The German Emperor as Shown in His Public UtterancesWilliam II, German Emperor
History
The German Emperor as Shown in His Public Utterances
William II, German Emperor
Germany -- History -- William II, 1888-1918 -- Sources; Germany -- Politics And Government -- 1871-1918
May this be true also of the officers and crews of my navy! So long
as we work on this basis we can overcome, undismayed, every grievous
phase in the development of the navy and of our Fatherland which God's
providence may have in store for us. Let that be the way that you shall
go! Let that be the foundation on which my navy is built up! This will
enable you to conquer in battle and to endure all vexations until the
sun again breaks forth from the clouds.
I therefore turn over this new monument to the navy. May she protect,
cherish, and honor it, so that in the future she may develop characters
which are like his who now stands before her! Let the monument be
unveiled!
ENTRANCE OF PRINCE EITEL FRIEDRICH INTO THE ARMY
JULY 7, 1901
The second son of the Emperor took up his service in the 1st
Infantry Regiment of the Guard on the completion of his eighteenth
year. On this occasion, in the presence of many princes, officers
of the army, and military attachés, the Emperor turned over his son
to the regiment with the following words:
My second son, Prince Eitel Friedrich of Prussia, having applied
himself eagerly to his studies, has now, according to the verdict of
his superiors, passed his examination with a "good." His childish
years lie behind him, and to-day he takes up the tasks of life for
which he has prepared himself--his foremost task the defense of the
Fatherland--his noblest weapon the sword, his noblest uniform the
Prussian soldier's uniform, the uniform of my 1st Infantry Regiment of
the Guard.
The qualities which the Prince has shown in the course of his youthful
development, as well as his oath, are a pledge to me that he will be
a thoroughgoing officer and a faithful servant of his Fatherland.
Particularly gifted for the military life, with a quick eye for detail,
the Prince, as soon as he has passed his examination as an officer,
will in the ranks of the regiment devote himself actively to the
service for which he longs.
Although still very youthful, he should, nevertheless, be an example
of earnestness, an example in observing all military rules, an example
above all as an officer and man. I can think of nothing more beautiful
than this, that he may be an earnest officer who turns an experienced
eye upon life, unbending as iron in everything which constitutes the
chivalry of the officer's position, stern with himself and maintaining
in strictest self-control the traditions of his house and of this great
regiment. May he go his way untroubled by voices from without, with his
eye firmly fixed upon his goal, and responsible only to his God and to
his father!
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