Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-11-23
The Kaiser Opens the German
Reichstag in a Speech
From the Throne.
IT'S OPENING IS PACIFIC,
But he Says the Need of a Strong
Army Measure Is Imperative.
MORE CORRUPTION IN FRANCE.
Abeille's Charged With Bribing Dumas and
the Papers.
TIE MONETARY CONFERENCE OPENS

BERLIN, Nov. 22-Great interest has
been 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 was
performed with the utmost pomp and
splendor. Emperor William read his
speech, opening the session. His Majesty,
In referring to foreign affairs, said:
In view of the friendly relations with all
the powers and the consciousness that in
pursuing a common end we shall continue
90 enjoy the effectual supper. of the allied
States, l cherish the hone that Germany will
not be disturbed in her peaceful endeaver to
promote her ideal economic interests. At
the same time the development of the mill
tary power OF other European States i'm
poses on US the serious-nay, imperative
duty yofstrengthening of the defensive capacity
OF the Empire by thoroughgoing measures.
Further Sacrifices Are Necessary
In the face of these developments, it is
only by carrying out the tried principle of
universal military servic- that we may
expect those qualities in our army on which
its strength and glory are based, and which
will maintain for Germany the position of
honor she has occupied among the powers
in the past
Unsnimously fired with this conviction,
the federal powers propose to you the adop-
tlon of bill, which, while modifying the
peace effective, renders possible the utiliza-
tion of our defensive arm 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
w
recognized, aud that the patriotism of the
nation will be ready to assume the burdens
that must be borne for the honor and secur-
lty OF the Eatherland.
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 con-
ceded. At the same time a more extended
training and the employment of younger
men for the military service will not only
lessen the much-felt inequality in the fulfill
ment OF military service, but will also
diminish the economic military disadvan-
tRgcs arising from the older class of men
being called to serve, This class will, more
over, get more relief than they enjoy under
the existing system.
New Methods of Taxation.
In order to enable the federal States to
make budgetary provision for the means re-
CURED to strengthen the army it becomes
necessary to open 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
In inviting you to enter upon your la bors,
] know that q" appeal to you that you con.
duct your deliberations in a patriotic spirit
is not necessary The firm will of the nation
TO safeguard the inheritance of our fathers
TO secure peace and to preserve for the
FatheTland its most cherished possessions,
will, feel convinced, lead to your agree
ment TO tile course proposed by me and my
high allies. Should this come to pass then
the Empire may regard the future without
anxiety, trusting in God and its own
strength.
Emperor William wore the uniform of
the Garde du Corps. AS he entered the hall
he was given three cheers. He proceeded
direct to the throne, on which he seated
himself He read his speech without dofing
his helmet
Excepting his reference to Germany's
friendly foreign relations, the Emperor's
speech was coldly received by the evening
papers. The ultra-Conservative Kre,1ze
Zeitan9 says that an unprejudiced person
can scarcely obtain from the speech any
other impression than that the Empire
under the present economic conditions is
rather in need of economy.