The morning call., 1890-05-07
THE REICHSTAG.
Germany'S Congress Opened by
The Emperor.
William DHYOteS the Greater Part Of His
Speech to the Working Glasses.
Reforms Urged for Bettering Their Con-
ditiOn-The Berlin Labor Conference.
Foreign Relations.
Special by the California Associated Press

BERLIN, May 6-The Reichstag was
opened to-day by the Emperor in person.
In his speech from the throne the Emperor
said he hoped it would be practicable. during
the present season to solve important press
ing questions arising for consideration. He
wanted above all things "to effect further
legislation for the protection of the work
ingmen. The strike movements during the
past year suggested an examination whether
the laws of the existing State organization
sufficiently consider those wishes Of the
workirgmen which are justifiable and capa-
bic of realization. The questions claiming
the foremost attention were Sunday rest
and the restriction of women's and chill
dren's labor.
PROTECTION OF woRKINGMEN.
The Federal Government is convinced
that the proposals of the last Reichstag
might, in essential points, become a law
and be carried into practice without detri-
ment to other interests The laws for the
protection of workIngmen against the dan
gers threatening their lives, health and
morals, were susceptible of amendment, as
were also the laws relative to the issue of
labor regulations. Rules concerning work
ingmen's books are also required to be sup
plemented. with the object of assuring
parer tai authority in view of the increasing
insubordination among youthful working
men. A bill on this subject would be laid
before the Reichstag Another bill will be
submitted for the better regulation and or
ganization of the industrial courts of arbi-
tration. 50 that the courts may be appealed
to for the settlement of disputes between
employers and employees"
PROPOSED REFORMS.
The Emperor continued: 81 trust you
are willing to Cooperate to bring about an
agreement between the legislative bodies
upon the proposed reforms, and thus take
significant forward step in the peaceful de-
velopment of the conditions of labor. A
just solicitude for workmen constitutes the
most etfectual means by which to strengthen
the resources of people. l and my ex-
alted allies are resolved TO oppose with un-
bending determination any attempt to dis
turb the legal order of things.
=" In effeeting these reforms only such
measures Will come up for consideration as
can be carried out without endangeriug the
industries of the Fatherland.
THE LABOR CONFERENCE.
"Our industries only form link in the
economic work of the nations competing in
the worlds markets. L have, therefore,
made point of going about among the
European States whose economic position
has the same character, for an exchange of
views regarding the joint recognition of
legislation required to protect workingmen
most gratefully acknowledge the favor
able reception of my suggestions by all the
States concerned.
"a resolution adopted by the recent La
Dor Conference in Berlin expressed their
common views upon the most Important
field of work and culture OF our time. do
not doubt that the principles laid down in
those resolutions will form seed, under
Gods help, from which will spring up hap
piness, and that workingmen will be
blessed by the security of harmonious re-
latlons between the people"
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
The Emperor also said that his efforts in
the matter Of foreign relations would be un-
ceaSlng to preserve peace. Il 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
cultvating an alliance concluded for pur-
poses of defense. Any displacement of the
balance of power endangers the political
equilibrium: consequently guarantee is
thereby afforded for the successful mainte-
nance of peace. Since the bases of our mill
tary constitution were settled the military
organizations of our neighbors have extend
ed to an unforeseen degree. What has been
done has been thus rendered inadequate.
In order to prevent the displacing Of the
whole situation to our disadvantage, it is
necessary 10 increase the army to make
peace effective and strengthen our different
arms, especially the field artillery. A bill
will be submitted, enacting that an Increase
in the army. shall come into force on the 1st
OF October"
COLONIAL AFFAIRS.
Touching colonial affairs the Emperor
said: 1.-The action taken in East Africa
for the suppression of the slave trade and
the protection of German interests has pro-
gressed during the last few months, and it
is hoped tranquility will soon prevail in
those regions. The expenses of these oper-
ations will be covered by supplementary
grant. Besides this, an increase, admitting
OF no delay, must be made in the salaries of
certain class of imperial officials"
The Emperor concluded his speech by
saying: "If the labors before you are
brought to prosperous termination, new
and strong guarantees for the internal well
fare and the external security of the Faith
erland thereby have been obtained"