The Portland daily press., 1888-02-07

with Russia's foreign policy for generation
| may have my own opinion on the matter. |
believe the Russian Cabinet intends to make
Russia's voice heard at the next European
crisis, and therefore wishes to push her mill
tary forces as far westward as possible.
Perhaps Russia speculates upon turn TAX
ing place soon in the Eastern question and
desires then TO act promptly and with greater
weight. Perhaps Russia intends to render
her diplomatic demands more effectual from
the fact of having an
ARMY READY FOR WAR
behind them. We, however, are only con-
cerned in the Eastern question in secon-
dairy manner"
Bismarck proceeded to review the relations
between Prussia and Russia since 1S4S, and
showed how frequently they had assumed a
menacing aspect. He said that at all times,
the calmness and conscientiousness displayed
by the ministers on the Prussian side
towards the threatening position of Russian
affairs-a position of which foreign countries
had no idea-had succeeded in averting mis-
chief. "As early Jas 1868, tmatters were in
such position that everybody urged me to
advise striking a blow. | waited quietly
until we were struck L believe we did well
in this. Despite all indication of storm, a
certain feeling OF tranquility supervened,
owing to the intimate relation between the
three emper0rs. Then, as now, however,
we were.constrained to augment, and organize
our forces, so that in case of necessity we
might stand forth a strong snation, making
its power prevail by our strength, and so,
defending its authority, its dignity and its
flee must, or can lbe too heavy. The war
like tendencies of France and Russia
DRIVE Us TO DEFENCE.
The pike in France and Russia compel us
to become the carp. We are better able than
any other nation to offer strong resistance
to our foes. Our relations with Russia were
not disturbed by the successes of 1866. Prus-
sia f,ns always shown herself -eemplaisant
to Russia, and has done Russia many SER
vices for which she might claim gratitude,
and for which she has, in fact, received ac-
acknowledgements. Prussia has at all times
sought TO maintain good relations with Rus
sia, although the latter left us in the lurch
at Olmuetz. |, myself, when minister to
Russia labored to keep up such relations and
reaped success. These traditional relations
had always prepossessions for me. and /
have fostered them, though my friend
ly feelings for Russia have cooled. | say
this in order to make clear why we con-
cluded an alliance with Austria. We were
inclined to accede to the demands OF Russia
%ade yssT Of Upon the US war before a the tns EAST ast
Russia then turned to Austria, but in
vain. We were glad the storm passed over
our heads. At the Congress, which l was
only able to bring together with great
trouble, exerted myself to obtain satisfac-
tion for all Russian interest and carry
through all Russian wishes. l really believed
l had acquired the right to Russia's graft
tude, but could not and would not give UNI
bragg to Austria. If had done so,we should
have become isolated in Europe, and
COMPLETELY DEPENDENT UPON RUSSIA.
"Some people sought to find an ultimatum
in the publication of the treaty. 1t is moth
in of the kind. The treaty is an expression
of the community of the interests of the two
contracting parties. That it was we wished
the world to know. Not this treaty only,
but, also, that with Italy, is an expression OF
common interests and common efforts to
avert common dangers and maintain peace.
Austria followed this thoughtful policy
in 1870 in resisting the entreates of
France to come forward against the Germans.
Austria is Qur natural ally in the dangers
which threaten us from Russia and France.
But there is no need to fear the hatred of
Russia. No wars are waged from mere hat
red, otherwise France would be at war with
Italy and the whole world The strength
we possess will reassure our public opinion,
and the nervousness of the b0urses and the
press. Our task now is to strengthen this
strength. We must, of course, have the best
of weapons for the fathers of families who
will have to serve under the present bills,
with the aid Of which we shall be able to
place million good soldiers on each of our
frontiers. Behind them stand our reserves
IL must not be said others can do the same.
That is just what they can not do. We have
the material not only for forming an enor-
nous army, but for furnishing it with Off
GERS. We have corps OF officers such as no
other power has. When we undertake war
it must be
PEOPLES WAR,
which all approve, as in 1870. If we are at
tackled, then the furor of Teutonicus will
fame out. No one can make headway
against that. Neither consciousness of our
strength, nor hope of victories can restrain
us from continuing our peaceful efforts. l
hope we shall remain at peace with our
no pretext for war. The spy affairs with
France are not worth considering. No one
begins war for trifies. In such cases sem
sible man gives way. We have endeayored
to maintain our old relations with Russia,
but do not run after anybody. With regard
to Bulgaria we have remained perfectly con-
sistent. Russia certainly has every reason
to feel grateful for the loyal attitude of Ger
many on the Bulgarian question. Ii Russia
calls upon us for support in our commune
cation with the Sultan's government of such
of her claims as are compatible with the de-
cisions of the Berlin Congress, will have
no hesitation in doing so. We place our reli-l
ance on the strength of our army. If we
we must make our arrangements with the
idea that we do use it, Threats do not
frighten us. The threats of the press are
boundless folly. Such things cannot, in the
slightest degree, influence our action.
WE GERMANS FEAR GOD,
and nothing else in the world. Fear for God
makes us wish to foster peace. He who
breaks the peace will arrive at the convic-
tion that the warlike exultant love Of the
fatherland, such as summoned the whole
population of Prussia to arms in 1913 is COM
mon possession of the entire German nation.
He who attacks will find it armed to man,
and every man having in his heart the firm
belief that God is with us"
The speech occupied an hour and forty
minutes. After speaking three quarters of
an hour the chancellor became fatigued
from standing and sat down, continuing to
speak from his seat. He afterward arose
again and spoke with increasing animation
to the end, pausing occasionally to partake
of LIQUID refreshment. During the first part
of the speech, the Reichstag presented deep
silence, unbroken by the slightest movement.
When the speaker reminded his hearers that
in 1865 it was due to the emperor and his adj
yisers in the coalition that war with Russia
was avoided, applause broke out which was
repeated at intervals.
When Bismarck resumed his seat, DR..
Frankenstein moved that the Landwehr