THE EMPEROR WILLIAM'S DEATH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1899, 13 April 1888, Page 16

THE EMPEROR WILLIAM'S DEATH.

(Peb Press Association.)

Adelaide, April 9.

The newspapers per Orient say that the late Emperor Wilh elm's illness began on the Sunday with a chill, and on Wednesday a recurrence of the old malady threatened. 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 was being administered, which gave rise to a rumour that the Emperor was dead. After receiving the sacrament he fell into a deep sleep. Two news agencies in Berlin telegraphed a message all over the world that the Emperor was dead, and the intelligence was readily credited. At 9 the same evening Queen Vicboria received a telegram stating that the Emperor was alive but very weak, and the' evening papers in London published special editions contradicting the previous statements, but many believed this was merely a diplomatic trick. Doubts were greatly dissipated by the receipt next morning of more definite intelligence. An hour and a half before the Emperor's death the doctors issued a bulletin stating that his case was desperate. When he awoke he seemed to be a little stronger, but at 4 a.m. all hope was abandoned. There were then 60 persons round the Emperor's bed. Prayers were offered up, and the old monarch took leave of everybody present, speaking .to many. His mind was perfectly clear, and his ideas were consecutive. For nearly half an hour he spoke with scarcely a pause, even sitting up. He then partook of some light refreshment, and again conversed with friends. Upon being urged to husband his remaining strength, the Emperor said "No ; I feel that I have not much time to live, and prefer to say all I wish now." Addressing Prince William, he spoke to him of the most minute details in connection with civil and military affairs, foreign, matters, and the relation of the empire towards France. The effect of the effort upon those present was indescribable. The were astounded at the display of strength. He did not exhibit the slightest fear of death during the last few hours, and experienced no pain, and shortly after 8 o'clock on Friday morning the royalties, dignitaries of the empire, generals, and ministers were summoned to •the bedside of the dying monarch, who was in a half-sitting posture on a camp bedstead. The bedroom was crowded, and Prince William bent over the old Kaiser's acred

form. The- Emperor then passed away,l;he expression left on his face being most peaceful and placid.