trains loaded with sacks are being run to points near the river banks. The
sacks are filled with earth, and thrown upon the levees to strengthen
them. The men of that country are working night and day to shore up the
levees until the floods subside.

This is the worst flood that has been known for many years, and people
along the banks of the Mississippi have been ruined through the damage
done by the waters.

* * * * *

March 22d was celebrated throughout Germany as a national holiday, for it
was on this day one hundred years ago that Emperor William I. was born.

The old Emperor was the man who, with the help of Bismarck, united all the
various States and Principalities of Germany under one rule, and raised
Germany from the dust into which Napoleon had thrown her, to the glorious
position she holds to-day.

The day was celebrated in Berlin by the unveiling of a magnificent
monument to the old Emperor.

The statue of William I. shows him seated on horseback, with winged
figures representing Victory standing on the pedestal beneath him, and the
Goddess of Peace holding the bridle of his horse.

On the base of the pedestal is carved:

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· WILLIAM THE GREAT, ·