New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-11-23
THE REICHSTAG OPENED.
EMPEROR WILLIAMS SPEECH FROM THE
THRONE

THE PASSAGE OF THE NEW ARMY BILL URGED
PROVISIONS TO TIGHTEN THE BURDENS
OF MILITARY SERVICE.
Berlin, Nov. 22-Great interest has been mani
tested throughout Germany In the speech that the
Emperor would make in opening the Reichstas to-
day, and the Whole Nation has been alert 10
learn what His Majesty woulo say concerning the
Army bill and other National matters The
ceremony of opening the session took place IN
the Knights hall OF tie Royal Palace, and
performed with great pomp and spendor.
Emperor William read his speech opening the
session. lis Majesty, III referring 10 Iorelsu
affairs, said
In view of our friendly relations with all the
Powers, and the cCnsc,ousness that in pursuing
common end we shall continue to enjoy the efectual
support Of the allied States, | cherish the hope
that Germany will not be disturbed in her peace
fl endeavOr TO promote her ideal economic
interests. At tie same time the development
Of the military power of other European States
imposes on Us the serious, nay, imperative, duty
Of strengthening the defensive capacity Of the
Empire by thororghaong measures
In the face OF these developments it is only
by carrying out the tried principle of universal
military service that we may expect those quail
ties in our army on which its strength and glory
are based, AMI which Will maintain for 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 adol ton Of bill which. while modifying
the peace effective. renders possible the utiza-
ton of our defensive to its full extent. In this
matter you Will not fail TO recognize the magni-
tude of the sacrifice made by the Nation. You
believe with that the necessity for sacrifice will
be increasingly recognized, and that the patriotism
of the Nation will be ready to assume the burdens
that must te borne for the honor and security
Of the Fatierland.
an order to tighten these burdens far
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 extended training and the en-
poyment of younger men for the military service
will not only lessen the much-fclt inequality IN
tie fuhment of military service, but VIII also
diminish the economic military Disadvantages
arising from the older class of men being called
70 serve. This class will, moreover, get more re-
lief 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 II becomes necessary 70
open up new sources of revenue. With this OBJ
icct bills will be placed before the Bundesrath for
the further taxation Of beer and brandy, and also
for the further taxation of Bourse Transactions
LII conclusion the Emperor said In inviting
you 70 enter upon your labors | know that an ap-
peal 70 you that you conduct your deliberations
in a patriotic spirit is not necessary. The firm
will of the Nation 10 safeguard the inheritance Of
our fathers to secure peace, and to preserve for
the Fatherland its most cherished possessions
will, | feel convinced, lead TO your agreement 10
the course proposed by me and my nigh allies.
Should this come to pass, then the Umpire may
regard the future without anxiety, trusting III
God and its own strength
Chancellor Won [aprivi, the members Of the
BundesTath, and nearly all the members of the
Rcichstag We're present at the ceremony Of open
ing the session of the Rechstag.
du Corps. As he entered the hall three cheers
were given for him. He proceeded direct to the
throne, on which he seated himself Prince
Albrecht and Prince Frederick Leopold stood
beside him. His Majesty read his speech without
With the exception of his reference to Ger
manys friendly foreign relations, the Emperor's
speech was eoldIv received ny the evening papers.
Tie National Zeitunc" complains that the speech
contained nothing new In regard to the Army bill.
The .ltra-C Conservative KIeuz IeitunC" says thai
all unpreiudiced person can scarcely obtain from
tie speech any other Impression than that tho
ratheS in need Of economy than Of new and large
demands The FOssSchc Xeitung' says that the
speeC. confirms the statement made at the opening
Of the Diet, that the economic situation OF the
country i unsatisfactory
The discussion OF the Governments taxation re-
form proposals continued in the lower house
OF the Prussian Diet to-day. Herr Huenc de-
car,d that the Ccntrists would not support
panied by measure for electoral reform He ap-
proyed the transfer Of the taxation real prop
ertv TO the communal authorities, but said that
the property tax must be modified.