Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-05-07

EMPEROR WILLIAMS SPEECH.
He Opens the Reichstag in Personals
cussing Strikes.
BERLIN, May 6th.-The Reiebstso was
opened by the Emperor TODAY. In his
opening address his Majesty declared that
the efforts TO maintain the peace of Europe
increase. He expressed the conviction
that he will succeed in confirming the con-
fidence of the Powers in the pacific policy
of Germany.
Germany, the Emperor says, recognizes
1t as her duty to protect peace by cultiyat.
ing an alliance for the purposes of defense
and by perfeeting armaments, for which
purpose new military credit will be
asked.
The Emperor announced that measures
would be presented for improving the con-
dltlon OF workingmen. The strikes during
the year suggested an examination of the
question whether the existing laws ade.
quately took into account the iustifable
wishes of the workingmen. The questions
claiming the foremost attention were those
OF Sunday rest and women's and children's q
labor. The Federal Governments were
convinced that the proposals of the last
Relchstag might, in the essential points.
become law without detriment to the other
interests. The legal provisions for the
protection of the workingmen against the
dangers threatening their lives, health and
morals were susceptible of amendment, as
were also the laws relative to the issue of
labor regulations. The rules concerning
workingmen's books also required to be
supplemented, with the object of assuring
parental authority, in view of the increas-
q limo r.
lngmen. A bill on this subject will be laid
before the Reichstag. Another bill will be
submitted for the better regulation and or
ganizatiOn of the Industrial Courts of Arbi-
tration.
The Emperor continued: 81 trust YOU
are willidg to cooperate to bring about an
agreement between the legislative bodies
upon proposed reforms, and thus take q
significant 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 those resources. by means of
which and my exalted allies are resolved
to oppose, with unbending determination,
any attempt to disturb the legal order of
things. In etfecting these reforms only
such measures will come up for considera-
ton as can be carried out without endan-
gering the industry of the Fatherland. Our
industry only forms a link in the economic
work OF nations competing in the worlds
markets. | have therefore made point of
going about among the European States
whose economic position has the same
character for the exchange of views regard
ing joint recognition of legislation re-
quired to protect the workingmen. most
gratefully acknowledge the favorable re.
ception of my suggestions by all the States
concerned. The resolutions adopted by
the recent labor conference in Berlin ex-
pressed common views on the most im-
portant field of work and culture of our
times. do not doubt that the principles
laid down in those resolutions will form
the seed under Gods help from which will
spring up happiness, and that the work.
lngmen will be blessed by fruit which will
be harmonious relations between the peo-
ple."
Referring to the foreign relations of Ger
many, his Majesty said his efforts were un-
ceaslngly directed toward maintenance of
peace. He said 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
excellent allies. The nation recognizes the
duty OF protecting peace by cultivating an
defense of auy displacement of the balance
OF power and the dangers to political equi-
librium, consequently the guarantees
thereby afforded for successful mainte-
nance of peace. Since the bases of our
military constitution were settled, the mil
ltary organizations of our neighbors have
been extended to an unforeseen degree.
What has been done by us has thus been
rendered inadequate in order to prevent
the displacing of the whole situation to our
disadvantage. 1t is necessary to secure
peace to strengthen our different arms,
especially the field artillery. A bill will
be submitted enacting that the increase of
the army shall come into effect on the 1st
of October"
Touching colonial affairs, the Emperor
said the action taken in East Africa for the
suppression of the slave trade and the pro.
lection of Germany's interests has pro-
gressed during the last few months 1t 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 Reichstag open.
The members of the Freisinige party
laid motion on the table demanding that
a bill be passed reducing the corn duty to
three marks per double quintal and abolish
ing the beet-root tax and the export boun-
ties, and Withdrawing from the dstilleries
the existing privileges relating to the spirit
tax, and finally demanding a general re-
vision of the tariffs, with view to the
abolition of corn and cattle duties and
eduction of the duties on other articles of
general consumption, especially farm pro-
ducts.
The Socialists will introduce bill for
the immediate repeal of the corn duties.
The new military bill fixes the peace eff
fectlve at 4S6, 7S3 troops, exclusive of one
year volunteers. After October 1st the
army will consist of 53S bastalions of in
fantry, 465 squadrons of cavalry, 4S4 field
batteries, 81 batteries on foot, 20 pioneers
and 81 train battalions. The non-recurring
expenditures entailed by the new measures
amount to 81 500, 600 marks. The increase
in the permanent yearly expenditures is
Is, ,O00, 600 marks.
EDITORIAL COMMENT.
BERLIN, May 6th.-The Tdgblau, in COM
menting on Emperor Williams speech,
says: 1T is significant that it shows no in
tention to maintain the Socialist law. His
views on the duties of the Government
must be approved everywhere. The scope
OF his measures to protect the workmen is
limited by the avowal that Germany's in
dustrial activity will not be affected, there
fore the workmen's interests will not be
affected. The Radicals, animated by patri-
otic zeal. will doubtless be willing to grant
all that is required to strengthen the coun-
try's defensive forces"
GREAT DISASTER