The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-03-31
Speech of Emperor William.

The following is the speech OF En-
peror William to the German Pariia-
ment, which convened on the 2lst
inst.
"When see the German Reichstag for the
first time after the glorious but trying strug-
gle which Germany has VIGOROUSLY prose-
cuted for her independence, ! am impelled
first to give thanks To God for the historic
successes with which He has blessed the
faithful unity of the German allies, the
heroism and discipline of the armies, and
the devotion OF the people. We have what
our forefathers struggled for-the unity OF
Germany and security for her frontiers Our
conviction of future unity was yelled the
ever present enthusiasm OF the people rent
the veil. When fatherland was TIN eatened,
the nation unanimously rose in her defense,
and traced its firm will in ndelible charac-
tiers on the bat;lefields of France to remain a
united people.
"The spirit animating Germany pervades
her culture and morals, and the constitution
of her armies guards her against the abuse
of acquired power. Independent Germany
respects the independence Of others. This
fiery ordeal Of war through which we have
passed is relieble guarantee Of European
peace. Powerful and sef-reliant, Germany
now bequeaths TO you support similar
address, signed by private citizens, has been
forwarded to Versailles. 1t is anticipated
that these addresses will have good effect
on the working classes. The regulation of
her own affairs as a satisfactory heritage.
To the especial qualification of Germany, the
conference at London, in a peaceful spirit,
has achieved the work of concil iation. 1t
is now the task of the Reichstag TO heal the
wounds and to confirm the thanks Of father
land to those who have paid for victory with
their blood and lives. Let the Rel chstag CO.
operate with the government in it's constitu-
tional mission of perfecting laws for the well
fare of the people.
A." The constitutional arrangements contem-
plated by the Government involve the pro-
visions of the separate treaties made in No
vember with the Southern States, which will
receive in the new act to be submitted to the
Reichstag a better confirmation and more
harmonious rendering. The amount to be
contributed by each State toward the cur
rent expenses of the Empire dem ands legal
settlement, and sanction is to be given to
separate laws for Bavaria, which will be in
troduced The war indemnity will be dis
posed of, with your approval, 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 re-
covered territories renders necessary special
legislation, which shall be speedily brought
to your attention. Pensions for the sol iers
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 re-establishment of the German
Empire be the 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"