The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-07
THE GERMAN cHANcELLon.

THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR.
A Powerful, Eloquent and Patriotic State
ment by Germany's Greatest Man.
BERLIN, Feb 6.-The announcement that
Prince Bismarck would speak on the military
bill drew a great throng of people to the Reich
stag, to-day, and long before the days business
was begun the galleries were filed to repletion
Prince William, of Prussia, and Prince Leo
pold son of the late Prince Ferdinand Charles oc-
cupied the court box. while the diplomatic gallery
was crowded with the different foreign represent
atives and their families. Prince Bismarck was
enthusiastically crested on his way to the
Reichstag palace by dense crowds, which lined
the route along Wilhelm strasse to tha palace
He entered the Reichstag at twenty-five min
utes after /, and was received with deafening
cheers.
The House proceeded with the frat reading of
the military loan bill and Prince Bismarck arose
to address the House. He said:
II don't believe I can add anything to the
true state of the case regarding the bill do
not address you on that account. My object is
to speak of the general situation Of Europe /
may confine myself to referring to what said
on the same subject over year ago. There has
been very little change since then, when feared
war with France. Since then France has elected
peace-loving President and pacific disposi-
ton has prevailed. can therefore reassure the
prospect has become more peaceful Regarding
Russia, also, of other opinion than
when said that we have to apprehend no attack
from Russia. The situation must not be judged
from press comments. The Russian newspa-
pers do not believe; believe the Cars word
absolutely. The situation, the whole is not
different from that OF 1879. / grant that the
concentration of Russian troops on the frontier
may appear serious but perceive cause or
pretext for q Russian or a European war. Rus
sia has no interest to conquer Prussian nor Aus
r n Inda M m fnyri INV anr-
fdence as to say that even war with France
would not necessitate with Russia. al
though the latter. eventually, wonld involve the
former. It is true that cannot demand an
PLANTATION from the Russian foreign Office
regarding the concentration OF troops on the
frontier. but, having been well acquainted with
Russia's foreign policy for generation, may
have my own opinion in the matter. believe
the Russian Cabinet intends make Russias
voice heard at the next European crisis. and
therefore wishes to push her military forces as
far westward as possible Perhaps Russia spec
ulates upon turn taking place soon in the East
ern question, and desires then to act prom pity
and with greater weight Perhaps Russia in
tends to render her diplomatic demands more
effectual from the fact of having an army ready
for war behind them. We; however, are only
concerned in the Eastern question in secondary
manner"
Prince Bismarck proceeded to review the rela-
tions between Prussia and Russia since 1S48
and showed how frequently they had assumed a
menacing aspect He ead that at all times the
calmness and conscientiousness displayed by the
ministers the Prussian side toward the
threatening position of Russian affairs-a posi-
ton OF which foreign countries had no idea
had succeeded in averting mischief. '.As early
as 1863" he continued matters were in such a
position that everybody urged me to advise
striking blow I waited quietly until we were
struck. believe we did we'll in this Despite
all indications of a storm, certain feeling of
tranquility supervened. owing to the
intimate relations between tie three
empires. Then, now. however, we were
to augment and organize our
forces so thatin case ofnecessity we might stand
forth strong nation, making its power prevail
by our strength and SO defending its authority.
it's dignity and its possessions. To effect this
purpose" continued the Chancellor, mo sacri-
fce must nor can be too heavy. The war-like
tendencies of France and Russia drive us to de-
Tense. The pike in France and Russia compel
rs to become carp. We are better able than
any other nation to offer strong resistance to
our foes. Our relations with Russia were not
by the success of 1866 Prussia has
always shown herself complainant to Russia,
md has done Russia many services for which
she might claim gratitude, and for which she
has not, III fact, received Acknowledgements.
Prussia has at all times sought to maintain
good relations with Russia. although the latter
eft us in the lurch at Olmutz. I, myself, when
Minister to Russia, labored to keep ND such rela-
ions, and reaped success. These traditional
citations had always prepossession for me,
md have fostered them, though my friendly
ceilings for Russia have cooled. cay this in
rider to make it clear why we concluded an al
lance with Austria. We were inclined to ac-
ede to the demands Russia made upon as be-
ore last years war in the East. Russia then
urned TO Austria. but in vain. We were glad
he storm passed over our heads. At the con-
ress, which was only able to bring together
With great trouble. exerted myself to obtain
abstraction for all Russian interests. and to
AIRY through all Russian wishes. and really be-
eved had acquired right to Rnssia's graft
1de, but / could not and would not give um-
rage to Austria. If I had done SO we would
ave become isolated in Europe, and completely |
ependent upon Russia.
"Some people have sought to find an ultima |
nm, or threat In the publication oe the treaty. |
rs nothing of the kind. The treaty is an ex- |
resson of the community OF interests of two
ontractlng parties. This we wished the world /
know, not that this treaty only but also that |
nth Italy, is an expression of common interests |
nd common efforts to avert common dangers /
nd maintain peace Austria followed this
houghtful policy in 1870 in resisting the en-
reaties of France to come forward against the
iermans. Austria is our natural ally in the
angers which threaten us from Russia and /
rance. But there need to fear the hatred
Russia No wars waged from mere
aired, for otherwise France would have to
e at war with Italy and the whole world. The
srength possess will reassure our public
pinion and relieve the nervousness Of the
curse and press. Our task now is to strength
q this strength. We must. of course. have the
est of weapons for the fathers of families who
ill have to serve under the present bills, with
1e aid of which we shall be able to place a mil
on good soldiers each of our frontiers; be-
ind them stand reserves It must not be
aid others can do the same; that is just what
ley cannot do. We have the material not only
,r forming an enormous army, but for furnish
lg it with officers such as no other power has.
vhen we undertake war il must be the peoples
ar. which ell approve, in 1870. II we are
ttacked, then the Furor-Teutonicas will flame
nt, and no one can make headway against that
either the consciousness OF our strength nor
le hope OF victories can restrain us from con-
nuing our peaceful efforts / hope we shall
smain at peace with ouS neighbors, especially