The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-05-07
THE KAISER'S SPEECH
Emperor William IS the Father
Of His People.
LABOR IS HIS CHIEF THEME.
Betssr Trsasnent for WsskiaGnsa
asa Larger Arny.
LABOR IS HIS CHIEF THEME.

BERIry, Nay 6-The reichstag was
opened by the emperor today. In his
opening address his majesty declared that
his efforts to maintain the peace OF Europe
viii increase. He expressed the convic-
ton that he would succeed IN confirming
the confidence of the powers in the pacific
policy Of Germany. Germany. the en-
peror says. recognizes her duty 70 protect
peace BY cuItivsting alliances for the pur-
pose Of defense. and by perfecting her
ornaments. for which purpose new mill
tary credit win be asked.
The emperor announced that measures
would be presented for improving the con-
dition Of the workingmen. The strikes
during the year suggested the examination
OF the question whether existing laws ade-
quateIy took into account the justifiabie
wishes of workingmen. The questions
claiming the foremost attention were those
OF Sunday rest and woman's and children's
labor. The federal government was con-
WINGED that the proposals of the last
reichstsg might in their essential points
become law without detrinent to other i'm
terests- The legal provisions for the pro-
section of workingmen against dangers
threatening their lives. health and morals
were susceptible Of amendment. and also
the laws relative to the issue Of labor GU
iations. The rules concerning working
mems books also required to be supple
mented with the object of assuring paren-
tai authority, in view OF the increasing in
subordination among the youthful work
ingmen. A bill on this subject will be laid
before the reichstag. Another bill viii be
submitted for the better regulation and
organization Of industrial courts Of arbitra-
ton.
The emperor continued: 81 trust You
viii willingly cooperate to bring about an
agreement between legislative bodies upon
the proposed reforms and thus take sig
nificant forward step in the peaceful de-
velopment OF the conditions of labor
A just solicitude for the workmen
constitutes the most effectual means by
which to strengthen the resources with
which and my exalted allies are resolved
70 oppose with an unbending determine
ton any attempt to disturb the legal order
OF things. In efecting these reforms,
only such measures will come mp for con-
sideration Is can be carried ont without
endangering the industry Of the Father
land.
Our industry only forms link in the
economic work of nations competing in
the wdfld's markets. / have therefore
made point of going about among the
European states whose economic position
has the same character. for the exchange
OF views regarding joint recognition of the
legislation required to protect workingmen.
| most gratefully acknowledge the favor
able reception of my suggestions by all
the states concerned. TIE resolutions
adopted by the recent labor conference at
Berlin expressed the common views on the
most important field of work and culture
OF our times. l do not doubt that the
principles laid down in those resolutions
will form the seed. under Gods help, from
which win spring up the happiness OF the
workingmen and that they will be blessed
by the fruit. which will be harmonious
relations between the people,"
Referring to the foreign relations Of Ger
many. his majesty said his efforts we're UNI
ceasingly directed towards the mainte-
nance of peace. He said: ~ am able to
express the conviction that my endeavors
to strengthen the confidence OF all foreign
governments in the security afforded by
our policy have been successful With the
emperor and his exalted allies, the nation
recognizes the duty Of protecting peace by
culfivating the alliance concluded for the
purpose of defense. Any displacement of
the balance OF power endangers the politi-
cal equilibrium, and consequently the
guarantee thereby afforded for the success
ful maintenance OF peace.
''Since the basis of our military consti-
tuition Was settled, the military organise
tons Of our neighbors have extended to
an unforeseen degree. What has been done
by us has been thus rendered made
quate. In order to prevent the
displacing of the whole situation to our
disadvantage. it Is necessary to increase
the peace effective and strengthen our diff
ferent arms, especially the field artillery.
A bill will be submitted enabling that in
crease Of the army, which shall come into
force on the LIST of October"
Touching colonial affairs, the emperor
said: The action taken in East Africa
for the suppression of the slave trade and
the protection of Germany's interests, has
so progressed during the last few months
that il is hoped that tranquility will soon
prevail in those regions
The reading of the emperor's speech was
frequently interrupted by cheers. After
the delivery OF the speech Chancellor Won
Caprivi declared the reichsiag opened.
The members of the freisinnige party
laid motion on the table. demanding that
q bill be passed reducing the corn duty to
three marks per double quintal, aboiishing
the beet-roos tax and export bouniies, and
Withdrawing from dis.illeries adjusting
privileges relating to spirit tax. and finally
demanding general revision of taxes.
with a view TO abolition OF the corn and
cattle duties and reduction of the duties on
other articles OF general consumption,
especially farm products.
The socialists will introduce . bill for
immediate repeal OF the corn duties.
The new military bill fixes the peace ef-
fective force at ss6, 80 troops. exclusive OF
any one-year volunteers. After October
the army viii consist OF SIS battalions OF
infantry. ss5 squadrons of cavalry. 83s field
batteries, 81 batteries OF foot, and ~ pioneer
and q train hattalions- The homecoming
expenditure en;ailed BY the new modern
armament is 81 ,5o.uo marks The in
crease in the permanent yearly expeni.-