The Delta independent., 1888-02-14
BISMARCK FOR PEACE.
A Speech by theiGreat Chancellor II
the German Parliament.

A Speech by thcsGreat Chancellor in
the German Parliament.
BERLIN, Feb. 6.-The announcement
that Prince Bismarck would speak on the
military bill drew great throng of people
to the Reichstag to-day, and long before the
days business was begun the galleries were
filled to repletion.
Prince William Of Prussia and Prince
Leopold, son of the late Prince Frederick
Charles, occupied the court box, while the
diplomatic gallery was crowded with differ
ent foreign representatives and their fam
lilies.
Prince Bismarck was enthusiastically
greeted on his way to the Reichstag palace
by dense crowds which lined the route
along Wilhelm strasse to the palace.
Prince Bismarck entered the Reichstag at
two minutes after l o'clock. He was re-
celved with deafening cheers.
The house proceeded with the first read
ing of the military loan bill, and Prince
Bismarck arose to address the house. He
said:
Il do not believe can add anything to
the true srste of the case regarding this
bill. do not address you on that account.
Ny object is TO speak on the general situa-
ton in Europe. 1 may confne 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 disposition has pre-
vailed. can therefore reassure the public
that SO far as Franco is concerned the pros
spect hns become more peaceful.
"Regarding Russia, also, l am of no
other opinion than when 1 said that we
have TO apprehend no attack from Russia.
That the situation must be judged from the
press comments of Russian newspapers l
do no. believe. / believe the Cars word
absolutely.
.'The situation, on the whole, Is not diff
ferent from that of 1879. l grant that the
concentration OF Russian troops on the
frontier may appear serious, but perceive
no cause or pretext for Russia or European
war. Russia has no interest to conquer
Prussia nor Aust ian provinces.
"Indeed, go so far in my confidence as
to say that even war with France would
not necessitate war with Russia, although
the latter eventually would involve the
former.
at is true that cannot demand an ex-
planation from the Russian foreign officer
regarding the concentration Of troops on
the frontier, but having been well acquaint-
ed with Russia's foreign policy for n gen.
Grafton, may have my opinion on the mat
ter. / believe the Russian cabinet intends
to make Russia's voice heard at the next
European crisis, and therefore wishes to
push her military forces as far westward as
possible
ITO effect this purpose" continued the
chancellor, mo sacrifice must or can be too
heavy. The war-like tendency Of France
and Russia drive US to defense. We are
better able than any other nation to offer
a strong resistance to our foes. Prussia
always has shown herself cnmplacent to
Russia and has done Russia many services
for which she Nigh. claim gratitude and
for which she has in fact received acknowl-
edgement Prussia has at all times sought
TO maintain good relations with Russia,
although the latter left us in the lurch at
Olnetz. say this in order to make itclear
why we concluded the alliance with Aus
tria- We were inclined to accede to the
demands of Russia made upon us before
last years war in the East Russia then
turned to Austria, but in vain. We were
glad the storm passed over our heads. AT
the congress which was only able to bring
together with great trouble l exerted my
self to obtain satisfaction for Russian in
terest and carry through all Russian
wishes. l really believe had acquired the
right to Russia's gratitude, but could no;
and would not give umbrage to Austria.
II had done so we would have become
isolated in Europe and completely depend
ent upon Russia. Some people have sought
to find an ultimatum or threaten the publi-
cation of the treaty. 1t contains nothing
of the kind. The treaty is an expression
of community Of interest of the two con-
tracing parties. This we wished the world
TO know; not this treaty alone, but also
that with Italy, an expression of common
interest and common efforts TO avert com.
mon dangers and maintain peace. Austria
followed this thoughtful policy In $50 in
resisting the entreaties OF France to come
forward against the Germans. Austria is
your natural ally in dangers which threaten
us from Russia and France, but there is nc
need to fear the hatred of Russia. Nc
wars are waged for mere hatred. for other.
wise France would have to be at war with
Italy and the whole world.
"rhe strength we possess will reassurt
our public opinion, and the nervousness OF
the bourse and the press. Our task is tt
strengthen this strength. We must oI
course have the best of weapons for the
fathers of families, who will have to serve
under the present bills. with the aid o.
which we shall be able to place millior
good soldiers on each of our frontiers. Be
! hind them stand our reserves. 1t must no
be said others can do the same; that /:
ust what they cannot do. We have materia
not only for forming an enormous army, ,bu
for furnishing 1t with officers. w,
have corps OF officers such as no other pow
er has. When we undertake war II mus
be peoples war, which all approve, as IL
10. five are attacked, then the turo
will flame out No one can make headwa,
against that, neither consciousness of on
strength nor hope of victories can restrai,
us from continuing our peaceful efforts
We have endeavorcd to maintain our rela
tions with Russia, but We do not run af,e
any country. With regard 10 Bulgaria, W,
have remained perfectly consistent Rus