§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY)My Lords, it is my melancholy duty to announce to this House what, no doubt, is already known to many of your Lordships—the death of the Emperor of Germany. I need not say how deeply we grieve for the loss of one so justly valued both here and in Germany. Our Queen has lost a beloved son-in-law, and Germany a most enlightened ruler. It will be your Lordships' desire to put on formal record the sympathy which you feel for the afflicted relatives, and for the nation that has lost so much. I therefore give Notice, according to precedent, that I shall move an Address to Her Majesty the Queen and an Address to Her Imperial Majesty the Empress of Germany, on Monday next.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYMy Lords, in the absence of my noble Friend who leads the Opposition in this House (Earl Granville), and who is prevented from being present, I should not like to let this opportunity pass without saying that I am certain that every word that has been said by the noble Marquess opposite is fully echoed on this side of the House. If I may be permitted to say something on my own behalf, I would add that, apart from the high respect always felt for one in so great a position as that occupied by the late Emperor, and the admiration which all of us have for the noble qualities which he displayed throughout his 233 career, those who had the honour of being personally known to him must have felt that he was one who inspired the deepest feelings of attachment to him on the part of all who had the privilege of his acquaintance.