Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-19
FRESH FOREIGN GOSSIP
German Theological Students Re-
lieved From Military Duty.
Political Circles in a Strife Regarding
That Subject.
Socialists Making Preparations For
the Coming Elections.

BERLIN, Dec. 14.-Copyrighted, 1889,
by the New York Associated Press.-The
success of the center party In the vote on
the reichstag, relieving all theological
students of any obligation to military
services, has stirred up a good deal OF
breeze In the upper world of politics and
Bismarck complains IN regard to 1t that
the highest interests of the government
services have been neglected for the per-
sonal interests of individual deputies.
The centerists secured their victory by
rushing the vote through In the absence OF
many members Of the cartel party, who
were home doing what American pollti-
clans call taking care of their fences.
The National Zeitung announces that
the government will not accept the decl-
sion on this very important subject. Bis
marck has hauled Herr Boetticher over the
Goals for not preventing the vote, ano
Boetticher has promptly responded by
throwing the blame on the COrtel combl
nation. Bismarck answered TO the effect
that important government measures must
be settled in the reichstag before the mid.
Gle Of February, when he desires to dis
solve that body. Herr Boettichers task
will not be an easy One.
Caucuses and conventions innumerable
are being held throughout the empire pre-
pairing for the coming elections, and al
though all parties are active, the socialists
are pushing things more energetically thar
others, having already brought forward
205 candidates. The comments of the
journals of Cartel's party upon all this,
disclose the apprehension In government
groups that the admirable organization Of
the socialists will make them bad costumers.
Strikes of the miners will be matters Of
great moment in the electoral game. In
spite of the supposition that the West
phallan strikers have been appeased, that
strike is extending. In the Saar mines
1000 men are out and 1T is feared that q
strike of the remaining 5000 is immi-
nent. In Lower Silesia there will be a gen
eral strike the first of the year unless there
is an advance of 10 per cent. in wages and
a Concession of an eight hour day. The
EMPLOYERS declare that it is impossible to
cOncede these demands. Herr Boetticher,
In a conference with the employers, has
referred to the importance of the speedi-
est possible attempt in view of the pend
ing elections. Many mass meetings OF
miners are to be held tomorrow.
The Portuguese government recently APP
piled to Frankfort and Berlin banks to ne
gotiate a loan of five million milreis, os-
tensibly for the execution of the various
public works. The bankers have now re-
fused the loan, being alarmed by advices
from Lisbon touching the negotiations
there that have for their objective point
the declarations of the Portuguese repub-
lie. The monarchistic press in Lisbon con
tinues to deny that there is any danger III
the agitation. Dom Pedro is preparing q
manifesto to Brazilians, defending
the acts of his ministers and ex.
planning the overthrow of the empire.
He says that he will await TRANQUILITY the
expression of will of the people, hopeful
that in the coming election the people viii
pronounce freely in favor of his govern
ment. In all illusions to Dom Pedro the
semi official press here continue to treat
his return to Brazil as improbable and un.
desirable.
The Reichsbote maintains the right Of
Germany to dominant influence IN South
ern Brazil. 1t says that there are 10000
German ~colonists in the three provinces,
and argues that if emigration had not been
checked the provinces would ere this, have
fallen as a ripe fruit into the hands of the
German government.
Influenza has about run its course here.
At least one-third of the population has
suffered from it and several members OF
the imperial family had it.
DR.. Park t~elegraphs that Emin Pasha
improves slowly and that the bad symp-
toms are disappearing.