Later Particulars of the Emperor Wilhelm's Death.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1901, 11 April 1888, Page 2

Later Particulars of the Emperor Wilhelm's Death.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) ADELAIDE, April 9. News per Orient to 9th March says that the late Emperor Wilhelm's illness hegau on a Sunday with a chill, and on Wednesday a recurrence of his old malady set in and threatened to end his career. On Thursday the symptoms became more alarming, and a conspicuous change for the worse took place. The bells in the city were tolled while the sacrament of communion was being administered, which gave rise to the rumor that the Emperor was dead. After receiving the sacrament the Emperor fell into a deep sleep. Two news agencies in Berlin telegraphed a message all over the world to the effect that the Emperor was dead, and the intelligence was readily credited. At nine the same evening Queen Victoria received a telegram stating that the Emperor was still alive but very weak, and the eveniug papers in London published special editions contradicting the previous statements of the Emperor's death ; but many believed that this was merely a diplomatic trick, and their doubts were only dissipated by the receipt next morning of more definite intelligence. An hour and a half betore the Emperor's, death, the doctors issued'a bulletin statiug that the Emperor's case was desperate. When the latter awoke he seemed a little stronger, but by 4 a.m. all hope was abandoned. There were then 60 persons round the Emperor's bed. Prayers were offered, and the old monarch took leave of everybody present, speaking individually to many. His mind was perfectly clear and his ideas consecutive, and for nearly half an hour he spoke with scarcely a pause. Sitting up he then partook of some light refreshment and again conversed with his friends. Upon being urged to husband his remaining strength, the Emperor said, " No ; I feel I have not much more time to live, and prefer to say all I wish now." Addressing Prince William, he spoke oi the most minute details in connection with civil and military affairs, foreign matters, and the relations of thb Empire toward France. The effect of his effort was indescribable upon those present, and the doctors were astounded at the Emperor's display of strength. He did not exhibit the slightest fear of death, and in the last few hours experienced no pain. Shortly after 8 o'clock on Friday morning, all the royalties, dignitaries, generals and ministers were summoned to the bed-side of the dying monarch, who was in a half sitting posture on the camp bedstead he occupied. The bedroom was crowded. Prince William, bending over the old Kaiser's aged form, earnestly watched the Emperor's face as he passed away. The expression left on the dead face was most peaceful and placid.