The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-05

a detailed examination of the bill. Nor did there
seem any special reason for urgency arising
from the imminence of war. The alliance with
Austria constituted present and lasting guar
antee of peace in Europe The Center could not
admit the septennate as permanent principle;
it would prefer to consider triennial regula-
ticn. The expedency Of two years term of
service was also doubtful Still, the Center was
desirous of giving mature consideration to all ex
listing circumstances, ard would vote in favor of
measures found TO be absolutely necessary
General Won Moltke followed. He said all of
the neghbors of Germany, on the left and on the
right We're fully armed-a state of things which
even rich country was unable TO bear for any
length of time, and which might lead to decisive
events at very early date. For this reason it
was necessary not TO defer action on the measure
until after the expiration OF the septennate. 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 such an alliance IS lmpos-
sible while public opinion in France inn
petuously demands the surrender OF two
provinces which we are strongly determined
never to give up" Cheers. Continuing, he
said that the alliance with Austria was valuable,
bat great state must rely upon its own
strength. The measure under consideration had
reference not alone to peace, but to war es-
tablishment inasmuch as by the formation OF
new cadree, the army would be raised TO war
footing. The bill had been compiled with due
regard to what was financially attainabe, but
where weighty questions OF military strength and
the defense of the country were involved finan-
clal considerations must be put aside. This
demand ne said, lis made in behalf of the
maintenance of peace so laboriously preserved.
Our rejection of the bin will make us RESPONSE
bAe for all the mseries attendant upon hottie
invasion. We have found it difficult enough to
attain the unity of Germany. Let US uphold it,
proving that we are united The whole world
knows we do not contemplate conquest Nav
it also learn that we intend to keep what we
have. and are resolute and armed to this end"
The conclusion of Count Won Moltke's speech
was received with loud and prolonged cheers.
General Won Schellendorf Prussian Minister
of War, referring to remark of a Socialist
speaker, said he would only give detailed expla-
nations of the bill In committee If he could re-
ly upon his statements being treated conhden-
TALLY. The bases of former military bills were
similar to those of the present bill. yet sharp
eyes might detect a slight shade of difference in
the passage in the speech from the throne
on the relations of Germany to foreign
countries. Some difficulty, in fact,
existed regarding the preservation
of peace for any heightened period He con-
tinued: IAN increase of the army will not only
result in preventing our becoming involved in
war, but will also prove us ready to show proper
vlgor In the maintenance of peace. 1t would be
rash either TO overestimate or to undervalue
pOpslU1S ODpOutulS. ~ WOEhlub dt tuo
perfection of the details of her army. Even
though we are quite confident that we are able
at any moment to meet foreign army. our
task must not be made difficult
by our remaining far behind numerically"
He r"omised that at the first sitting of the COM
mttee he would state the reasons why the meas
ure was so urgent He said that change
would be made in the system of furloughs, nor
was 1t intended to call up the reserves. In con-
clusion he said he opposed to the idea of
two years service system. He was certain the
committee would accept all of the governments
proposals.
Herren Langwerth and Won Simmern opposed
the bill, on the ground that the principle of the
septernate deprived the country of the control of
the government policy. and that maintaining a
large army fostered craving for conquest
The tenor of the debate is considered highly
encouraging to the government All sections
understand and approve General Won Schellen-
DORIS reasons for wishing to speak with frank
ness only in secret commtte. The tone of every
speaker, whether of the Centre, Progressists
Moderate party. was marked by an absence of a
non possumus spirit 1t is considered certain
that the bill will pass.