, 1888-12-16
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
Newsy Notes of Interest From
Germany's Capital.
The Reichstag Discusses East
African Slave Trade.
Count Herbert Bismarck's
Maiden Speech.

Copyrighted 1883. by y. Y. Associated Press
BERLIN, Dec. 15.-The debate in the
reichstag on DR.. Windthorst's motion
relative to the suppression of the East
African slave trade has dispelled many
errors which were current among those
who believed that Germany would never
stir a foot nor spend a penny directly or
indirectly to assist the East Africa COM
pany over its straits. Though the suppress
sion of slavery was ostensibly the object
of the motion, its real aim was simply to
elicit the sense of the nation concerning
the commercial and political future of the
East Africa company, and to provide a
basis for further governmental action. 1t
is an open secret that Prince Bismarck
was reluctant to embark in a spirited
colonial policy until the nation had clearly
expressed its will in the matter. This
will now be done in a manner SO decided
as to render the chancellor's future course
clear. The debate marks an important
development in the colonial policy.
The attitude of the Russian and Ger
man press does not improve. The Ham
burg Correspondent had an article on
Thursday on their relations by the semi
official telegraph agency and may ac-
cordingly be accepted as authentic, but,
fortunately, in spite OF its semi-oficial
character and the strong feeling it dis
plays, the article has not produced much
effect either on the bourse or on the pub.
lie mind, although it is seen from the
fact that the. semi official writers again
threaten to publish the Austro-R Russian
treaties of 1876 and 1873, that the politi-
cal relations with Russia mustbe strained.
The North German Gazette, referring to
the article expresses the hope that a
Russo German newspaper war will not
be renewed and intimates that if it is the
Russian Pan, Slavist press will be left to
stew its own juice, while the Td1ebldh
advises the public not to be alarmed at a
journalistic war, but to wait until the
Reichdngster publishes the treaties.
The preliminary step having been unanI-
nous, the reichstag will on r~eassembling
after Christmas be presented with n bill
framed in accordance with the views of
the friendly groups, which will probably
enable the East Africa company, either
as at present organized or in a new form,
to recruit the local force of natives for the
purpose of recovering and g%arrisoning lost
ground and establish an anti slavery
blockade on land as we'll as on sea. Count
Herbert Bismarck apparently draws a
distinction between the intended activity
of a local force of this kind and other
forces which are intended for the expe-
dition into the interior. But it is doubt
tul whether the Arab mind will realize
the difference.
Fridays debate 10 the reichstag was
memorable as the occasion of Count Bis
marck's maiden speech. The greatest
interest was shown and more deputies
were present than on any other day dur
ing the session. 1t was especially re-
marked that Count Herbert's speech &C.
cupied over thirty minutes. 1t was the
event Of the day. Count Herbert's voice,
wildly reminded the audience of his
father. At the beginning of his speech
his remarks, though delivered in a loud
tone, could scarcely be followed. After
wards he became calmer and fluent,
gaining confidence as he won the sympa-
thy of his audience. Storms of applause
greeted his patriotic peroration. Count
Herbert cannot exactly be said to rave
the gilt of e~loqucnce, but it is admitted
on all sides that he acquitted himself of
the task well and handsomely.
Emperor William continues to work
hard. He receives Gen. NonWaldersee
and Won Witch daily. 1t is reported
that the latter is engaged in explaining in
minute detail the possibility of Germany
sustaining a W r against France and Rus
STA simultaneously.
1t is stated that the authorities at Kiel
aud Wilhelmhaven are preparing to send
to Africa at the shortest notice a corps of
volunteers armed with repeaters and rifed
cannon. Foreigners will be admitted to
the corps only on condition of having the
ability to withstand the climate.
Some of the radical papers having as
serted that Russia had supplied the Sou
danese wi h arms, the Russian ambas-
sador has assured Count Herbert Bis.
marck that such assertions are totally ul-
founded.
The Hamburg Correspondent states
that Prot. Getfcker's counsel have ap
pealed to the imperial tribunal tor their
client release, giving the whole of his
property as bail. The application was
refused, it being held that the amount Of
bill offered would not prevent Geffecker
from taking fight His trial is expected
to take place at Leipsic in January.
An anti-slavery crusade has been sue
~cessfully commenced in Austria. At the
~instigation of Cardinal LaCcrrie a meet
ing on the subject is being held 1T Vienna
under the auspices of one of the musi in
f%iuential Catholic societies The papai
nuncio attended the meeting. which was
presided over by Prince Won Verde. The
two clerical speakers declared that Austria