Imperial Journey Through Tyrol via Bozen and Meran to Mals

Tyrol.

Regarding the prosperous journey of Their Majesties from Brixen via Bozen and Meran to Mals, which was comparable to the triumphal procession of beloved parents through the ranks of loving children, we receive the following reports from those regions: On the 26th, Their Majesties arrived in Bozen at 11 o'clock at midday, and at 2 o'clock in Meran, where His Royal Highness the Archduke Viceroy had already preceded them. Through a countless cheering crowd, between ranks of decorated schoolchildren and vigorous, loyal riflemen (Landesschützen), under green arches adorned with flowers and inscriptions, around which clergy, officials, and municipal leaders were assembled, greeted by echoing mortars, waving flags, ringing bells, and musical choirs, the dearly beloved and highly welcomed guests made their progress through that part of the province. Before the town of Bozen, respectfully welcomed by the Magistrate with a brief address and received at the carriage door by local authorities, their affectionate glances rested with pleasure upon the children presenting flowers, fruit, and poems, and upon the national costumes of the local mountains. Their Majesties viewed the beautiful church of the former Augustinian Canons' monastery in Gries near Bozen, and then arrived in Meran for luncheon, where His Royal Highness the Archduke Viceroy with his sublime consort, the Prince-Bishop of Trent, and the authorities received them. Beneath several triumphal arches, the riflemen of Lana, Meran, and Passeier paraded, while a countless crowd cheered jubilantly. After luncheon, the sovereign devoted himself to his people, hearing many petitioners and thankful subjects, comforting all, and bestowing gifts upon many. The beloved Empress graced the Institute of the English Ladies with her motherly visit, bestowing delicate attention and encouraging praise upon the education of young women there as elsewhere. In the evening, the band of the Meran riflemen serenaded the distinguished guests, concluding with a heartfelt "Gott erhalte!" and a thousand-voiced cheer; a heavy downpour may have disrupted the general illumination of the town, but could not dampen the general enthusiasm of its residents. On the 27th at 8 o'clock in the morning, Their Majesties visited the ancient ancestral seat of Castle Tyrol—the first emperor to be received by the venerable ruins since Maximilian I—and looked out with pleasure over the magnificent Upper Etsch Valley and upon its loyal, affectionate inhabitants. Wherever the beloved monarchs went, the crowd followed in jubilation and emotion, and many thousands of shots announced their arrival, stay, and departure. At 7 o'clock in the evening, the prosperous arrival in Mals took place.