The extent to which the new Emperor will Le able
to fulfil his promises is still unknown ; but the omens are unfavourable. As often happens in his disease, the general health is but slightly affected, and the Emperor displays an energy both of body and mind which astonishes and delights those around him. It is, however, now admitted that the disease is cancer of the larynx, and incurable, and there is no reason to believe that it is not progressing. The respiration is often difficult, and the canula is changed four times a day. The Emperor, though he can speak, rarely does so, writing his orders on slips of paper; and though he sits down at meals, he eats scarcely any solid food. As soon as the funeral ceremonies are over, his Majesty will leave Charlottenbnrg, with its sharp air and its snowstorms, for Wiesbaden and its milder atmosphere, and will remain there until the complaint takes some decided turn. It appears to be understood that he will not devolve any of his power upon his son, but only sign an order giving him power to act in the event of his own incapacitation.
