The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-12-11

Opening Of the Debate In the Reichstax-
Caprivf Changes His Tactics.
tC0pyrlght. 1902 by the Associated Press.1
BERLIN, Dec. 10.-On the eye of the first
reading of the army bill. Chancellor Won
Csprivi gave a parliamentary dinner that
was unique in character, as bringing to-
gether both members of the Reich
stag of all parties. except Socialists,
who mingie with Ministers. members of
the Bundezrath and high state officials. 1t
was o motley crowd. For the first time
leading journalists were invited to partske
a. such q banquet. Such various organs
as the North German Gazette. the Vossiche
Zeitung, the Tageblatt. the Post. the Lon
don Times and the Telegraph and
the Vienna Nue. Erie Presse sent their
representatives. all of whom re-
ceived . cordial greeting from the
Chancellor. IL was q memorable recog-
milton of the influence of the press, and
marked an epoch in the life of German
journalism. Among such a mixed throng
politics was little talked about. The Ahl-
wardt trial was the su bject of much con-
verssti0n. and advocate Munkel. Herr
loewe's counsel, had TO submit to much
good humored banter.
While the dinner was proceeding at the
Chanceiloire the Socialists were holding
meetings in every electoral district In Ber-
lin and protesting against the army bill.
Aggressive orations were delivered which
evoked frequent warnings from the police
who were present st the meetings. Resolu-
tons were adopted denouncing militarism
and urging the formation of n peoples mill
fia. A new feature OF she meetings was the
large attendance of women, who. by their
fervid enthusiasm. gave more trouble to
the police h their Socialist brothers
dared to cause
When the debate on tho army bill opened
In the Reichstag. to-day. the house was
crowded and the galleries were full of visit
ors. The tenor of the speeches from all sides
disclosed no uncompromislng hostility to
the measure. Major Won Honingen-Huene,
q member of the Central party, announced
that the Centrists were willing TO concede
the reduction OF o year IN the term of eerv-
lee. but were not prepared to increase the
strength of the standing army. His OPEN
Ing remarks seemed TO indicate downright
opposition TO the bill. but he altered his
tone as be proceeded. and admitted that
the measure would be hailed by the coun-
try as adding to the defensive strength of
the empire. and probably even as leading
10 an allevi6tlon OF the economic situation.
Re concluded by expressing the hope that
the Center party would arrive at On entente
with the government.
Herr Richter said the FreIsinnige party
would grant whatever funds were neCeSsa-
~ for the introduction of n system of two
years service. but added that the Chan
eellor would Fave to apply TO a more CON-
placent Reichstag than The present one to
obtain demands beyond that. de commended
that the bill would raise the extraordinary
budget to the extent of 200, 600 marks.
The two years service system, he said, was
desirable, but to increase the number of
men at such a cost was unnecessary.
The Chanceilor's response to the speeches
against the bill was mainly directed at
Herr Richter. and his language was sar-
castle. He styled Herr Richter an able po-
ltcsl statisticien. but said he was scarcely
IN o position TO offer q reliable opinion on
the details of q military system. On this
subject views that were authoritative in
the highest military circles must have the
most weight. $50 convinced am L."
said the Chancellor. "of the necessity of
she bill for the continued existence OF
Germany that il the Relohstag wished TO
throw upon me Its own responsibility, i
would TRANQUILITY accept It" This state
ment was greeted with cheers Confirm
ing, the Chancellor said under the pr0vis-
ions of the bill sixty thousand young men
would be yearly added To the army. so that
IN q few years 10000 more men would be
zeady TO take the field against Q hostile
ermy This statement also eiicited
cheers. The Chancellor appealed 20 the
house not TO throw the country into con-
fusion by rejecting the measure.
General Won NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. de-
clared that Germany must be prepared 20
enter at any moment into a final war which
would dwarf ali preceding wars in the mag
nirnde of the forces engaged and of the is
sues TO be decided IL was imperative
that every man IN Germany able 20
bear arms should be ready TO respond
when called. The bill was q measure of su-
preme necessity and demanded no sacrifice
that the patriotism OF the nation should
Dot be willinBto grant and no sacrifice
greater than what other nations were
making IN preparation fof the mighty
struggle that might 1t any time be-