r covering his head with his helmet. His voice betrayed the strain
under which he was laboring. Repeatedly he was interrupted by
enthusiastic applause, and when he closed, a rousing cheer thundered
through the famous White Hall, something that had never before occurred
there since the erection of the old castle. Then came a surprise. The
Emperor laid down the manuscript of his speech and continued speaking.
From now on he knew only Germans, he said, no differences of party,
creed, religion or social position, and he requested the party leaders
to give him their hands as a pledge that they all would stand by him "in
Not und Tod"--in death and distress. This scene was entirely impromptu,
and thus so much more impressive and touching. And it was hardly over
when the Reichstag--an unheard of proceeding in such surroundings--began
to sing the German national hymn, "Heil Dir im Siegerkranz." The
magnificent hall, until then only the scene of pompous court
festivities, witnessed an outburst of patriotism such as was never seen
there before. To the accompaniment of loud cheers the Kaiser walked out,
after shaking the hands of the Imperial Chancellor and the Chief of the
General Staff, von Moltke.

One hour later the Reichstag met in its own house. The Emperor had
begged for quick and thorough work. He was not to be disappointed.
Without any formalities the presiding officers of the last session were
re-elected--in times of peace and party strife this would have been
impossible. This short curtain raiser being over, the first act of the
drama began. Before an overcrowded house the Chancellor described simply
and clearly the efforts of the Government for the preservation of peace.
He stated cold facts, showing unmistakably Russia's double dealing and
justifying Germany's beginning of a war which she did not want. The
Chancellor had begun in a quiet, subdued tone. Then he raised his voice
and when, in words that rang through the hall, he declared that the
entire nation was united, the Deputies and the spectators in the
galleries could sit still no longer. They rose, with them at first some
Socialists, then all of them, carried away by the impulse of the
moment; the members of the Federal Council, of the press, diplomats and
the crowds in the galleries joined them. The whole multitude cheered and
clapped its hands frantically. It reflected truly the spirit of the
whole nation. The Speaker, who under ordinary circumstances would have