Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-11-23
ROYAL SPLENDORS
Accompany the Opening of the
German Reichstag.
THE KAISER IN GORGEOUS ROBES

Plesdi With His Parliament to Give Him
IN Amy Capable of Licking France, II
NeceSsary.-No Sign of War Yet, But
Eternal Vigilance and Plenty of Rifles
she Price of Continued Safe'y-Desorip-
ticn OF the Imperial Procession Into the
Chamber.
BERLIN, Nov. 23.-The reichstag-the
German parliament-which is to wrestle
with the military question that now claims
the attention Of the empire, was opened
yesterday by the emperor in person. The
rittersaal OF the royal castle at this cere-
mony showed probably the most impressive
spectacle that has been seen in Europe for
years. The area around the throne was
thronged with deputies and officers in then
gorgeous robes and uniforms. The scarlet
coats Of the Knights of ST. John and the
brilliant vestments Of the Catholic prelates
mingled with the sober Geneva gowns of
the Lutherans and the richly embroidered
uniforms of the heralds, relieved by the
plain black and white of the regulation
evening dress, formed picture that will
never be effaced from the memories OF
those present
The kaiser's Retinue Comes.
The sudden cessation OF conversation and
the direction OF general attention to the
great doors indicated the arrival Of those
who were the central attraction of all.
Amid an impressive silence Count Caprivi
entered He was attired in the white uni
form Of general, his breast covered with
decorations and medals. He was immedi-
ately followed by the federal council and
he retired to the left OF the throne beside
the president minister of Bavaria, Baron
Won Crailsheim. Following came the
veteran company of the castle guard.
The historical giants of the Prussian army
led the imperial procession and filed be
tween the throne and the deputies-a fact
which caused a socialist present to whisper
to his neighbors that it was suggestive
incident. Scarlet coated pages with DOW
dered hair, and handsome young sprigs Of
nobility followed.
Kaiser BilIy's Imposing Appearance.
After them came the household officials
and ministers, with a bevy of generals in
gorgeous uniforms Among them was
borne cushion of cloth of gold supporting
the royal insignia. Then came the en-
peror, wearing a silver helmet with the
Imperial eagle, a crimson velvet mantle
with black cage embroidered on it, and
white uniform The emperor, as he slowly
advanced toward the throne, presented a
most imposing and dignifed appearance.
The president of the reichstaG, Herr Won
Levetzow, called for cheers for the emperor
and his call was answered with force that
shook the b I'll. The emperor smiled and
bowed his acknowledgements. Behind the
emperor came the princes of the federation,
with crimson cages and III silver helmets.
Grouped Around the Throne.
The procession was grouped instantly
with military precision round the throne.
The emperor was seated upon dais, APP
preached by three steps which were car
peted with purple velvet and canopied with
cloth of gold, emblazoned with black
eagles. AT the right hand of the throne
were the empress and crown prince and be
hind them the chief representatives of the
reigning family, all wearing the insignia
of the Order Of the Black Eagle They
were surrounded by generals of the army
bearing the sword of the realm, the sceptre
and ball. General Schiehein, fianked by
two generals with drawn swords, carried
the banner of the realm. Supported by
Field Marshal General Won Blumenthal,
baton in hand, the emperor advanced two
steps and Count Caprivi, with profound
Obeisance, handed the speech to him The
emperor received it with bow and pro-
eeeded to read it in clear, resonant voice
SUBSTANCE OF THE SPEECH. y
Enr tn Ann ssxf .-fl