Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-12-11
GERMAN TREATIES
Occupy the Attention Of the ReichStag
for a While.
ALL COMBINE AGAINST AMERICA
Is the Advice of CapriH to EurOpe-He FavOrs
the Reduction of the Import Tsrifs-Social-
ist Members Oppose the Treaties.
Bismarck VIII Not Appear,

BERLIN. December 1O.-In the Reich
stag to-day Chancellor Won Caprivi
opened the debate on the new CONNER
cial treaties. He made strong appeal
in favor of their adoption. The present
import and export relations, he declar-
ed, would ruin both the employers and
employees. The commercial measures
under discussion, therefore, We're nee
essary TO preserve Germany's husbandry
and commerce.
Continuing, the Chancellor said that
the immediate effect OF the treaties
upon the finances Of the Empire would
be a dimunition in revenue amounting
to nearly 1S,OOO,0 900 marks. This was q
matter that required budget consider
alton. In regard to the question OF the
differential treatment OF countries, not
included in the treaties, those countries
having most favored national treatment
of Germany would receive the benefits
of the treaties.
Regarding other countries, negotia-
lions were about to open whereby Ger
many would endeavor 10 obtain conceS-
sions. 1t was needless TO speak Of Rus
STA. The lamentable distress that pre-
vailed in that country, causing stop
page of exports, would not be removed
for some time, and il was useless to dis
cuss what would be done afterward. AS
regards the United States, the govern
ments had decided TO continue TO take
their stand on the basis OF the arrange
mentS OF 1885, whereby the United
States received most faYord national
treatment.
In any case, the government had no
intention to make further reduction
of tariffs. In the meantime the federal
governments firmly wthstood all at
tacks. In connection with alleged dis
tress in Germany, the Chancellor said
he was likely to see that the agricultur-
lists had done more to maintain duties
than the government, especially in the
Eastern provinces, where protective
tariffs were of effect, if anywhere.
Nevertheless if it had not been for
these tariffs an agricultural crisis would
have come upon the country which
might have lasted for years. Farmers,
TO whatever party they belonged, must
be reckoned among the elements by
which the State was upheld. The agri-
culture of the country could very well
bear without risk Il reduction in tariff
rate Of one and O half marks. Tie rails
ing OF the rate TO FIVE marks had been
an experiment which had answered the
purpose of the Federal Governments.
In fact, it had been considered how
far tariff rates effecting agriculture
could be reduced without injury to the
county. In the matter of wine, IL had
been the aim to create sharp cOmpeti-
ton against artificial wines, schnapps,
and the so-called "French clarets," so
as to provide on German soil, a battle
field for Italian wines, as against those
Of France.
The reduction in duties on neces-
saries of life was Of advantage to the
working people. He concurred in the
saying of Chaplain Stoecker, 1--WE must
not only go forth against undue claims
OF workmen, but we must make ad-
vances toward them"
Adverting to the Mckinley bill, the
Chancellor said: eve wish the cOun-
tries Of Europe to preserve their indie
pendence against America. For this
purpose they must unite together. The
treaties just concluded will give a sure
guarantee for the future"
Herr ReichenSperger, Centrist, said
he hoped that the treaties, in view OF
their economic and political strengthen
ing Of the Empire, would be agreed to
with as great unanimity as possible.
Herr Won Kanitz, conservative, OPP
posed the Chancellor's policy. He said
he regretted that the negotiations
showed that they had only free trade
counsellors. He looked forward to the
ruin of the German agriculturist. He
himself, as lana owner, would rather
submit to adverse fate than associate
himself with transactions irreconcillable
with his conscience.
The Chancellor responded that he had
been aided by the same advisers that
assisted Prince Bismarck, and that he
must repel most emphatically the insin-
uation that any instructions issued from
the Chancelloric had not his full APP
proval.
The debate was adjourned. At a
meeting of the Conservative members of
the Reichstag - voted in favor of and
"a against the treaties. Herr Karliff
read telegram stating that Prince Bis
marck did not intend to appear during