§ MR. HOWORTH (Salford, S.)In view of the alarming news about the German Emperor's health, I should like to ask the Government whether they have received any information of a more 124 re-assuring character than is contained in to-day's newspapers?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I regret deeply that it is not in the power of the Government, nor in my power, to give the House any re-assuring information. We have not received any telegram from Berlin since the early morning, and all the information that has reached us is of the character to which my hon. Friend refers.
Subsequently,
§ MR. W. H. SMITHsaid: About an hour and a half ago I was asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Salford a Question with reference to the condition of the German Emperor. At that time Her Majesty's Government had received no telegram from our Ambassador at Berlin; but we have since received a telegram, dated 3 o'clock to-day, from Berlin, informing us, I regret to say, that the Emperor's condition is much worse than it has been, and that there is now very little hope entertained of his recovery. Inflammation of the lungs has set in; but the Ambassador informs us that His Imperial Highness's intellect is perfectly clear, and that he is suffering no pain. It is with very great regret that I make this communication to the House; but it is, at least, some consolation to know that His Imperial Highness is free from pain, and that his intellect remains unclouded.