Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-12-05
RUSHTO ARMS
Won MOLTKE RAISES THE OLD
ENTHUSIASM.

Ohl ct oil increasing inc
CoDquests Not Intended-He wind
fhorst Declines to Pledge the Vote OF
the Centre.
BERLIN, Dec. 4.-The debate on the
governments bill for the renewal of the
military septennate or the fixing OF the
army estimates for period Of seven
Eears, was resumed in the Reichstag to-
day, the present septennate not expiring
until 1888, and the governments desire
being evidently to take advantage of the
European crisis to secure an increase in
the peace effective force. All the oppOsi-
ton parties were expected to disclose
their attitude towards the proposed
measure during the present debate. which
is on it's first reading.
THE CENTER NoN-CoMMITTAL.
Intense interest was manifested when
It became known that Herr Windthorst
the Clerical leader, would declare the pol
Icy of the Centre and that Gen. Won
Moltke was prepared to speak. Herr
Windthorsts speech was cautious and
diplomatic and left doubt as to what the
ultimate vote OF the Centre would be. He
opened by stating that he would prejudice
the position of his party in subsequent
divisions on the military septennAUe by
positive promise as TO how the Centre
would vote. The final division OF
that party would be known only
when the division should be
taken on the last reading. He did not be-
lieve 1t possible to meet the governments
desire to dispose OF the measure before
Christmas, because he saw the necessity
of detailed examination of the bill, nor
did there seem any special reason Tor ur-
gency arising from the imminence OF
war The alliance with Austria consti-
tuted present and lasting guarantee or
peace in Europe. The Centre could not
admit the septennate as a permanent
principle. 1t would prefer to consider
friennial regulation. The eXpediency OF
a two years term Of service was also
doubtful. Still the Centre was DESTROYS
of giving mature consideration TO all eX-
isting circumstances and would vote in
favor of a measure found to be absolutely
necessary.
Won MoLTKE's SPEECH.
Gen. Won Moltke followed. He said that
aIl the neigh bors OF Germany on the left
land on the right were fully armed, a state
of things which even a rich country was
unable to bear for any length of time, and
which might lead to decisive events at an
early date. For this reason II was neces-
sary not TO defer action on the measure
until after the expiration of the septen-
nate. The preamble to the bill showed
how far Germany was behind other States
IN the strength OF her army and the
taxation of her people. The French,
for instance, paid about double the sum
paid by the German people, and an
alliance with France would assure the
peace of Europe. But" he continued,
s.such an alliance is impossible while
public opinion in France impetuously de-
nd hn hnr NJ w
which we are strongly determined never
to give up" Cheers. Continuing, be
said that the alliance with Austria was
valuable, but a great State must rely upon
its own strength. The measure under
consideration had reference not alone TO
the peace but to the war establishment
inasmuch as by the formation OF the new
cadres the army would be raised to war
footing. The bill had been com piled Wi, h
due regard to what was financially OBJ
tainable, but where the weighty questions
OF the military strength and defense of
the country were involved financial
considerations must be put aside. "This
demand" he said, sis made in behalf OF
the maintenance of peace, 80 laboriOUsly
preserved Our rejection OF the bill will
make us responsible for all the miseries
attendant upon hostile invasion. We
have found it difficult enough to attain
unity Of Germany, Let us uphold it,
proving that we are united. The whole
world knows we do not contemplate con-
quest. May it also learn that we intend
10 keep what we have, and are resolute
and armed TO this end" The conclusion
of Count Won Moltke's speech was greeted
with loud and prolonged cheers.
PEACE VERY sHAKY.
Gen. Won SchelleDdorff, the Prussi an
Minister Of War, referring to the remark
OF a Socialist speaker, said he would only
give detailed explanation OF the bill in
committee if he could rely upon his state
ments being treated confidentially. The
pasis OF former military bills were SINH
lar to those OF the present dill, yet sharp
eyes might detect slight shade OF In
difference in the passage in The speech
from the throne on the relations Of Ger
many TO foreign countries. some difficulty
in fact existed regarding the pres
ervation of peace Tor any ex-
tended length Of time. He
continued: 'An increase of the army
will not only result in preventing our be-
coming involved in war but will also
prove us ready TO show proper vigor in
the maintenance OF peace. 1t would be
rash TO estimate or to undervalue posi-
bic opponents. France is working at the
perfection OF the details OF her army.
Even though we are quite confident that
we are able Cat any moment to meet a
Foreign army, our task must HOl
be made difficult by our remaining
far behind numerically" He promised
that at the first sitting of the committee
he would state reasons why the measure
was so urgent. He said that no change
would be made in the system OF furloughs,
nor was it intended TO call up the re-
serves. In conclusion, he said he was OPP
posed TO the idea Of the two years service
Bystem. He was certain the committee
would accept all Of the governments pro-
posals. Herr Langwerth and Herr
Won Simmer opposed the bill
on the ground that the principle
of septennate deprived the country OF
control OF government policy, and that
maintaining large army fostered a crav-
fng for conquest. The debate was then
declared closed, and the bill was referred
20 a committee Of twenty-eight members.
The tenor OF the debate is considered
highly encouraging TO the government.
All sections understand and approve ten.
Won Schellendortf's reasons for wishing
90 speak with frankness only in secret
committee. The tone of every speaker,
whether OF the Centre, Progressist or
Moderate party, was marked by an alb
sence Of a nOn-pOssumus spirit.
Gen. Won Moltke's appeal made deep
Impression, and is said TO have converted
many opponents OF the measure. 1t is
considered certain that the bill will be
naaead