The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-05-25
THE TREATY OF PEACE.

Prince BismarcIx's Speech In the Reichs-
rath-How the War Indemnity Is to be
Paid-Confdence Ex pressed I'm the Thlers
Government.
Prince Bismarck made the following commu-
nication on the 18th instant in the German Par
liament:-
On the conclusion of the prelimnares'of peace
hopes were entertained that the labors OF the con-
ference which assembled TO settle the final terms of
the treaty would be terminated in a month or six
weeks. This expectation was founded on the belief
that the French Government would enjoy undis-
puted authority in France; but this hope was not
realized A longer delay In the conclusion of def
mite peace would have given rise to a fear as to
whether the French Government would remain in n
position to fulfil its obligations As regards the ces
sion OF territory the object at stake already in our
hands, and there could be no doubt of the arrange
ments in this respect being carried out. The appre
tensions that were entertained concerned the qnes-
ton whether the Government would be inclined and
able to accomplish the conditions relating to the war
contributions Serious anxiety upon this poini
caused me to try the effect Of personal interview
with the French Ministers. II we had not come to
an agreement the German army would have occu-
pied Paris, either by an arrangement with the Con-
mune or by force, and thereupon we should have
required the French Government to withdraw its
troops behind the Loire and then resume negotia-
tions. only went to Frankfort with the intention
OF obtaining the settlement of few pending ques-
tons namely, the payment Of the contributions,
the shortening OF the delays and the strengthening
prospect existed of finally concluding peace con-
sdered that that result would be gain for both
countries as Germany would thereby be able to
lessen her military burden, and France would
achieve consolidation. The French Government is
in the best possible position to meet the views OF the
people OF France for a restoration of peace. ANY
other Government that might attempt to take its
place would be suspected OF not wishing to make
peace equally secure. 1t Is true there will be some
supplementary provisions necessary respecting the
carrying out Of the treaty. still definite peace is
war indemnity have been shortened; the first half
miard will be delivered within the thirty days fol-
lowing the occupation OF Paris by theVersaes army,
With regard to the mode Of payment il mas been
settled that only specie or notes of safe banks,
accepted, or frst-cass bills. The second payment,
amounting to 1,000 000, ,0Oe, is to be made in the
course OF the year-namely, by the end OF December.
Not till then we bound to evacuate the forts
before Paris. The fourth half mlliard has ,to be
paid by the 1st OF May next year. With reference to
the payment OF the last three millards, the stpua-
tons of the preminaries of the treaty OF peace will
be adhered to, and the payments will be concluded
by the 1st OF March, 1874 The French Government
hopes to be able to satisfy requirements, Difi.
culties arose In connection with the question of
re ms reatx e m French
pears to expect to obtain by that proceeding in
crease OF customs receipts 1 contented myself
with obtaining for us the rights accorded to the
most favored nations By the most favored nations
we understand England, Belgium, the Neither
With regard to the frontier question, it
was decided not to understand "the Rayon
of Befort" in its technical significance but to eX
tend 1t bv four or five kilometres. 1t appeared de-
slrable TO acquire some German communes near
TnonSie raoS together with kiellinger This the
therefore proposed to leave the question OF rath-
cation to the National Assembly, and offered in
lieu OF that territory, further cesson OF country
round Be fort The remaining conditions of the
treaty will be seen from the document itself, which
will be published very shortly. We have acquired,
for certain sum of money, the poraion Of railway
in Alsace and Lorraine which belongs to the Eastern
OF France Company delay OF ten days-namely,
till the 20th of May-has been agreed upon for the
ratification OF the treaty by the Emperor OF Ger
many and the French National Assembly.
Prince Bismarck concluded as follows:-
believe we have obtained from France all that
we could reasonably expect. We have rendered
our frontier safe, and we have insured the payment
of the war indemnity lar is humanity possible.
More extensive demands would have entaiied great
sacrifices. have every confidence that the French
Government intends to carry out the provisions OF
The belief that it will not be possible to raise the
large amount of the war indemnity is not shared by
the French Minister Of Finance. 1 entertain the
hope that the peace which has been concluded will
prove lasting and full OF benefit. and that we .shal
tees we have retained to secure ourselves agains
| renewed aggressions.