Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-06-27
REfCfaSTAG OPENED.
Brilliant Ceremonial in Berlin Yes
fCEnaN.

BERLIN, June 2j.-The Reichstag was
opened to-day with pomp and brIlliancy.
After divine service in the court chapel the
EnperOr was escorted with great ceremony
fo4be White HAIL Of the old Castle. where
he declared tha session opened. The En-
perpris speech in rail- is as follows: | greet
YOU with deep sorrow in my heart. | know
youmourn with me- The fresh remembrance
OF the heavy sulierincs OF NV deceased
father, aud the affecting fact that have been
called upon to ascend the throne three
months after the death OF his Majesty En-
peror William L., Will exercise similar
effect upon the hearts OF all Germans.
Our sorrow has evoked warm SYM
patty from all the countries OF the world.
Benesth the burden Of these things pray
God 10 give me strength TO accomplish the
nigh duties TO which His will has called
me. Obeying this call / have before my
ewes the example OF the peaceful rule
which Emperor William |. after a bitter
war left TO his successors, and to which
Inv late fathers rule cOrresponded in so far
as he was not prevented from executing bis
designs by his illness and death. have
summoned you in order 10 declare IN your
presence that a. King and Emperor ! am
resolved 10 pun sue the same path by which
my deceased grandfather secured the
confidence Of bis allies, the love Of
the German people, and goodwin
abroad. j also. with Gods help,
viii strive earnestly 10 accomplish the same
end. The most important duties OF the Ger
mgn Emperor lie within the province OF
asuringthe military aud political safety of
thekempdre abroad, and watching over the
execution OF the imperial laws at home. The
chief OF these laws regards the imperial
Constitution. To defend and guard 1t
in all the rights which il guarantees
10 the two legislative bodies Of the nation
and to every German, and also in those
which II assures TO the Emperor and con-
federated States ami their SoVereignS, apper-
tains To the chief rights aud duties OF the
Emperor. In the legislation OF the empire
have, in accordance with the Constitution,
to,cooper ale more in my capacity as King
OF Prussia than as German Emperor; but
in both capacities n will be my endeavor to
proceedin the same spirit which my grand
father began, and especially will | appro-
PIRATE to myself, in it, full significance. his
message OF November Il, 1881, and shall
continue,to strive in the spirit OF that dOcu-
ment,.so that imperial legislation may afford
10 the working people that further protec-
ton which In accordance with Christian mo-
rality is needed by the weak and oppressed
In their struggle for existence. hope that in
this way IL NAV be possible 10 arrive at an
equalization OF unhealthy social contrasts, aud
! cherish confidence in the belief that for the
care OF our dsanesiic welfare / shall have the
cicar-sighted support Of all true friends Of
the empire and OF allied governments with.
out division or party differences. also hold
myself bound 10 support our national and
social developments within the paths OF le-
gsiity, aud sternly 10 oppose aile1orts theaim
snf tendency Of which shall be 10 undermine
public order.
In foreign politics am resolved TO main
tain peace with every one 30 far a. IL lies In
my power. My love for the German
army and my position III II would
never induce 10 attelnpt 10 endang,r
for the country the bcneiiis OF peace unless
necessity for war Is forced upon US by a hos.
tile atte"aTt on lhc empire or one Of lis u.
lies. Our army will assure US peace,
or II peace te broken IL win enable
us 10 fight for II with honor. That
with Gods help will be possible for It to do by
reason OF the strength II has derived from
the army laws you recently UNANIMOUSLY
voted. TO employ this strength for offensive
war is far from my heart Germany needs
nAther new military rDown nor any con-
guest stree she finally won for herself by
Sighting the right 70 exist rs united and liz
dependent nation.
Our Alliance with Austria Is publicly
knoRn. shall bold fast 10 II with German
6deiity, not only because IL exists but be-
efnse | see IN this defensive compact the
found fion Sof the mainfe nance OF European
eauai,brium end also q legacy from German
hislsry. the purport Of which the public
eplnson Of tho whole 6ermau people sanc.