The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-11-23
WANTS A BIGGER ARMY.
Pathetic Appeal of Kaiser william for
More Troops.

Pathetic Appeal of Kaiser william foI
| More Troops.
| BERLIN, Nov. 23.-Great interest has
been manifested throu ghout Germany in
the speech that the emperor would make,
opening the ReichstaR yesterday, and the
Hnole nation mas been alert TO learn what
| His Majesty would have TO say concern
| ing the army bill and other national mat
ters. The ceremony of opening the ses-
sion took place in the knights hall of the
royal palace and was performed with the
utmost pomp and splendor. Emperor
William read his speech opening the ses-
| sion.
His Majesty, in referring to foreign
affairs, said: "In view OF the friendly re-
lations with all the powers and the con-
seriousness that in pursuing common
end we shall continue to enjoy the ef-
fectual support of the allied states,
cherish the hope that Germany will not
be disturbed in her peaceful endeavor to
promote her ideal economic interests. AT
the same time the development OF the
military power of other European states
imposes on US the serious, nay, impera-
tive duty OF strengthenin the defensive
capacity OF the empire by thorough going
measures.
SIN the face of these developments it Is
only by carrying out the tried principle
OF universal military service that we may
expect those qualities in our army on
which its strength and glory are based,
and which will maintain f-r Germany the
position OF honor she has occupied among
the Powers in the past. Unanimously
fired with this conviction, the Federal
Powers propose to you the adoption of q
bill which, while modifying the peace ef-
fectiye, renders possible the utilization of
our defensive to its full extent. In this
matter you will not fail to recognize the
magnitude Of the sacrifice made by the
nation. You believe with me that the ne
cessity for sacrifice will be increasingly
recognized, and that the prtriotism of the
nation will be ready to assume the bur-
dens that must be borne for the honor and
security OF the fatherland.
''ln order to tighten these burdens 80
far as possible, the period of service in the
army will be reduced to the extreme limit
which from q military point OF view can
be conceded. AT the same time q more
extended training and the employment of
younger men for the military service will
not only lesson the much-felt inequality
in the fulfillment Of military service, but
will also diminish the economic military
disadvantages arising from the older class
OF men being called to serve. This class
Will, moreover, get more relief than they
enjoy under the existing system. In order |
TO enable the Federal states to make bud |
getary provision for the means required |
to strengthen the army, 1t becomes neces-
sary to open up new sou -ces Of revenue. |
With this object, bills will be placed be- |
fore the Bundesrath for the further taxa
tion OF beer and brandy, and also for the |
further taxation of bourse transactions" |
In conclusion, His Majesty said 'In in
viting you to enter upon your labors I |
know that an appeal to you that you con-
duct your deliberations in q patriotic
spirit Is not necessary. The firm will of
the nation to safeguard the inheritance Of
our fathers, to secure peace and to pre-
serve for the fatherland its most cherish
ed possessions, WILL i feel convinced, lead
70 your agreement to the course proposed
by me and my high allies. Should this
come to pass, then the empire may regard
he future without anxiety, trusting In
3od and its own strength.