The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-12-11
Reichstag Urged to Adopt Them in the Interest
of the Fatherlands Husbandry aud COM
merce-A Reduction in Duties.
Story ofthe Capture ofa Chinese Town
by the Barbarous Insurgents.
Prisoner Nailed to Board and Cut 10 Pieces
Gs Sacrifice to the Flag-The Emperor
Studying the English Language.
GERnIANY's TARIFF.

Chancellor Discusses in the Reichstag the
Commercial Treaties just Negotiated.
BERLIN. Dec. 10.-ln the Reichstag to-day
Chancellor Won Caprivi opened the debate
on the new commercial treaties. lie made
a strong appeal in favor of their adoption.
He dwelt upon the fact that home lndus-
tries had received great impetus under
the last customs regimes, so much go that
overproduction had caused some embarrass-
ment The present import and export re-
lations. he declared. would ruin both the
employers and employees. The commercial
measures under discussion, therefore, were
necessary TO preserve Germany's husbaDdry
and commerce. The Chancellor added that
the government had accepted the principle
of assimilating Germany's interests with
those of other states, and concessions had
to be made accordingly. These concessions
had entailed great sacrifices upon those
who had made them. 1t was the duty Of
the Reichstag to give husbandry the sup
port it requires. and TO preserve its rela-
tions with trade. This. the Chan cellOr
said, was the principle which had guided
the government in negotiating the treaties.
Continuing, the Chancellor said that the
finances of the empire would be diminu-
tion in revenue amountingto nearly 1s,ooo.-
900 marks. This was q matter that re-
quired budget consideration. In regard to
the question of the differential treatment
of countries not included In the treaties,
those countries having most favored ma
tion treatment would receive the benefits OF
the treaties. Regarding other countries.
negotiations were about TO open whereby
Germany would endeavor TO obtain con-
cessions. II was needless TO speak of Rus
sia. The lamentable distress that prevailed
In that country, causing a stoppage of ex-
ports. would not be removed for some time.
and it was useless to discuss what would
be done afterwards. Asregards the United
States, the two governments had decided
TO continue to take their stand on the basis
of the arrangements of 1855, whereby the
United States received most favored nation
treatment In any case the government
had no intention TO make further reduc-
tion of tariffs. In the meantime the federal
government formally withstood all at
tacks
In connection with alleged distress in
Germany, he said he was likely 10 see that
the agriculturist had done more 10 main
tain duties than the government. especially
In the eastern provinces, where protective
tariffs were of effect, If anywhere. Never
theless. If il had not bsen for these tariffs
an agricultural crisis would have come
upon the country which might have lasted
for years. Farmers, to whichever party
they belonged. must be reckoned among
the elements 10y which the state was up
held. The agriculture of the country could
very well bear, without risk. reduction
in the tariff rate of y mark. The raising
of the rate TO marks had been an expert
ment which had answered the purpose of
the federal government In fact. nc had
been considered how far tariff rates Affect
ing agriculture could be reduced without in
jury to the country. In the matter OF
wine, il had been the aim TO create sharp
competition against artinclal wines,
scbnapps and the s0-called French clar-
cts" SO as 10 provide on German soil hat
tie field for Italian wines. as against those
of France. The reduction in duties on Dec-
essaTies OF life was OF advantage 20 the
working people. He concarred Ia the say
ing of Chaplain Stoecker: I'VE must not
only 90 forth against undne claims of the
workman, but we must make advances
toward him."
Referring TO the treaties of Belgium and
Switzerland, the Chancellor said: Lest at
any time we are unable to preserve peace.
lt must be our desire 10 possess as many
faithful allies possible These we Will
be able to gain by smoothing the path OK
politic-cOmmercIal relations Since the end
OF the last century it has been impossible
TO conclude Cabinet convention between
government and government. The heart of
the people must also approve"
AdveTting to the Mckinley law, the
Chancellor said: I'VE wish the countries
of Europe 10 preserve their independence
against America. For this purpose they
must unite together The treaties just con-
cluded will give sure guarantee of the
future" The debate was adjourned.
At meeting of the Z onservatlve men,
bers of the Reichstag twelve voted in favor
of and twenty-four against the treaties
Herr Kardoff read telegram stating that
Prince Bismarck did not intend to appear
during the debate.
Such crowds Of people gathered around
the Reichstag building IN the hope of see
ing Prince Bismarck enter that the police
had trouble 10 secure an entrance for the
ministers. Many bets were made on Prince
Bsmarck's appearance. Chancellor Won
Caprivi's speech is described as one of the
greatest masterpieces of oratory and states
manship ever heard in the Reichstag.
Prince Bismarck had full summary OF
the speech telegraphed TO him while the
Chancellor was still speaking.
The pose of the Chancellor during his
speech was the one he usually adopts-an
attitude like military statue, with
his hands resting on has sword,
and making not the slightest move
ment gesticuIation except at
rare intervals. lt WAS a strange sight
to see general In uniform laying down
the laws of commerce, industry and agTl-
culture before an assembly of landowners,
merchants aud Others. The Chancellor wax
somewhat hoarse. and many of the Dcpu-
ties crowded around him 10 hear his woi DIS
more distinctly. but his voice was audible
throughout the house.