The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1892-11-23
Sentiment

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 tine army bill and other
national matters. The ceremony Of
opening the session took place in the
knights hall of the royal palace, and
was performed with the utmost pomp
and splendor. Emperor William read
his speech opening the session. His
majesty In referring to foreign affairs
said:
ain view of the friendly relations
with all. powers and the consciousness
that in pursuing common end We
shall continue TO enjoy the eftectual
support OF the allied states, cherish
the hope that Germany will not bo dis
turbed in her peaceful endeavor to pro-
mote her ideal economic interests. AT
the same time the development oil the
military power OF other European
states imposes on US the serious, nay,
imperative duty OF strengthening the
defensive capacity of the empire by
thorough going 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 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. Unanimously fired
with this conviction, the federal powers
propose to you the adoption OF bill,
which, while modifying the peace
effective, renders possible the utiliza-
ton OF our defensive to its full extent.
In this matter you will not fail to recog-
nize the magnitude OF the sacrifice made
by the nation. You believe with me
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 be
borne for the honor and security Of the
fatherland.
'In order to tighten the burdens so
far as possible the period OF service III
the army will be reduced to the eX-
treme limit which from a military point
of view can be conceded. AT the same
time more extended training and the
employment Of younger men for the
military service will not only lessen the
much felt inequality in the fulfillment
Of military service, but will also dimin-
ish the economic military disadvant-
ages arising from the older class of mon
being called to serve. This class will
moreover get more relief than they en-
ioy under the existing system.
IN order to enable the federal states
to make Judiciary provision for the
means required tostrengthen the army,
it becomes necessary 10 open up new
sources Of revenue. With this object
bills will be placed before the Bundles
rath for the further taxation OF beer
or brandy and also Tor the further taxa
tion of bourse transactions"
In conclusion, his majesty said:
''In inviting you to enter upon your
labors know that an appeal to you that
you conduct your deliberations in q pa
triotic spirit is not necessary. The firm
will Of the action to safeguard the in
heritance OF our fathers, to secure peace
and to preserve for the fatherland its
most cherished possessions will, feel
convinced, lead to your agreement to
the 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
Rtrength.n