Page:Three Years in Europe.djvu/327

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GERMANY AND AUSTRIA.
287

and sowed the seeds of civilization. Such is the boast of German patriots—and the boast is not unfounded.

Opposite the Royal Library is the Opera house with its portico of Corinthian columns, and close to it is the Palace Opera.of the Crown Prince, finer and more imposing than the palace of the Emperor.

Facing the Crown Prince's palace is the Arsenal, a vast square building, nearly 300 feet in length and one of the finest structures in Berlin. In the lower floor is a large collection of Arsenal.ordinance of all ages and countries, from the 14th century downwards. There are also models of old French fortresses, Lille, Theonville, Strasburg, Valencinnes, Cambray, Sedan, Paris in 1814 and other forts brought from Paris in 1814. In the open court yard are the pieces of cannon and numerous flags captured in the year 1870-71. Most of the cannon are inscribed with the letter N (Napoleon) or the letters R.F. (Republique Francaise). The upper story is a sort of Temple of Fame! In the centre of the Hall of the Rulers is a fine statue of Victory in marble, and behind it is a spirited picture representing the Resuscitation of the German Empire. Close to it is another magnificent picture of the Proclamation of the German Empire in Verseilles in 1871. The Emperor stands in the centre, the Crown Prince is beside him, Bismark and Moltke are before him, and a host of eager generals and warriors are hailing the new Emperor with pride and exultation. There are eight bronze statues