The Last Hours of Emperor Wilhelm.

Southland Times, Issue 9799, 10 April 1888, Page 2

The Last Hours of Emperor Wilhelm.

[United Press Ass ciation : By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.] . Adelaide, April 9. News per s.s. Orient to March 9, Bays that the late Emperor Wilbelra's iilnese began on a Sunday with chills and on Wednesday a reoccurrence of tba old malady threatened to end hia career. On Thursday the symptoms became more alarming and a conspicuous change for the worst took place. The bells in the city were tolled while the sacrament was being administered to him and this gave rise to the rumour that the Emperor was dead. After receiving the sacrament ho fell into v deep Bleep. Two news agencies in Berlin telegraphed a message all over the world to the effect that the Emperor waß dead and the intelligence was readilj credited. At 9 o'clock the same evening Queen Victoria received a telegram statins that the Emperor was alive but very weak, and evening 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. An hour and a half before the Emperor's death his doctors issue! a bulletin stating that his case was desperate. When he awoke be seemed a little stronger, but at 4 a.m. all hope was abandoned. There were tuen 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, Bill! hio idoao woro conupan. tive. For nearly half an hour he spoke with scarcely a paase. Sitting up ht then partook of some light refreshments, and again conversed with his friend*. Upon being urged to husband his remaining strength the Emperor said — " No, I feel I have not much time to live and prefer to say all I wißh now," Artdressing Prince William, he spoke oi the most minute details in connec tion with civil and military affaire, foreign matters, and the relations of th< Empire towards France. The effect oi ctie effort was indescribable upoa those present, and the doctors were astounded at the display of strength, He did not exhibit the slightest fear of death, and foi the last few hours experienced no pain. Shortly after 8 o'clock on Friday morn ia%, royalties, dignitaries, generate ami ministers, summoned to the bedside of the dying monarch who was in a half sitting posture ia a camp bedstead, occupied the bedroom, wnich was crowded. Prince William, bending over the old Kaiser's form, earnestly watched the Emperor's face as he passed away. The expression left on the dead face was most peaoeful und placid.