3-083-067 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal by the German Emperor: Mr. Gladstone replying to the Burgomaster of Hamburg's speech on board the "Tantallon Castle, 1895. 'A large party of English visitors, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, invited guests of Sir Donald Currie, M.P., on board the Tantallon Castle, of the South African "Castle" Company's line...were conveyed to Kiel in time to witness the proceedings at that end of the Canal. Our Special Artist, Mr. Melton Prior, was with this party, and his sketches now published represent scenes at Hamburg, at Copenhagen, and at Kiel...The municipality and influential citizens of the ancient Free City of Hamburg, one of the most famous Hanse Towns and commercial republics of North Germany in the Middle Ages, bade welcome to the venerable English statesman in a very cordial manner. On the Saturday evening, June 15, the Burgomaster, Herr Monckberg, the President of the High Court, and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, dined with Sir Donald Currie, Mr. Gladstone, and the English guests. The speech with which Mr. Gladstone replied to the toast of his own health was an agreeable exception to the rule which has lately forbidden him to make any more public speeches'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.