THE BALTIC CANAL.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1217, 28 June 1895, Page 34

THE BALTIC CANAL.

Berlin, June 20.

Brilliant festivities have taken place at Hamburg in connection with the opening of the Baltic and North Sea Canal.

The Emperor of Germany, the Kings of Saxony and Wurtemburg, and the Dukes of York and Saxe-Coburg were among those present. The Kaiser, speaking at the banquet, declared that the presence at Kiel of navies representing the various nations was a pledge of peace.

Rain marred what would otherwise have been a wonderful display of fireworks.

The French authorities exhibit a churlish attitude at Kiel, the crews of their warships not being permitted to land or accept the hospitality extended them.

Berlin, June 20,

The Kaiser's speech at the opening of the Baltic and North Sea Canal was peaceful in tone.

The Imperial yacht Hohenzollern headed the procession through the canal at 4 a.m., amidst cheers. Unlike those of the other nations, the French officers refused to accept of hospitality aboard the German warships. The crowds at Kiel waited all night in order to get good places to view the ceremony. A military band played the National Anthem when the lines tretched across the water was broken.

Hamburg, June 20.

At the banquet, the Emperor said the opening of the Canal would serve the cause of peace, and the presence of the fleets assembled was a sign that Europe would cooperate to maintain peace. Despite the stormy weather 50,000 people who had assembled outside the banquet hall, in response to a demand from the Emperor, stood for a long time saluting and loudly cheering the guests. Berlin, June 21.

Twenty-four vessels crowded with distinguished personages passed through the Baltic Canal in eight hours, without a mishap except that an immense GermanAmerican liner and the British Eoyal yacht Osborne grounded for a short time. The canal was lined by a dense crowd, which cheered the ships of all nations, especially the British vessels. The bands played the Marseillaise during the passage of the French warships. All the warships assembled at Holtenau, and saluted the Emperor's vessel.

Kaiser William visited many of the warships, personally steering the gig. He told M. Herbette, the French Ambassador, that the present was not the last ceremony he hoped they would together perform with a view to promoting peace. By direction of the Kaiser, the German warships at Kiel fired a salute in honour of Queen Victoria's accession, hoisting the British flag-, and the bands playing the National Anthem.

Bkrlin, June 23. The Kaiser reviewed 100 German and foreign warships. He inspected the British warship Royal Sovereign, and visited Lord Brassey on board the latter's yacht Sunbeam. In a sham;fight which took place at Kiel 14 German warships were engaged. The Emperor was on board a ship of the defending force. The manoeuvres were of a memorable character, and the fetes to which the visitors were invited were brilliant.

Berlin, June 24. At the Kaiser's request the British ships will remain at Kiel two days after the other squadrons.

The Empress of Germany is confined to bed with a chill.