New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-26
OPENING THE REICHSTAG.
A BRILLIANT CEREMONY IN BERLIN


Berlin June 25.-Thc Reichstag was opened to-
day with pomp and brilancy After divine service
In the Court Chapel the Emperor was escorted
with great ceremony to the White Hall of the old
castle. where he declared the session open.
Throughout lis speech the Emperor dwelt upon
Germsny's pacific disposition
Before the time set for the meeting OF the
Reichstag the Emperor went to the railway depot
and met the King Of Saxony Troops were drawn
up at the depot Both monarchs passed down in
front Of them and proceeded TO the castle.
At noon the Emperor, accompanied by the
Federal Princes and hest of officials, repaired to
the Court Chapel The Emperor walked between
the King of Saxony and the Prince Regent of
Bavaria. Following them came the Grand Dukes
of Baden and Hesse, Prince William of Wurtem-
berg Princes Henry, Leopold and Albrecht OF
Prussia, and the Grand Dukes Of SaxeWemar
and Mecklenburg-S -Schwerin. Chaplain Koegel
preached the sermon. At the conclusion of the
service all PROCEEDED to the White Hail. where the
members of the Reichstag were assembled. AT the
stroke Of Prince Bismarck entered the Hall at
the head of the members of the Bundcsrath. The
Bavarian Minister walked at the Chancellor's
side. After greeting the members, Prince Bis
marck withdrew to inform the Emperor that the
Reichstag had assembled The Emperor there
upon entered the Hall the Federal Princes follow
ing in the prescribed order The Emperor and the
Knights of the Black Eagle wore cloalSs OF purple
velvet. General Won Moltke walked Immediately
behind the Emperor In front of the latter was
borne the Imperial standard The Emperor took
his position on the dais between the standard and
the Imperial sword The Empress, accompanied
by lades-n waiting, occupied seat on the rght
of the throne, the Crown Prince, attred IN the
black dress of page, sitting by her side
When all were assembled. the President of the
Reichstag proposed three cheers for The Emperor
and his Federal allies which were enthusiastically
given. Tie Emperor then read his speech IN
was frequently interrupted by cheers. AT the con-
clusion of the address, the Emperor shook hands
with Prince Bismarck, who then kissed HIS
Majestys hand AT the close of the proceed
ings Baron Lutz proposed three more cheers for
the Emperor and while the procession ,i, lett the
Hall the members were still cheering loudly.
The Emperor's speech in full was as follows
greet you with deep sorrow III my heart know you
with The fresh remembrance OF the heavy
yuerDgs father and the affecting fact that
called upon ascend the throne three months
the death Of His Majesty William will exercise
similar e upon the hearts Of all Germans Our sorrow
sympathy all countries Of the world
the burden Of these things pTty God TO give
strength to accomplish the high duties to His will
has called obeyng this call have before my eyes
the example of peaceful rule which Emperor William l.
after bitter left to his successors and to which my
late fathers rule correspondent In so far as he was not
prevented executing his designs by his illness and
death. summoned in order to declare in your
presence King and Emperor resolved to
path by which deceased grandfather Sc
cured the confidence OF his allies the love Of the German
people and good will abroad.
also, with Gods help, will strive earnestly to accom-
pish the end The most important duties Of the
German Emperor lie within the province Of assuring the
military and political safety OF the Empire abroad and
watching the execution OF the imperial laws at home
The chief OF these laws regards the imperial constitution
To defend and guard in all the rights which 1t guaran
the legislative bodies Of the nation and to
every German and in those which 10 assures TO the
he
sppertsns chief rights aud duties Of the Emperor
In legislation OF the Empire have in accordance
with the constitution cooperate more in NY capacity
King of Prussia than German Emperor but in both
capacities will be my endeavor proceed In the same
spirit which my grandfather began and especially will
appropriate myself in its full significance his message
November H. 1881 and shall continue to strive In the
spirit OF document that imperial legislation may
afford the working people that further protection which
IN accordance Christian morality needed by the
and oppressed in their struggle for existence
hope in this it be possible TO arrive at an
equalization of unhealthy social contrasts and cherish
confidence In the belief that for the of domestic
welfare have clearsighted support of all true
friends OF the Empire and Of The allied Governments
without division party differences. also hold my
self bound to support national and social de- |
veopment within the paths Of legality and sternly TO op
pose aim and tendency Of which shall be to
undermine public order.
foreign politics resolved to maintain peace with
every one. far 1t lies in my power. My love Tor
duce attempt endanger for the country the bene
peace the necessity for is forced upon
by hostile attempt the Empire or one OF It's allies
Our army will assure us peace peace be broken 1t
will enable fight for it with honor That, with
Gods help possible IL 70 do by reason OF the
strength derived from the laws You recently
unanimously To employ this strength for offensive
far from my heart Germany needs neither new
military renown nor any conquest, she finally won
herself by fighting the right to exist as united and
Independent nation. Our alliance with Austria Is pup
iicly shall hold fast to it with German hdety'
only because 10 exists but because see III Is uc-
ensive compact foundation for the maintenance Oh
European equilibrium and also legacy from German
history the purport which the public opinion OF the
whole German people sanctions and which corresponds
with European international law as it has undisputaoy
existed since 1866 Similar historical relations and ma
bind TO Italy. Both countries VIII
maintain the blessings peace and work out In the quiet
security unity the perfection OF national In
sntut.ons and the promotion OF their welfare.
Our existing agreements with Austria and Italy VIII
permit me- my satisfaction to maintain my personal
friendship Car and the friendly relations exist
ing for century with Russia when cofresponu WIN my
own feelings and German interests
In the conscientious peace shall devote myself
equally as readily service OF the Fatherand as 70 he
army and rejoice In our TRADITIONAL
u, so,sn Powers through which my endeavors in behalf
OF peace will be aided Trusting in God ana my peoples
ability for their defence, entertain confidence 'hat IL
will be permitted TO for ndenhlte time 70 oeiend
and by peaceful effort what my t"o pie
resting In God won by arms
The text of the speech was handed to the Em-
peror by Prince Bismarck, who made deep ooeiS-
ance The Emperor was pale ana ms ms yolce pc
traved nucb emotion AS he proceeded, his voice
became firmer the intonation at times suggesting
the ring of the word of command Inc hrst applause %
greeted his reference to his imperial duues Inc
annlause was renewed when he announced the
adoption Of the programme, OF 1881, and grew d IN
violence on his closing with assurances oi Peace.
As the speech uncontroyeriai tne S adafeSs aies
in renlv will be coloress. The session VIII ciosc
as soon as the address has been adopted c oo,cerr
;ra DriSia ~ regarded as cOndemning all Efforts
to weaken the Austro-German allianc. c a.,
The Kreuz Zeitung says that NJ de Glers, the
prss;an Foreign Minister desires to arrange
meeting between the Emperor of Russia and the