New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-21
A GREAT CUSTOMS LEAGUE.
EUROPEAN NATIONS AGREE UPON A FOR
MIDABLE UNION.
EMPEROR WILLIAM CLOSES THE DANDTAG-
GERMANY AT THE WORLDS FAIR-CoNsUL-

EMfEhOh WILLIAM NLOSEo 1hC 0hNDlhO-
GERMANY AT THE WORLDS FAIR-CoNsUL~
GENERAL EDWARDS coMPLIMENTED.
Copyright; 1891 BY h< Men. YORK Associated Press
Berlin, June o0.-The formation Of a great central
European customs league is accomplished fact
acknowledged by the official circle. The exchange OF
communications between Germany, Austria Hungary
Italy and Switzerland has resulted tie basis of an
agreement which became known here to-day. Interest
In the realization of the most formidable ZOlverein
ever formed will overtop that in other pubic
matter when the scheme is generally published. In
the meantime the official circle alone know that the
negotiations have attained definitely successful stage
The terms upon which commercial union was agreed
are meant to be held secret until after the penpoen
taries prepare the draft of the treaty conference
for this purpose has been arranged to meet at berne
on July 20. The league is to be commercial ant
ance in which of the contracting Powers VIII
be privileged TO form trade treaty with any other
outside the union unless it first obtains the assent
OF the other parties to the alliance.
II is understood here that the Government has OBJ
tanned the consent Of the Federal States oil Germany
TO denunciaton Of the treaty Of Frankfort ana 10
accepting whatever grave may arise from
the hostility OF France 10 such course. Inc eN-
stence OF the league will naturally affect the trading
relations Of the contracting Powers with France
England the United states, and every quarter OF 'e
globe How far their independent action VIII DC COZ
troed depends upon the nature OF the decisions Oh c
Berne conference.
THE EMpERoR,s SPEECH HEARD IN GLOOMY
SILENCE.
The Emperor closed the Landtag to-day In charac-
teristic manner lie congratulated himself ana the
country on getting from the Upper and Lower Houses
of the Landtag nearly all that his Minister'S had ue
nanded. During the course of his speech HIS Majesty
said: Although the aims constantly hold III vie"
have not been wholly attained, and my people may
nevertheless derive Just satisfaction from the fact that
necessary and valuable basis has been agreed upon
for a reform in the system Of taxation. and primary
conditions have been by law determined for the i'm
provement of communal institutions in the rural DIS
tricts of Prussia"
These references projects which had been forced
upon the Upper House were listened to'lh gloomy
silence The Emperor then expressed the hope that
tho taxation questions still remaining unsettled would
find an equally satisfactory adjustment. lie trusted
that the newly enacted communal laws would De
carried out with due regard 10 od-time institutions
This he said, will secure the development Oh the
communal districts and draw closer the ties uniting the
people TO the monarchy
THE DEMANDS OF THE CIERCALS.
Touching upon ecclesiastical affairs the Emperor said
ne noted with pleasure that the restitution to the
Catholic Church of the clerical stipends which had
been stopped during the Kulturkampf' was resulting
I'm an essential advance of the settlement of the diff
ferences between the Church and the State and also
in the maintenance of religious peace. He became all
the better assured the more the conviction gained
aured to be confined to measures compatible with
The duties of the state His reference to the further
demands of the clericals related to revival OF the
proposals that the Redemptorists and Jesuts nave
recognized status in Germany. bavaria has asked
the Bundesrath to admit the Redemptorists and the
question been referred to commission IL Is the
general belief, however. that the Rundesra'h Will
finally refuse to make report on the subject
In the concluding passage of his speech alludiDg
TO the foreign situation, His Majesty said "Consid-
ering that the session about to close will be at
tended with fruitful results. and my people may
cherish the hope that these results will be turned to
good account while continue TO enjoy the blessings
OF peace which l have reason to apprchend VIII
be imperiled, and the preservation Of which IS the
object Of my unremtng endeavor'
number Of the Deputies afterward attended
garden party at the Emperors palace at Potsdam.
GERMAN INTERESTS AT THE WORLDS FAIR.
The "Relclisanzeiger" (oficaD states that German
commercial and mercantile associations are now
actively giving attention to the details OF their
preparations for taking part in the Worlds Fair at
Chicago. AS soon approximate estimate can
be made Of the extent of the German industries which
will participate which will probably be about the
beginning of autumn, the Imperial Commissioner will
put himself in communication with the leading rep
resentaves Of the industries. An agent of the Govern
ment will go the United States toward the end Of
the year. to arrange for the installation Of the German
sccton and especially TO arrange for the allotment Of
the necessary space.
THE HOLY COAT" TO BE SHOWN ST TREVES.
A great religious function will open at Treves on
August o. when the rarely seen holy coat" will
be exhibited in the Cathedral Of ST. Peter and St. Helen
there 10 the Catholic faithful during six weeks. The
holy coat is alleged 20 be the seamless coat worn
by Saviour dtO have been discovered by the
Empress Helena during her memorable visit to Palestine
In the fourth century. 1t deposited in the
Cathedral of ST. Peter and ST. Helen, and since 119G
has, at long intervals, been exhibited to the faithful
Miraculous curative properties ascrbed to II. The
exhibition Of the holy in 1914 is memorable foI
the reaction which produced leading to the secession
OF the Rouge and German Catholics from the Church
of Rome. The exhibitions have always been attended
by almost countless thrOngs and an enormous influx
OF pilgrims is expected in August. The Rhine rail
ways are preparing for the service They expect
TO carry 10000 passengers daily
COMPLIMENTS FOR THE CONSUL-GENERAL.
William Hayden Edwards. the American Consul
General who, in the beginning of his here,
countered much opposition account OF his stilc
adherence to the rules Of the state and Treasury De
partments has received a well meIited compliment
BY decision Of the German Minister Of Commerce
which has Just been published I'm the reports of tht
Berlin Board Of Trade. The Berlin merchants has
appealed 10 the Minister protesting against Mr. Ed
wardss actions being unfair % German trade. TIL,
Minister replied that. after careful investigation. h
found that the United states ConsulGencrai had simply
done his duty and that there reason whatever
for complaint. The reply of the Minister Is cOuchet
In terms highly complimentary TO Mr. Edwards
PERSONAL NOTES ABOUT AMERICANS.
Mr.. Porter, the American Minister to Italy, is a
present sightseeing in Berlin. He will soon go +
London TO meet his daughter. vce-Consul c. NJ
Wood will go with him. William Walter Phelps tn
American Minister, gave them lunch day.
Mr. and Mrs. Rust, of Chicago, and Dr. Shearer an
his wife, also of Chicago, have arrived here
Walter Damrosch has engaged Herr Brodsk @
Lelpsic for his New-YOrk orchestra.
DATNt.NEnA.S TDOOpS pTVOTr