The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-05-08
Germany Fears 1t Will Weaken
the Triple Alliance.
THE ARMY MUST BE REDUCED.
Emperor William Still Refuses to Be
RecOnciled to His Mother.
Russian Hostility to Germany-Bismarck
Said to Have Made Peace with the
Emperor The Anelomaniacs - A
Worlds Fair at Berlin Proposed.

RoME, May Tt Is reported that King
Humpe-t requested Giolitti, who led the
attack which resulted in the downfall of
the ministry, to form new cabinet, but
Giolitti refused to undertake the task until
the king consulted with ex-Premier Crispi
and Signor Zanardelli in regard to the
matter. 1t is thought Giolitti will form a
cabinet pending an appeal to the country.
BERLIN, May THE government awaits
with considerable anxiety the solution of
the Italian ministerial crisis. Although
the triple alliance last year was prolonged
till 1897. it is all-important that the sue
cessor to Rudini be man who will give a
genuine, and not merely verbal adhe-
sion. Official advices point to the
selection of Signor Giolitti as Rudini's sue
cessor. The North German Gazette says that
Giolitti has the entire support of Crispi
and Rudini in his foreign policy, and
would not allow any reduction in the war
budget or diminution of the military
forces. Despite this assurance, official
circles undoubtedly fear that Italy's eco-
nomic weakness will be- a drag upon effec-
tive action as an ally. The crisis is likely
to alter the arrangements for the meeting
of Emperor William and King Humbert.
The situation causes decided weakness
on the bourses, both here and at Vienna,
as Rudini's defeat is felt here to have an
import far beyond Italy's domestic in
terests.
There is little doubt that the suggestion has
been made from Rome that Italy must reduce
her military establishment to help her through
her present financial difficulties The proposed
reduction has been estimated all the way from
two army corps to one-thlrd of the peace force
King Humbert and Premier de Rudini are
said to have contended that the loss of two
army corps would not lessen materially Italy's
value to the triple alliance. The moral effect of
such a reduction, however, would be very great,
especially in view of the menaces of Russia on
the German and Austrian frontier, and the new
difficulties threatened by Bulgaria's prospective
demand for recognition. In case of war be-
tween Italy and France alone, the proposed
change would probably be fatal to Italy. Italy
is thought to contemplate the reduction, never
theess, as she feels certain that she could
reckon upon the unconditional support of Ger
many in the conflict German statesmen, how
ever, including Prince Bismarck, say it is about
time to let Italy understand that she will not be
able to enjoy the benefits of the triple alliance
in peace and war unless she accepts her share OF
the burden. The emperor also feels strongly
on the subject, and will point out to Kiug Hum
bert during the latters visit in Berisn that Italy
cannot shirk the full responsibilities while en-
ioying the greatest benefits of the peace alliance.
Whether the italian army be reduced or not.
the present display OF Italy's weakness will
react forcibiy on Germany. Since the first news
of the Italian cabinet crisis reached Berlin the
emperor has pushed forward with all haste the
work on the new plan of reorganization and in
crease of the German army. The plan will be
laid before the reichstag at its next session. and
VIII be demand for more men and more taxes.
The increase in men will be, it is said, about
5000 or 60,000 with or without an accompany
ing provision for the shortening of the term of
service to two years. The reform OF the
artillery and other changes are likely to
cost 12O,OOo,OOO marks. Nor will the COM
ing increase of expenditure end here,
says Prince Bismarck in the Hamburger
Ndchrichten Should a war break out sud
denly, an inspired article says Germany would
be obliged to lend Austria and Italy money for
the mobilization of the armies. At the break
ing out of the Franco-Prussian war Germany
exhausted her sources OF income in preparing
for the field, aud since then she has not grown
so rich as to have money enough to move two
other armies into the field, especially in view
of the curtailment OF her revenue through the
zollverein treaties. The emperor is much irri-
tated by such hostile comments Of the press
upon the mere rumor of an intended increase in
the army. but he is not convinced. The officers
OF the grand general staff are unanimous in
fayoring the increase, which, they say, becomes
more imperative with the arrival OF every addi-
tional regiment on the Russian frontier. The
emperor declines to listen to arguments
OF Liberals that the country can bear no more
axes aud says it is the business of his minister
of finance to find all the money necessary to the
safety of the empire. Count Caprivi supports
the emperor in this attitude, aud If he be per-
suaded TO retain office until next winter, will
throw the whole weight of his personality on
the side of the bill. The government will be
willing, it is said, to make almost any conces-
sion, even to the Clericals to secure a majority.
The emperor has already given party leaders to
understand tha. the rejection or substantial
alteration of the bill will result in the dissou-
ton OF the reichstag. The government will
then appeal to the country on purely patriotic
grounds, conducting Its campaign on the lines
laid out by Prince Bismarck IN similar emer-
gencies,