Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-02-07
Points to a Policy Of Peace.
Friendly Relations to be Maintained
with France and Russia.


81 do not believe can add anything to
the true state of the ease regarding the bill
l do not address you on that account. My
| object is to speak of the general situation
of Europe. l may confine myself to referr-
| ing TO what said on the same subject over
a year ago. There has been very little
change since then. when feared war with
France. Since then, France has elected a
| tpeace-loying President, and pacific DISPOSE
| ton has prevailed. | can therefore reassure
| the public that so far as France is concerned
the prospect has become more peaceful.
Regarding Russia also, | am of no 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 newspapers do not believe.
believe the Tsar's word absolutely. The
situation on the whole is not different from
that of 1879. | grant that concentration of
Russian troops on the frontier may appear
serious but perceive no cause or pretext for
a Russian or European war. Russia has no
interest to conquer Prussan or Austrian
provinces. Indeed | go SO far in my conf
dence as to say that even war with France
would not necessitate war with Russia al
though the latter eventually would involve
the former.
1t is true that cannot demand an explana-
ton from Russian foreign office regarding
concentration of troops on the frontier but
having been well acqainted with Russia's for
eign policy for a generation, may have my
own opinion on the matter l believe the
Russian Cabinet intends to make Russias
voice heard at the next republican crisis and
therefore wishes to push her military forces
as far westward as possible.
Perhaps Russia speculates upon turn TAX
ing place soon in the eastern question and
desires them to act promptly and with great
er weight. Perhaps Rnssia intends to render
her diplomatic demand 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 a secondary
manner
Bismarck proceeded to review the rela-
tions between Prussia and Russia since lS4S,
and showed how frequently they had as
sumed menacing aspect. He said At all
times the calmness and conscientiousness
displayed by the migisters on the Prussian
side towards the threatening position of Rus
sian affairs, a position of which foreign coun-
ties had no idea, had succeeding in averting
mischief. As early as 1868 matters were in
such a position that everybody urged
me to advise striking blow.
waited quietly until we were struck. l be-
lieve we did well in this. Despite all indi-
cations of storm certain tranquility super
vened owing to the intimate relations be-
tween three emperors. Then as now, how
ever, we were constrained to augment and
organize our forces, so in case of necessity
we might stand forth strong nation, max
ing its power prevail by our strength, and so
defending its authority, its dignity and its
possessions.
Prussia has at all times sought to maintain
good relations with Russia, although the lat
ter left us in the lurch at Olmnetz. l. my
self, 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 friendly feelings for Rus
sia have cooled | say this in order to make
clear why we concluded alliance with Aus
| tria. We were inclined to accede to the de-
mands of Russia made on us before the last
year of the 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, | exerted myself to OBJ
tain satisfaction for all Russian interests and
to carry through all Russian wishes | believe
| had acquired a right to Russia's gratitude,
but could not, nor would give umbrage to
Austria. If they had done so we would be-
come isolated in Europe, completely depend
ent upon Russia. Some people sought to find
ultimation or threat in the publication of the
treaty. There is nothing of the kind the treaty
is an expression of the community of the in
terests of the two contracting parties this
| it was we wish the world to know. Not this
treaty only, but that with Italy is an expires.
sion of common interests and common eff.
forts to avert common dangers and maintain
peace. The strength we possess will reassure
our public opinion and nervousness OF
bourses and the press Our task now is tt
strengthen this strength. We must of course
have the best of weapons for fathers of fami-
lies who will have to serve under the present
bills, with the aid of which we shall be able
to place a million of good soldiers on each
of our frontiers. Behind them stand our
reserves it must not be said that others can
do the same. That is just what they cannot
do. We have material not only for forming
a enormous army, but for furnishing it with
officers. We have corps of Off
GERS such as no other power has
When we undertake to war it, it must be a
peoples war which all approve of, las in 1870
If we are attacked then the furor teutonicus
will flame out Neither the consciousness OF
our strength nor the hope of victories can re-
| strain US from continuing our peaceful efforts
hope we shall remain at peace with oul
neighbors. especially with Russia, which ha.
nc pretext for war. They spy the affair,
with France, which are not worth mention.
ing. No one begins war for trihes. In sucl
cases, the sensible man gives way. We have
eDdeavored 10 maintain the old relations Will
Russia. but don't run after anybody. W.
Germans fear God nothing else in the world
The fear of God makes US harbor a desr,
for peace.
1918 is the common possession of the Ger
man nation. He who attacks German,
will find her armed to a man; every mar
having in his heart the firm belief that Cos
is with Us"
During the first of this speech the Reich
stag preserved deep silence, unbroken by tn
slightest movement. When the speaker re
minded his hearers that in 1868, what wa
due to the Emperor and advisers, coalition
that was with Russia avoided, applaus,
broke out, repeated with renewed yigor
When he declared it necessary that Ger
many should be equal to any emergency il
these words: 1--WE don't run after anybody
they were received with declaims, the ap
pealing appealed to the tentorrianic wer
highly effective and the cheering loud an,
long.
When Bismarck resumed his seat, DIR
Frankenstein moved that the landwehr bill
be adopted en- block, and that in view of tn
, political situation there be no debate on tn
J loan bill.
Herren. Helldorff, Bennigsen and Beh
, supported the motion and it was adopted
The loan bill was thereupon referred to tn
budget committe.
The House then proceeded to the secon
reading of the landwehr bill. Herr Benuina
sen seconded the adoption of the adoption 0
the bill enblock.
Bismarck interviewed and said: II can bea
: witness that the federal government will b
: grateful for this willingness to meet thei
: views They will esteem it not only as
proof of the confidence Of Reichstag, bu