The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-11-23
SPEECH BY THE KAISER.

His Majesty Opens the Reichstag and Pleads
for His Military Bill.
BERLIN, Nov. 22--Great interest has heeu
manifested throughout Germany in the
speech that the Emperor would make in
opening the Reichstag to-day and the
whole nation has been alert to learn what
his Majesty would have to say concerning
the army bill and other national matters.
The ceremony of opening the session took
place in the Knights Hail of the ROYAL
Palace. and was performed with the ut
most pomp and splendor. Emperor William
read bis speech opening the session. His
Majesty. in referring to foreign affairs. said:
I'm view of the friendly relations with
all the powers, and the consciousness that
In pursuing common end We shall con-
tinue to enjoy the ettectual support OF the
allied states. cherish the hope that Ger
many will not be disturbed in her peaceful
endeavor to promote her ideal economic
interesta. At the Same time the develop
ment of the military power of other Euro
pean states imposes on us the serious, nay.
imperative dnty of strengthening the do
oughgoing measures. In the face Of these
developments it 10 only by carry
ing ont the tried principle OF
universal military service that we
.
on which it's strength and glory are based,
and which will maintain for Germany the
position of honor she has occupied anon
the powers In the past. Unanimously fired
with this conviction, the federal powers
propose TO you the adoption of bill which.
while modifying the peace effective. rem
ders possible the utilization of our de-
fensive 70 its full extent In this matter
you will not fail to recognize the magnI-
tude of the sacrifice made by the nation.
nm hall haf ha ~ or
sacrifice will be increasingly recognized.
and that the patriotism of the nation will
be ready TO assume the burdens that must
be borne for the honor and security of the
fatherland.
''In order to tighten these burdens so far
as possible the period of service in the
army will be reduced to the extreme limit
which. from military point of view, can
be conceded. At the same time a more ex-
tended training and the employment of
younger men for the military will not only
lessen the much-felt inequality in the full
fillment of military service, but will also
diminish the economic military disadvant-
ages arising from the older class OF men be-
over. get more relief than they enjoy under
the existing system. In order to enable the
federal states TO make budgetary provision
for the means required to strengthen the
army, 1t becomes necessary to open uD new
sources OF revenue. With this object bills
will be placed before the Bundesrath for
the further taxation of beer and brandy,
and also for the further taxation of bourse
transactions.
I'm inviting you to enter upon your
labors / know that an appeal to you that
You conduct your alterations in a patrl-
otto spirit is not necessary. The firm will
of the nation 10 safeguard the inheritance
of our fathers. to secur peace and to pre-
serve for the fatberland the most cherished
possessions will. feel. convince you and
lead to your agreement TO the course pro-
posed by me and my high allies. should
this come to pass, then the empire may re-
gard the future without anxiety. trusting
IN God and it's own strength"
Chancellor Won Caprlvi. the members of
the Bundrsrath and nearly all the men,
beers of the Reichstag were present at the
ceremony of opening the session. Emperor
William wore the uniform of the Garde
du Corps. As he entered tho hall he was
given three cheers. Prince Albrecht and
Prince Frederick Leopold stood beside him.
His Majesty read his speech without DON
ming his helmet.