New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-12-05
MOLTKE ON THE STRENGTH OF GERMANY.
SLY THRUST AT FRANCE AND AUsTRIA-DEBATE


SLY THRUST AT FRANCE AND AUsTRIA-DEBATE
on THE ARMY Bill.
BERLIN, Dec 4-The debate ON the Governments bill
for a renewal OF the Military Sepennate or fixing Of the
army estimates for period of seven was resumed
in the Rechstag to-day. The present sepennate not
piring until 1885, and the Governments desire being
evidently take advantage of the European crisis to
secure increase in the peace effective force,
all the opposition parties expected to discover their
attitude toward the proposed measure during the present
debate, which the first reading. Herr Wndthorst.
leader Clerical party declines however TO commit
himself explicitly. In todays discussion he ntmaed
that the of his party would be given definitely on the
last reading He added that they had no objection to
having il known in the meantime that they preferred
having the army estimates made for three years. how
instead of for proposed by the Government
General Won Moltke said that all the neghbors Of Ger
many Oh the left and the right, were fully armed-a
of things which rich country was unable TO
bear for any length Of time and which
might lead to decisive events at an early
date. For this it was necessary not
to defer action the measure until after
the expiration of the sepennate The preamble to the
bill showed how far Germany 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 wOule secure the peace of Europe. But" he
continued such alliance is impossible while public
opinion IN France mpeuousy demands the surrender OF
two provinces which we are strongly determined never TO
give up. Cheers,l 80
Continuing he said that the alliance with Austria
valuable, but great state must rely upon It's own
strength The measure under consideration had refer
ence alone peace, but TO establishment
The bill had been compiled with due regard to what was
financially obtainable, but where weighy questions OF
military strength and the defence OF the country were
involved financial considerations must he put
aside This demand he said, is made in behalf OF the
maintenance of peace, laborously 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 the unity OF Germany Let us uphold it,
proving that united The whole world
knows do not contemplate conquest. May ii also
learn that intend 10 keep what We have and are rcso
lutte and armed to this end"
The conclusion OF Count Won Moltke's speech was
greeted with loud and prolonged cheers.
General Won SchellendOrf Prussian Minister OF War;
said "An increase of the army will not only result In
preventing becoming involved in war, but Will also
prove ready 10 show proper yigor In the malnte-
OF peace. 1t would be rash either 10
undervalue possible opponents France
working the perfection of her Even though
quite confident that are able al any moment TO
meet foreign army. task must not be made difficult
by our remaining lar behind numerically"