Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-11-23
THE RslcAsTAe OPENED.
Emperor Williams Speecb-The Army
Bili-Fur;her Taxation.

TBy nglo-American cable 10 she Dispatch.l
BERLIN. November The ceremony Of open-
ing the session Of the ReIchstag took place in the
knights Hall Of the Royal Palace, and was per-
formed with the utmost pomp and splendor.
The Emperor William read his speech opening
the session. In referring TO foreign affairs, he
said 4" In view OF the friendly relations existing
with all powers, and the consuousness that Ia
pursuing a common end, we shall continue TO
euiOy the effoCtual support OF she allied States,
cherish the hope that Germany VIII not
be disturbed In her peaceful endeayor 10 pro-
mote her economic interests. At the same time
the development OF the military power OF other
European states imposes on US the serioue-nay,
inperative-duty OF strengthening the defensive
ca pacity Of the empire by thoroughgoing
measures. In the face OF these Developments u
IL only by carrying out the tried principle OF
universal military service that we may e1pect
those qualities in our army on which its strength
and glory are based. and which viii maintain
for Germany the position OF honor she has occu-
pied among powers in the past. Unanimously
fired with THIS convictien, the federal powers
propose 10 you the adoption OF bill which.
while modifying the peace effective, renders pos
sibls the utilization OF our defensive 70 its tuli
extent.
"In this matter you will not fail TO recognize
the magnitude Of the sacrifice made by the na-
ton. You believe with me that the necessity
for the sacrifice will be increasingly recognized,
and that the patriotism OF the nation viii be
ready to assume burdens that must be borne Tor
tho honor and security OF the Fatnerland. In
order TO tighten theee burdens as far as possible
the period OF service In the army will be re-
duced 10 tho extreme limit, which, from the
military point Of view, can be conceded.
At the some time, tho more extended training
and employment OF our younger men Tor military
service Will not only lessen the much-felt ine-
quality In the tulhlmsnt OF military service, but
win also diminish the econoDc military dsad"
vantages arising from the older class OF men be-
Ing called 20 serve. This class will get more re-
lief than they enjoy under the existing system
''In order 90 enable the Federal states 10
make budgetary provision for the means re-
quired 10 strengthen the army, IL becomes necss-
sary 20 open up new sources OF revenue. ana
with this OBJECT bills will be placed before the
Bundesrath for further taxation Of beer and
brandy, and also for further taxation or
BOurse transactions"
In conclusion the Emperor said: "In in
vtting You to enter upon your labors, know N at
an appeal 70 you that you conduct your delibera-
tions IN patriotic spirit Is not necessary. Tho
iirm will OF the nation 20 safeguard the inbsrit-
ance Of our fathers, TO secure peace and 70 pre-
serve for the Fatherland its most cherished pos
sessions. will, | feel convinced, lead 10 your
agreement TO the course proposed by me and my
high allies. should this come 70 pass, then the
empire may regard the future without anxiety,
trusting I'm God and its own strength
With the exception OF bis reference 20 Germa-
nys friendly foreign relations, tho Emperor 5
speech was cOldly received by tho evening pa
speech contains nothing new IN regard to tue
army bill Tue n-ccuseryatiye, preludiced
person can scarcely obtain from the speech any
other impression than that the empire, uDder
present economic conditions, ~ rather IN need
Of economy than OF new and large demands.