and South
were united in the army under my command.
With double satisfaction l therefore look back
first made a tangible reality Of this great nationa
desideratum. Our successes could not be oh
tanned without the most melancholy sacrifices
We shall faithfully remember those who have
fallen TO preserve TO us all that we most dearly
prize Those who have been disabled may be sure
manifest my part, as did In 1864 and 1866. With
you trust that Providence will permit u.s. safe from
foreign enemies and strong in domestic concord, to
reap the fruits sown in this eventfui period. May
May all sources OF civic and political prosperity
flow more abundantly than ever. And may oul
capital derive fresh happiness and wealth from the
new life infused by the issue OF the var. The peo
pie and army will never forget the patriotic beha
vior of Berlin during this serious struggle. Let
once more thank you for the prompt generosity witt
which the town and its representatives have
seconded our efforts during the war.