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| VOLUME 17
I KAISER WILHELM.
i
gfcetcii of the Life of (iermanj ’s
Late Monarch.
PRUSSIA’S GOLDEN AGE.
gow tho Unification of Germany
Was Secured.
Interest mg Incident* in the Great
jj a is r’s Career—From Napoleon’s De-
• text i‘t Waterloo, Through Sad own and
' gedan—Ul* Later Years—Hi* Connell-
lors Bismarck and Von Moltke.
[Cep righted by the American Press Association.]
-
•file life of the late Emperor William I, of
Germany, spawned a period of surprising
tve its. His infancy saw Prussia a great power.
EMPEROR WILLIAt£ I, OF GERMANY.
In boyhood his native laud was humiliated by
tbo first Napoleon, and lost one-half its terri¬
tory. JSis family was reduced to extremi¬
ties. As a youth he marfched and fought
with the armies that overthrew the great
Napoleon. He aided in the overthrow of the
first French empire, and paraded the streets
Of Paris with Blucher’s forces. AVhen an old
man he became a king, conquered Austria,
overthrew the second French empire, again
marched the streets of Paris, united Ger¬
man}', and wes made an etnpei . r on French
toil. He was in turn hated and loved by his
(objects as no other sovereign of history.
Frederick William Louis was born in Ber¬
lin, March 22, 1797. His father was Fred¬
erick William III, king of Prussia—a good
man. His mother was one of the most beau¬
tiful women of the world, and was possessed
of a rare character of strength and hopeful-
no. : She was Queen Louise—almost as well
known as her son. William chanced to be
the second son, and hence not heir to the
crown. However, it seemed '.veil at the time,
for ho was a delicate, feeble little follow, and
therefore not allowed to join in the most
vigorous exorcises of his fellow's; and he was 10
years old before they believed he would be
able to enter the army. Every influence con¬
duced to make him a soldier. While he yet
wore jackets and short trousers a noble rela¬
tive was appointed to train his brothers and
himself in military exercises. Tho king was
wont to peep through a crnck of tho door to
watch his boys maneuver around tho room.
Prince William developed simultaneously in
strength and military discipline. His ardor
was aroused by reading the exploits of his an¬
cestor, Frederick the Great, by the sad fate
of his own country during his own childhood,
ami by tho tears of his mother. Scarcely was
ho it) years old when Napoleon I invaded
Prussia and marched through the streets of
Berlin in triumph. The young prince was
hastily taken from place to place, out of tho
way of tho victor. After the battle of Jena,
in which Napoleon was signally victorious,
Queen Louise was obliged to flee in order to
escape capture. AVith bitter anguish she said
to her two eldest sons: '‘You see me weep. I
weep for the downfall of my house and coun¬
try. Recall these unhappy hours when I am
no more, and weep such tears for me as I do
now for my country. But do not be satis¬
fied with tears. Act, develop your strength.
Perhaps y, >u may be destined to deliver your
country. I> > not let yourselves be carried
away b\ the degeneracy of the age. Be
men!"
When the Franco-Prussian war broke out in
1870 the gray haired old king, in company
with his only son, visited his mother's tomb.
father and son passed a long time in silent
Contemplation; •fleeting then bado each other an
farewell AVhen tho war was over,
•nd he returned home a conqueror, having
lumiliated tho old enemy, he again went to
toe hallowed sepulcher, and placed upon it a
laurel wreath. No man has ever been more
devoted to the memory of a mother than has
been Germany’s aged emperor. She died at
toe age of 34, and at each anniversary of her
death the emperor laid (lo were upon her
tomb at Charlottenburg.
He first went to war in ISIS, receiving the
commission of a captain. The allies were, at
this time, closing in upon Napoleon. In the
battle of Bar-sur-Aube his father ordered
him to get news from a certain regiment.
Regardless of whistling bullets, bo dashed
into tho thick of the 1 ;ht and obtained the
desired information.' For his bravery he was
decorated with the Iron Cross. In March,
1814, England, the armies of the allied monarchs of
tered Russia, Prussia and Sweden en¬
Paris. Prince William was with them,
and saw Paris for the first time. Shortly
after his return ho was confirmed in the
Protestant church. He drew up a long dec¬
laration of thankfulness, and a consideration
cl his duties. He said: “AVith a grateful
heart I recognise it as a great blessing that
God has allowed me to be bora in a high sta¬
tion of ]ife; because in it l possess a better
GRIFFIN GEORGIA, SUNDAY MORNING, MAP01I 11 1888
opportunity to cultivate my intellect ana my
soul, and because I can do bettei work and
accomplish more good. I rejoice with all
humility and am far from thinking that God
has desired to prefer mo to others, and am
likewise far from considering myself better
than others on account of my high birth.
* * * I will never forget that a prince is
also a man, and, in common with the lowliest
of the people, has all the weaknesses and
needs of human nature. * * * My powers
belong to tho world and to my country. I
declare myself subservient to tho laws and
policy of the stuto.”
In 1815 Napoleon escaped from Elba and
burst as a bombshell upon Europe. Once
nv re war waged. Prince AVilliam marched
with tho Prussians against the escaped exile.
Napoleon was beaten at Waterloo, Paris was
taken and the young Prussian prince a second
time paraded the boulevards of the gay capi¬
tal. His life from this time onward was
zealously devoted to the science of war. Not
expecting to become a king, be purposed being
a benefit to the army. He was rapidly pro¬
moted from rank to rank, serving in various
parts of the kingdom. At the age of 32 he
married Princess Augusta, of Saxe Weimar.
Fetes and tournaments were held, presents
were given to the poor, and weeks were given
over to merry making. It was like a wedding
in the middle ages. His life was now one of
quietness. He was a perfect soldier, an
agreeablo gentleman, not noted for a brilliant
intellect, thoroughly upright, obstinate in
his opinions, ami tenacious of purpose. He
was for a time governor of Baden. When
Prince AVilliam was 43 years old, and
the father of two children, the king died,
and his son succeeded to the throne of
Prussia as Frederick William IV. The new
king, being childless, decreed that Prince
AVilliam should henceforth be called prince
of Prussia, being heir to the crown. European
countries continued spluttering and threaten¬
ing for several years. The prince of Pnissia
was advanced to commander iu chief of the
army. The revolutions of 1848 crazed the
peoples of Europe. Louis Philippe was
driven from the throne of France and Ger¬
many was seized with the infection. Wil¬
liam Prince of Prussia stamped out the revo¬
lution in Baden and Berlin with resoluteness
and relentlessness. While his brother, the
king, was weak and vacillating in his policy,
the prince of Prussia was .‘in favor of strong
measures. Ho had a horror of revolutions
and repudiated the idea of popular sover¬
eignty. At one of his brother’s councils he
flung his swmrd upon the table and vowed he
would rather appeal to that weapon than
consent to rule over a people who dared claim
the right - ‘to vote their own taxes.” He was
thoroughly hated by the people. So intense
was the feeling against him that it was
deemed best for him to quit the kingdom for
a time. He repaired to London. There he
was an associate of Prince Albert, Peel, Pal¬
merston and Russell.
EMPRESS AUGUSTA.
Upon ms return to Germany no again lived
in seclusion. During all these years tho
prince of Prussia had full opportunity to see
the weakness of his brother’s course and to
study the tendency of events. He was ripen¬
ing definite ideas and a strong will to execute
them. Meantime he took an active interest
in Masonry and was made grand master of
the Freemasons of* Prussia. He also served
in the Prussian parliament. Gradually he
regained much of his lost popularity. The
excitement and contests of government had
shattered the health of the king. His sensi¬
tive mind received a fatal shock. The prince
of Prussia became regent in 1858. He de¬
clared that “Prussia is ready everywhere to
protect the right.” He formed a new min¬
istry which pleased the people. In less than
two years the king died, and the prince of
Prussia became the monarch. He was At
years of age, and was described as a “fine,
dignified, handsome, somewhat bluff old
man.” He was tall and strong. His man¬
ners were plain, hearty, frank and agree¬
able. In his military life his simplicity has
been compared to that of Grant. However,
he was not liked. He was considered too
arbitrary. Only one good thing was said
about him: “He was honest and would keep
his word.” Tho Prussians had perfect confi¬
dence in his integrity. He was crowned at
Koenigsberg with great pomp. On that oc¬
casion he proclaimed to the world that he
considered himself a king by divine right
and not bv anv bower from the Prussia people. and the
Amidst all the grandees of
representatives of other nations the prince of
Prussia, preceded by generals, ministers and
royal officers, entered the old cathedral.
Peals of music floated from choir to choir and
lost themselves in the recesses of the great
building. Then solemnly appeared the king
before the altar. He was clad in a rich uni¬
form, and w as enveloped in a royal mantle of
ermine and red satin. The crown was borne
in on a billow of gold, costly material and
fine workmanship. AVith great reverence
the prince lifted it, and More the vast multi¬
tude placed it upon his own head with his
own hands, thus signifying that the crown
.ramo from heaven, and was not the gift of
men. His poliev at once became obnoxious to
the people. He desired to reorganize and in¬
crease tho army. This policy was opposed 1 >y
the parliament, which refused him the neces¬
sary money. The new king was obstinate.
Ho believed what he v, -ite.1 to do was for
the best, and ho propos 1 to do it. IF pros-
cu ?d new -.napers and ermldtcd politicians.
T’uj claim of Emperor William I to bo i
is const ant’v unfed t cut no
possessed one of the finest elements of wonder¬
ful success must be acknowledged, from hie
insight into men. The next year after hie
coronation he selected as president of his
ministry Otto von Bismarck, perhaps the
greatest statesman of modern times. It has
been said that Bismarck absorbed tho king
and thereafter directed everything. This is
a mistake. King William I bad the good
sense to discover Bismarck’s power, and has
since sustained him amidst all the conflicts of
the state. The king, with rare discretion,
reted out two other marvelous minds to aid
him in reorganizing the army. These were
Helmuth von Moltke and Albert von Roon.
With such counselors King William was
ready to grapple with the approaching con¬
flicts. From this time onward the story of
the king's life is indissolubly linked with the
history of Prussia. His kingship began in
activity. He quarreled with his parliament
and was hated by his people. They failed to
understand him, and so could not
the future, to see the glory their king
preparing for them. No public man
Europe was so unpopular as King Wilfhm,
unless it was his minister, Bismarck.
in England it was “an article of faith
William was a bloodthirsty old tyrant,
his subjects all blockheads.” Such was
unpropitious beginning of William I as
of Prussia.
Now.- to understand how tho king came
found on empire, it must be remembered
at this limo Germany was a loose
tion of a great many small countries,
jealous of the power of the other—almost
antagonistic as If they had been distinguished
by language and race. Austria was the most
powerful state in this confederation, with
Prussia next. Austria was proud of her posi¬
tion as head of the German influence. Prussia
rankled under the predominance pf Austria.
Austria was jealous of Prussia's power. Pnis¬
sia envied Austria her place. Each state
sought every means to weaken tho other.
AVith King AVilliam began tho memorable
contest. Some pretext for war must bo
found. A glance at the map will show three
provinces just south of Denmark, Schleswig,
Holstein and Lauenberg. For years they had
FRINGE KARL OTTO VON BISMARCK.
been a bone of contention. They were German
provinces, but by the juggling of monarchi¬
cal marriages had come under the power
of a Danish king. This was Frederick VII.
He was the last monarch of his line. His
successor made a decree annexing Schleswig
and Holstein. The people of the duchies re¬
volted, claiming that they w’ere German and
not Danish subjects. At this juncture Aus¬
tria and Prussia intervened in behalf of the
duchies. Austria was afraid to let Pnissia
do the work alone. Prussia desired to annex
the duchies to her territory, but saw no way
open. This was in tho year 1864. The two
nations took joint possession of the duchies,
having but little trouble in overcoming Den¬
mark. Harmony lasted but a short time.
Frequently they were on the verge of war.
Finally King AVilliam and the emperor of
Austria met and formed what is known as
the compact of Gastein. By this agree¬
ment Austria was to have separate
control of Schleswig and Prussia of Hol¬
stein, while for a money consideration Lauen¬
berg was ceded to Prussia. This was a short
lived expedient. The conflicting policies of
the two powers in the neighboring duchies
constantly clashed. Bistnarck managed to
throw the blame upon Austria. Naturally
the various German states took opposite sides
in the dispute. King VV illiam issued a circu¬
lar letter. He said: “Prussia, by its situation,
its German character and the German patriot¬
ism of its rulers, is required to seek its own
security within the limits of Germany. For
this purpose a reformation of tho entire con¬
federation is essential. If Prussia is not con¬
fident of Germany its situation imperils it
beyond most other states of Europe. But the
fate of Prussia ultimately involves that of
Germany, and if Prussia’s strength were
broken the share of Germany in European
politics would bo but a passive one. The
German confederation in its present form,
CROWN PRINCE FREDERICK WILLIAM,
exposed to danger on every side, will fail in
its purpose, and nothing can then save Ger¬
many from the fate of Poland.” Austria and
the smaller German states at one? recognized
the intention of King AVilliam and his crafty
ministers to centralize Germany under Prus¬
sian control. Austria vigorously prepared
for war. Even Prussia bitterly opposed the
policy of her king. Tho king was determined.
He walked rough shod over constitutional
rights. In the mouth of June, 1866, the
troops began to move, and the king at once
issued a proclamation declaring that the
cause for which Pnissia took up arms was
that of the union of Germany and the estab¬
lishment of a parliament representing the
German nation. King AVilliam demanded of
Saxony, II;.:: , err.ud Hesse that they disarm
their troops and remain neutral They re¬
fused, and declared for Austria This was on
Junc 15. By June 29 King Wiliiam had in¬
vaded and overcome all three. He deposed
toe iinc of Hanover and annexed Uis iiax-
i— » w -.* vu oiuttae ana . on noon
had evidently done thorough work in organi¬
zing tho army. The world looked on with
bated breath Two mighty powers fought
for aupremaoy. It was a life and death
straggle.
June 27, 1866, was set apart os a day of
fasting and prayer in Prussia. Tho king
drove to his church and Invoked tho divine
favor. King AVilliam had appealed to God
and to tho people to hold him blameless for
the war. The Prussians were divided into
two armies, one commanded by tho crown
prince, the king’s son, and tho other by his
nephew, Prince Frederick Charles. Prussia
took the offensive and invaded Austria. In
Bohemia, almost midway between Berlin and
Vienna, is a little village called Badowa. It
is situated on the river Elite. Near by tower
far above the water's edge tho battlements of
the fortress Koeniggraetz. Here tho two
largest armies that had over met stood facin;;
each other. They numbered a quarter of a
million of men each, and were to decide the
fate of central Europe. On the 29th of Juno
the king arrived and took command iu per¬
son. Gen. Benodek was at tho head of tho
Austrian army. The Crown Princo of Prus¬
sia had not yet brought bis division of the
army up. But, fearing an attack from the
Austrians, tho king decided to anticipate
them. The hot midsummer sun of July 3,
1866, burst forth with gorgeous splendor I
look down upon slaughter and carnage, and
the fate of an empire. At 8 o’clock the king
mounted his horse. Ho rodo a largo blood
bay charger, as handsome an animal a, on •
could wish to see. The horse, though long
dead, has been prepared for exhibition, and
occupies a prominent place iu tho Hohcuz> 1
lern museum in Berlin. The king was m*
oompnnied by Bismarck, Von Moltko and
Von Roon on 1:1s way to the battlefield. Th"
fight had begun. The whole Prussian line
was belching forth destruction. The Au
trians were intrenched, and hurled back
deadly responses.
A ipe«senger had lieen sent the night 1*
fore, ordering the crown prince forward
With utmost haste. Th" battle became more
terrible as tho minr sped away. King
William grew anxh and forgot himself.
He spurred his horse and rushed into the
midst of the battle, where bullets and burst¬
ing shell endangered his life. Ili ; oiil " -
were astounded. Bismarck bun i -1 i-
him, and upon reaching him urged bis
majesty to retire from harm. Sail tho old
monarch: “How can I ride away while my
army is under fire?” And only with rein t
auco did bo go back to the group of < fj ’its.
The battle became terrible, and yet w- . . i
prince was in sight. Ten, 11 <>’<•:• ••'. <1
by—noon came. Ammunition began to fail.
The Austrians stood firm. The Fn; , i nis
were growing weary. Yet the battle w d.
Anxious eyes were cast to the left. It was 2
o’clock. The thunder t. cannon wr,; heard
away in the distance. The rumbling in - i e
was Frcdiiick a merry Charles, sound to the soldiers of Prince
i iu i ...... ..
hand, and threw a fresh army into the con¬
flict. The Prussians pressed on from village
to village. The evening sun sank to rest, mid
a red suffusion enveloped the towers of
Koeniggraetz, whither Austrian forces from
all sides were hurrying in sad confusion and
rout. King AVilliam was a hero. His sol¬
diers thronged around him and, it ii said,
they wept for .joy. He had shared their
hardships and toils during the day, cncour
aging them and speaking comforting word.-:
to the wounded. As twilight easne on the
whole army joined in the old song, “Now
AH Thank God.” The refrain was passed
from hill to hill, while the sweet strains
lulled many a dying hero on his way to
otdier realms. Thus ended tho battle of Su-
down, or Koeniggraetz. All the world mar¬
veled. The campaign had lasted hut seven
days. Tho struggle was virtually over.
The Prussians pushed ou to Vienna and cu
camped within sight of thewiity. A few un
important battles took place about the city
But negotiations were in progress for peace.
A treaty was made, by whose terms Schles¬
wig and Holstein were ceded to Prussia, be¬
sides which Austria was compelled to pay a
large war indemnity. In two months King
AVilliam had added five provinces to his
kingdom, covering an area of 25,000 Rquaro
miles, and cumbering 5,000,000 inhahiiants.
He had shown the power of his army and
placed Prussia at tho head of German power.
Prussia went wild with delight. King AVil!
iam was a hero. To nod was but to have
bis wish gratified. The king himself became
gracious. He granted general amnesty for
all political oG s. His popularity was
unbounded. Ilis people began to grasp his
intention, and his manifest honesty of pur¬
pose ill reaching the end. The great result
of the war was tho formation of the North
German confederation, nndel* a new plan
proposed and directed by Prussia Repre¬
sentatives of each state assembled in Berlin,
in February, 3867, to discuss and adopt
a constitution of union. Tho work was
carried on with patriotic enthusiasm.
By the end of April the task was ac¬
complished, president anti King AVilliam was made
of the new Germany. Prus¬
sia was to have the direction of the united
armies, the control of foreign diplomat i
affaire and the management of the postal sys¬
tem. King AVilliam sent abroad th pro¬
clamation: “The German fatherland can
maintain its peace, its rights and its dignity
with its united forces.” At last, after a
lapse of centuries, Germany was once more
united and a Treat power. Pnissia was su
pi'enie. Kir: : AVilliam ruled The king now
administered affairs so wisely an I 1; •’
and with such advantage to ti. a
good, that instead of jealousi-s >n the new
confederation, a spirit of patriotism p r-
meated the vboie people. The closest <>f
friendly treaties were concluded with • >
South German states Afany nun wish,
that all Germany could b-o consoli k.l< d .
.
formed into one grand ■ nipire. The i
of the new condition of things im:.. b : v
manifested themselves. Foreign noth p id
more deference to the North German coi:
federation—business and commerce ToivH.
King AVilliam was wonderfully l b - b
Not since tbe reformation had Gei many
possessed so many men of genius and learn¬
ing. And the king was wise. Ho found out
every one and employed him. King AA'il
Ham’s life was like a drama, with here and
there a startling act. The plot develops and
tbe loved king of 73 years appears again
prominently before the world iu the most
thrilling explosive act. Prussia's success aroused the
French envy. Since King AVilliam
had assisted in tbe defeat of Napoleon I,
France had effervesced and solidified and re-
effervesced and re-solidifled with curious fre¬
quency Napoleon Tit was .now the French
emperor, Ring wmmm in ism 'Baa Visited
tie emperor a* a guest. Apparently WUham
w ,.s content with what bad been done to ap-
jvtaso his mother's anguish. Napoleon was
1 -mg popularity at borne. Franco was at
the effervescing point. Napoleon sought a
foreign war to divert his people and
strengthen himself. Tho pretext was found
m.d the quarrel was sought with tho king of
Prussia. European complications formed the
ostensible reason. Hpain bad dethroned Queen
Isabella and was in search of a new sovereign.
Marshal Prim, of Hpain, at tiie request of the
Cortes, tendered the throne to Prince Leo
pold. Now it happened that this same Leo¬
pold was a member of the family of Ger¬
man Iloheuzollerns, of which King
AVilliam was the head. France jumped
to the conclusion that Prussian influence v.-.v
at work, and that if Prince Leopold bream
king of Spain the balance of power iu Iiuror
would bo destroyed. It may lw sail hr.
that FWnce Leopold was almost as nearly re
lated to Napoleon as to King William, by
reason of his wife’s connection with tho Nn; >
I eon family. King AVilliam immediately
answered that he had no interest inth-nffai.',
and had used no influence in t'.iu i:i,u;
Napoleon demanded that King AVilliam com
mend Leopold to decline tho proffered honor.
Tho king replied that he had neither inclina¬
tion nor power to accede to such a doman l,
and hence refused. In tho meantime Prince
Leopold v itarily withdrew bis name Tho
trouble set-mod settled. Certainly the Pi n
sian king was justified iu feeling that no
cause for war could now possibly exist
■<SBr ? WL / fV:.
*
-
COUNT HULMtTTII VON MOLTKE.
K prloon could net lot tho chance fora fight
n: ... . AVhilo Jvi;:;; William was at Eras,
hi; favorite !.uii::i: r watering place, ho re¬
ceive ': the absurd demand from Franco that
ho sir il l agree to prevent Prince Leopold
from ever liecoming a candidate for the
8]*e‘ i-lithroneslerull- ppoiTunity pre-cat
it. i. Tho reader can i.d r tho sturdy king' =
r< iy. The ling ,g .. 1 .several interviews
«‘ w„; also at 'Em '.V '.attvo'V?tte , #«rifW'
cation'. King AAY.i w finally refused an¬
other audience to I: •>:»•.let; i. On AVedneedoy
morning, July 1" * :-in—v oreet nn-j
stately figure was seen on the promenade at
Eras among other visiters. He was in com¬
pany with two or three gentlemen, when ho
was approached by a little Jut man with
much gesticulation and animated talk.
Count Benedetti was renewing the demands
of France. Such conduct was naturally n
great insult to the king. His majesty
mildly spoke a word or two, then, turning
upon ins heel, left tho irate Frenchman.
The next morning the king left by special
train for Berlin. Tho country was in a fer¬
ment. Crowds were at the depot. He said
to tho people: “I hope to see you all once
more. God is my witness thut I have not
desired war, but if I am forced to it I wifi
maintain the honor of Germany to the last
man.” The king’s ride was a triumphal
journey. The country was aroused to wild
enthusiasm and madness against the French.
Tidings that France had declared war
reached Berlin before the train which bore
the king. AA'hen King AA'illiam arrived in
Berlin the streets near the depot were blocked
with people. He walked toward his car-
i ingo in company with the crown prince,
Bismarck, Von Roon and Von Moltke, and
as lie passed along the platform German
ladies threw showers of bouquets upon him.
The king reached his palace. The populace
was wild. As the king entered his home, as
if by n single impulse the vast crowd sang
the national hymn with uncovered heads.
As the hour reached midnight the king ap¬
peared before tho palace, spoke to the
crowd and told them that yet that
night weighty matters hail to bo
considered. Ho requested them to lio
quiet. At onco the cry a rose: ‘Homo!
Home'" and soon all was tranquil. The w ar
began. King AA'iljiam and his army were
ready. Not only did the German army jk*.
se.-,s maps of France, but it is said that tho
German officers knew all the cross roads and
lanes. France declared war on July 15, 1879.
On Aux. 2 Germany had three armies, num-
herir .. :.>0,600 men, on the frontier of France,
re v for action. Their leaders were the
<~ i prince, Prince Frederick Charles and
G» Htcinnietx. The south German states
tin espoused the cause of Prussia. King
\V him made a proclamation to tbe French,
in w! ich ho said bo was not fighting the
French, but only their emperor. Ha prom¬
ised them protection and g‘<od treatment. To
his praise Is* it said that he kept his word,
and as a rule tbe German* acted as friends
ratlr r than enemies in tho places they cap¬
tured. Numerous engagements took place,
with victory generally in favor of the Ger-
mnt.s. The three armies pressed into France.
King AVilliam journeyed with his troops. A
war eor.e pendent described his arrival in
P ,:t-.-i Mousson. “an old man in a common
- •; -h. with l.iu" uniform covered with
thick, white j-t, with an honest, rotund,
rosy face." Aug. 18 the king commanded at
the battle of Graveiotte. AA'itb him were the
crown prince, A*on Moltke, Von Hoop and
the Am-rican general, Sheridan. ling
lw " . said a word. His face is said to has
ha on.etbing almost plaintive in •
ten was exposed to fi
on::. til the last gun v :
the: ins sunper of black bread and cold
fat nv. .
AVe.m . r, Sept, l, clawnea as a mom;
beautiful morning. The weather was experi¬
encing that mellow change from summer to
autumn. It was tbe morning of the battle of
Sedan. King AVilliam and his army had
succeeded in completely surrounding Na¬
poleon and his forces in the little citadel.
“Never before in the world's history has there
been su-h a butcherv as went on during that
NUMBER 41
great tight.' ft was the u ati-rldo or UWsec¬
ond empire All ilay the Germane poured
storms of shot and shell into the town. Front
every side came destruction. The Germen
circle grew smaller and smaller. The cordon
of death was tightening upon Napoleon. Mar¬
shal McMahon was seriously wouruled. Cer¬
tain death stared every Frenchman in tbe
face. Napoleon surrendered. He wrote to
King, AVilliam “Not being able to die at tbe
head of my troops I lay my sword before
your majesty.” The youthful Prussian prince
had n finessed the overthrow of the first Na-
polcou. The old king received tbe sword of
tho third Napoleon. King AViUiaia wrote to
tho queen: “It to like a dream, even when
one bfi-s • on it hour by hour developing it-
TRIXI E WILLIAM.
■ Son of the Grown frlnc *
Napoleon wan taken captive tj a little
a !;•: near by, which K - AA'illiam had
designated as the place of nv ig. The
rodo to tbe castle and dr d, when Na¬
poleon enmo out upon t. i meet hint.
Their interview lasted en minutest
Napoleon afterward i.. . himself as
much impressed with tbs courtesy and kind¬
ness of tho king. Tbe war continued with
almost unvarying success of the troop* of
the German king. Paris wag invested end
tho memorable siego begun. Th famous
palace of Versailles, near Paris, became
tho headquarters of King AVilliam and his
immediate advisers. For some time there
had been a movement, commenced by the
South German states, totem a union of
all Germany, and proclaim King William of
Prussia .emperor of united Germany. It was
a wintry Jar nary duv in 1871 when the <d«W
became au own... -fished fact. I;t the palace
i s a largo room, v. u..— walk are completely
lined with mirrors. In this room Richelieu,
Louis XIV and Napoleon I had planned their
Invasions of Germany. In this same room,
King AVilliam was proclaimed emperor of
Germany, an l tho title mode hereditary to
his family. Shortly afterwards tbe new
emperor ordered a part of this palace to be
converted Into a hospital. Tho walls were
hung with codly paintings. Emperor Will¬
iam had them nil carefully covered, so as to
protect them from injury. Tho siege of the
city was the most stupendous undertaking of
modern warfare. Victory came at last, and
o. ice more Emperor William entered Paris a
victor,
In six month* of warfare King William’s
army had fought 156 engagements, besieged
a. id taken tho three strongest fortreene Of/
tho world, Metz, Htrasburg find Paris; cap¬
tured 600,000 French prisoner;, gained two
provinces, Alsace and Lorraine, which were
German In blood, but had tas-ome French in
s •ntiment, and imposed a 11 uo upon Fiance of
5 000,000,000 francs. Tbe emperor received
cl* an ovation when he ivitir >•-! to Berlin
as is seldom accorded a man.
The work of constructing t tm ww < moire
and the various complications arising tbere-
fr in buskd the emperor after the termination
of the French war till his death. IIo became
endeared to all the jieople, although still an
obstinate old mar. who nelieved as firmly as
ever in the mediaeval idea of kings by divine
right. One who was a student in Berlin dur¬
ing those busy years says: “AVhen his car¬
riage was sceu ou the street the cry of ‘The
enijx'ror! The emperor” quickly passed from
mouth to mouth. Every one stopped and
faced the street. As ho passed men, women
and children made a most respectful bow.
Men invariably removed their lief" Tb* cm-
i .
p@KT visr
•.Hi it
-w m
w,
u “i Ms*
IP
IMPERIAL . vLACE “ENTER DEX LINDKS.”
peror allow, i no one to surpass him In polite
m . 1 have frequently felt that his majesty
must have grown weary on these rides on ac¬
count of his constant salutations. Upon one
occo>d< n 1 stood alone in tbe Tbiergarten as
he jcc-r-l by. I tipped mv hat and received
iu return n hearty salutation and kindly
•mile, lie l - kfil strong and well. His hair
was gray: deep wrinkles marked his face.
His complexion was ruddy and clear. He
looked like a man about 70 years of age. An
ijutant alwavs rode with him at this time.
F<irmeriy he frequently went alone. But in
1878, while passiug along Under den Linden,
he was fired upon. Fortunately bo escaped.
This was in May. In the following mouth
another assassin shot at the aged man and
succeeded in dangerously wounding him.
After three attempts he rexle with company."
And now one would have thought a long
peace waa liefore Germany and an old age of
quiet glory was before the emperor. But one
can invi-r be sure of peace iu Europe. The
French longed for revenge, and the overimtt-
ioe “eastern <jmotion” ytime np again to a