NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ARUMOUR has suddenly sprung up that the German Emperor, who will receive the representatives of all the dynasties of Europe on the 22nd inst., being his ninety- first birthday (he was born on March 22nd, 1797), intends to signalise the occasion by abdicating his Throne. There is no discoverable basis for the rumour whatever, but the act is not in itself improbable. The Emperor is undoubtedly ill, and ill in a way which suggests the burning-down of the lamp; his duties press heavily upon his strength, and he would fain end his reign with Europe still at peace. An Emperor of Germany must head his Army if called into motion, and he could not do it. It is useless to discuss a rumour which may prove to be entirely baseless, or founded upon erroneous calculations ; but it is certain that all the Courts of Europe await the 22nd inst. with a certain expectation, and that action halts—it may be only out of respect for the aged Sovereign—until that date is passed.
