Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-03-27
EMPEROR or GERH4SY'S ADDRESS

EMPEROR OF GER Many 5 ADDRESS.
The legislative session OF the German Par
Lament was opened on Tuesday by the En-
peror William in person, who delivered the
following address from the throne.
When l see the German Reichstag for the
first time after the glorious but trying strug.
gle which Germany has VIGOROUSLY prosecu-
ted for independence am impelled first tc
give thanks TO God for the historic successes
with which he has blessed the faithful unity
of the German allies, the heroism and disci-
pline of the armies, and the devotion of the
| people.
We have what our forefathers struggled
| for, the unity Of Germany ard the security OF
her frontiers. Our conviction of future unity
was yelled the ever present enthusiasm OF
! the people rent the veil When the Father
! land was threatened the nation unanimously
rose in her defence, and traced its firm will
4 in indelible character on the battlefields OF
France to remain united people.
/ The spirit animating Germany peryades
her culture and morals, and the constitution
OF her armies guards against the abuse of ac-
CURED power.
Independent Germany respects the indie
pende ice of others.
This fiery ordeal of war, through which we
have passed, is reliable guaranty of Euro
pean peace.
Powerful and self-relant, Germany now be-
queaths to you the regulation of her own af-
fairs as satisfactory heritage.
To the special qualification of Germany II e
Conference at London, in peaceful spirit,
has achieved the work of Cancellation.
1t is now the task of the Reichstag to heal
the wounds and to confirm the thanks of the
Fatherland to those who have paid for victory
with their blood and lives. Let the Reichstag
cooperate with the government in the consti-
tutional mission of perfecting laws for the well
fare of the people.
The constitutional arrangements contem-
plated by the government involve the proyi-
sions of the separate treaties made in Novem-
Der with the southern states, which will re-
ceive, in new act to be submitted to the
Rechstag, a better confirmation and more
harmonious rendering.
The amount to be contributed by each
State toward the current expenses of the en-
pire demands legal settlement, and sanction
is to be given to the seperate laws for Bavaria
which will be introduced. The war indemnity
will be disposed with your approval in con-
formity with the requirements of the empire.
The just claims of the empire, on account of
the expenses of the war, viii be laid before
you as soon as possible.
The position of the recovered territories
renders necessary special legislation, which
will be speedy brought to your attention.
Pensions for the soldiers and support for
the widows and orphans of the war are to be
provided for; and the measures to these ends
should be made to apply to the whole Empire,
for all fought with equal devotion and deserve
equal honor and reward.
May the establishment of the German
Empire be a promise of future greatness
May the war, fought so glorously, be followed
by an equally glorious peace, and our people
henceforth prove victorious in the universal
struggle for the fruits of peace!