The New York herald., 1871-03-22
THE GERMAN PARLIAMENT
Opening Of the Legislative Session Speech Of
the Emperor WilIam.
His First Meeting With the Representatives
The Glorious Struggle" and It's Accom-
plishments : National Finance
The Conquered Territory.
TELEGRAM TO THE NEW y0ax HERALD.

BERLIN, March II, 1871
The legislative session of the German Parliament
was opened to-day after the adjournment.
The Emperor William presided in person on ,he
throne and delivered the
SPEECH.
The Emperor said
When | the German Reichstay FOR the first
time after the glorious but trying struggle which
Germany has victoTously prosecuted for lnde-
pendence | am impelled first TO give thanks 20 God
Tor the historic successes with wacu ne has blessed
the faithful unity OF the German allies the herOlsm
and discipline OF the armies and the devotion OF the
people.
We have what our forcfathcrs struggled ror-the
unity OF Germany and the security or her frontiers.
Our conviction OF future unity was vciled the ever
present enthusiasm OF the people rent the veil.
When the Fatherland was threatened the nation
unanimously IN her defence and traced It's firm
will In indeble characters the battie1elds OF
France 10 remain a united people.
The spirit anima.ing Germany peryades her cu-
ture and morals ana the stitution OF her armies
guards against the abuse or acquired power.
Independent Germany respects the independence
OF Others.
This fiery ordeal of war through which we have
passed Is a reliable guarantee OF European peace.
Powerful and selfreliant, Germany now bequeaths
10 you the regulation OF her own affairs as satis-
factory heritage.
To the especial qualification OF Germany the Con-
ference at London IN peaceful spirit has achieved
the work Of Cancellation.
II Is now the task OF the Relchstag to heal wounds
and to confirm the thanks OF the Fatherand those
who have paid for victory with their blood and
lives Let the Relchstag cooperate with the gov
ernment In the constitutional mission OF perfectng
laws Tor the welfare or the people.
The constitutional arrangements contemplated Dy
the government involve the provisions OF the sepa-
rate treaties made in November with the Southern
States, which will receive, In n new act to be sub.
mtted TO the Relchstag, better confirmation and
a more harmonious rendering.
The amount to be contributed by each State CO.
ward the current expenses or the empire demands
legal settlement and sanction is to be given 10 the
separate laws for Bavaria which will be introduced.
The war indemnity Will be disposed with your ap-
proval in conformity with the requirements OF the
empire. The just claims Of the empire, on account
of the expenses of the war, Will be laid before you as
soon as possible.
The position OF the recovered territories renders
necessary special legislation, which will be speedily
brought to your attention
Pensions for the soldiers and support for the
widows and orphans OF the war to be provided
for; and the measures to these ends should made
TO apply to the whole empire for all fought with
equal devotion and deserve equal honor and re-
ward.
May the reestablishment of the German empire
be promise OF future greatness May the wars
fought 40 gloriously, be followed ny an equally
glorious peace, and our people henceforth prove
victorious in the universal struggle the fruits or
peace