The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-03-16
GERMANY'S LABOR RALLY
THE INTERNATIONAL CONFER
ENCE BEGINS ITS WORK.


The Congress Hall of the Chancellor's
Palace the Scene of the sittlng-The
Opening Proceedings Not Marked
by Pomp or Ceremony-The Open
ing Speech.
Copyrighted. 1890, bv the NelU York Associated
'P,essl
BERLIN, March 15-The international
labor conference assembled at o'clock this
afternoon in the famous congress hall of
the chancellor's palace. The proceedings
were of the simplest character and were not
Intended by any ceremony. Most of the
deleg ates went to the palace on foot. The
French members walked over from the
Kaiserhof and the British delegates from
their embassy. An immense crowd outside
Of the palace watched the arrival in silence.
There was no demonstration of any KIND
except slight cheering when the British
members passed through the lines kept by
tie police. 1t was noticed that the blinds
Of the halls were kept lowered as significant
of the chancellor's desire to keep the results
OF the sittings private for the present.
THE EMPEROR IN CONFERENCE.
Shortly before the time fix I'd for the con-
ference to open the emperor visited Prince
Bismarck and had long interview with the
chancellor. Baron Won Berlepsch, the Prus-
sian minister Of commerce, was summoned
'sto the conference and recelvei instructions
before going to tue congress hall. His
opening add ess to the delegates had no dis
tinctive character. He referred to the Swiss
proposal for conference as prelude TO
tho c vvhOga nnA VknulA hn
considered simultaneously with that OF
Switzerland. In view of the en-
peror's action, he said the labor
question demanded the attention Of all
civilized nations, since peace between It's
different classes of pol ulation appeared to
be imDerilsd by industrial competition. To
seek a solution of this question was not only
duty to humanity, but the duty also of
the statesman upon whose sagacity the task
devolved of providing for the welfare Of
the citizens, and preserving to them the in
estimable blessings arising from centuries
Of christian civil Zation.
ALL NATIONS ON A PAR.
All the nations OF Europe were in a
similar situation, hence an attempt was
juStitable to bring about an agreement be-
tween the governments In order to meet
their common danger by combined pre-
ventive measures. The programme Of the
conference will be SO framed as to elicit
national discussion. Its decisions Will lie
subjected to the approval of the govern
ments repre- ,ented. He trustel the delibera-
tons would not be without results. The
plenipotentaries and delegates in attend
| ance we're noted alike for their wisd I'm and
| expe ience, aud were in the highest degree
| fitted to give opinions on the questions
affecting industry and the position Of tho
working men. In conclusion, he expressed
his conviction that the labors Of the con-
ference would have n beneficial influence
| throughout Europe.
OFFICERS ELECTED.
The delegates proceeded to elect officers.
| Baron Won Berlepsch was chosen preside mt
| by acclamaton, and Herr Madgeburg, the
| Prussan under secretary of state for COM
merce, was made vice president An ad-
ministrative bureau was appointed consist
| ing of Herr Fuerst, councillor of tie le-
cation; NJ. Dumaine, secretary of the
French embassy here, and Count Won
| Arco-Valley. secretary OF the German
embassy at Paris.
The sittings will begin daily at II o'clock
| Prince b smarck declines to permit an Of
| fetal report to be issued until the proceed
! ilgs shall have been protocoled. The pseudo
secrecy Of the sittings will not prevent the
| securing of reliable accounts Of the pro-
| ceadings.
Baron Won Berlepsch to-day spoke in
| Freuch. In his reference to the plenipo-
tentiaries he alluded to the protest. NAL
| diplomats among the delegates-Sir Edward
| Malet, Belgian Baron Gridnt, the Dutch
| represent ative Wander Hoevin, and the Por-
tuguese Marqu Penafil-who only take a
formal part in the co lferencs
| On Monday sections will be formed TO
discuss special questions. Plenary sittings
will be held af erward for recording the
resolutions Of the sections.
The emperor will give grand reception
| to the delegates and whole diplomatic body.
1t is expected that five plenery sittings
will suffice to register the sectional decisions,
most Of which will have an academic char
acter. The c)nference will terminate, at the
latest March 30.
| All the documents were ordered printed
| in French and German. The deliberations
will be conducted In French. The votes will
be taken by calling the names of the states in
alphabetical order. Each state will have
| one vote.
COMMENTS OF THE PRESS.
The press of this city express great graft
| fcatlon at the nesting to-day of the inter
! national labor conference called by the
emperor. The National Zeitung says it is a
| gratifying spectacle TO armed Europe to see
delegates assemble for the purpose Of delib-
Grating upon measures for the amelioration
! Of the social conditicn Of the people.
The TdgebLGtt expresses a hope that the
conference will prove to lie the first step In
the direction of an agreement betwee1 civ
ilIzed nations in the most difficult field of
social life.
The Vossische Zettung says that what
ever may be the result Of the conference it
will not be total failure, but that the en-
terprise itself will be bright point in his
tory and will sooner or later near tha fruik
Of social peace.