The record-union., 1891-03-15
GERMAN AFFAIRS.

A Deputation From Alsace-Lorrafne
Visits the Emperor.
copyright, 1891, by n. Y. Associated Press.
BERLIN, March IA deputation, con-
sisting OF members of the Alsace-Lorrain
Parliament, was given an audience by EN-
peror William to-day. His Majesty re-
ceived the deputation in full state.
The leaders of the deputation read pc
tition, and the document was then de-
posted at the foot of the throne.
Addressing the deputation, the EN-
peror said: ''It is source of satisfaction
that the provincial committee has applied
directly to me on the question of the first
importance and of interest to Alsace-
Lorraine. / perceive in this fact valuable
evidence of the increasing appreciation OF
favor and sympathy shown by me in the
progress of our country. i also willingly
accept your assurances that the people of
Alsace-Lorraine will continue to take
their stand on the ground of the legal or
der OF things, and that they will reject
any interference on the part of the for
eign element, and only look to the en-
pire to protect their interests.
In rendering you my thanks for this
expression of your loyalty / regret to be
unable for the present to comply with your
wishes in regard to the relaxation of the
passport system in Alsace-L Lorraine. /
must confine myself to an expression of
hope that the date is not far distant when
it will be permissible to again grant facili-
ties for intercourse on the western
frontier OF your province. The hone will
be earlier realized the more the people of
Alsace-Lorraine become convinced of the
dissolubility of the ties uniting them with
Germany, and the more strongly they
prove by their deeds and their resolutions
n a a tiroaa Sto f,it ,f,l1 4
fiinchingly by me and the empire"
The Emperor afterwards gave private
audience to Herr Schlumbereer. Presi-
dent Of the deputation. He made ,keen
inquiries as to his views regarding the
progress OF an attempt to Germanize the
province.
In an interview with a representative
of the Associated Press, DIR. Otto, Secre-
tary of the Seputation, said that since
1888 AlSace Lorraine had been rapidly
becoming more friendly with Germany.
The people believed that the province
should cease to be treated as conquered
country. Their expectations had been
partly reallzed, but renewal of the
stringent passport regulations had fallen
like thunderbolt. Nevertheless the
Emperor was extremely popular, and
had now the complete confidence of the
Alatians who, being Germans, would
soon be reconciled with Germany. The
people of Lorraine still remained hostile.
They were celts, and still in sympathy
with the French.
The renewal of friendly relations be-
tween the Emperor and Prince Bismarck
approaches certainty. The Emperor will
visit kiel at the end of the month. and
procedd thence to Altoona, where he will
review the ninth army corps. Waldersee.
on recent visit to F'redericksrue. con-
veyed request from the Emperor to
m nQt RiSrN -y.l- Oft A
Bismarck has not yet given assent to
the resumption of direct communication
with the Emperor.
Bismarck's reply to the electors of
Geestemunde as to his candidacy for the
Reichstag states that he will accept. but
reserves the right to refuse if the major
lty returning him is not sufficient, The
socialists will oppose him.
President Herr Levelzow, of the Reich
stag, IN announcing the death of Dr..
Wlndthorst, pronounced eulogy upon
the dead statesman, eXtolling his unceas-
ing activity and personal influence of all
sides of the House. He declared that
scarcely anyone would be SO missed in
the Reichstag as DIR. Windthorst There
is any amount of gossip regarding the
prospective reorganization Of the Minis
try, but nothing definite.
The report that Miguel will succeed Ca
prlv1 as Chancellor is generally discred-
tied. Mlgue's nomination would imply
the Emperor's full adhesion to labor
reforms and liberal measures for relief of
workingmen.