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• 4 . j ms: ■ m >?* -m rifFin \ Qaily Hews. | 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