One hundred years ago
The German Emperor celebrated his 86th birthday (that is, he is 85), on the 22nd inst., and made a short speech to those who attended the usual reception. He remarked that no one could now be called safe, assassins having struck down the most autocratic Sovereign in the world, and the popularly-elected presi- dent of a Republic. He relied only in the spread of 'a living religious spirit,' and faith in a God who had always protected him, and enabled him, ,'in civil and military affairs, to find the right man'. There is accurate self-knowledge in that remark, most Kings believing that they do their servants' work, and something both manful and pathetic in the conclu- sion of the speech. 'If God should grant that my life be prolonged, I desire that I may not overlive myself. Long life is on- ly desirable, when combined with health and vigour.'
Spectator, 25 March 1882
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