Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-01-13
CAPRIYI GIVES REASONS
For the New German Army BIl-A Strong
Presentation.

Presentation.
BERLIN, January 12.-Chancellor Won
Caprivi last night attended meeting, OF the
| Reichstag meeting of twenty-eight appoint
ed to consider the army bill, and made an
important speech, setting forth the necessl-
ty for the adoption Of the bill without
change or modification. Referring TO the
relations existing between Germany and
Russia, the Chancellor declared that there
was no enmity between Emperor William
and the Car, and neither was there any
enmity between the two governments.
| With regard to the relations between
France and Bussia, Chancellor Won Capri
| vi said that probably an entente III regard
| to military arrangements existed between
those two countries. He then referred TO
the possibility Of an attack being made up
on the nations composing the triple alIlance
1 Germany, Austria and Italy-and SAID
| that If such an attack was made the cnleI
onslaught of the attacking forces would
dou btless be directed against Ger
many as the strongest member OF the Crel-
bund. Experience had shown that When
war threatened, it was best for Germany 10
take the offensive. To do that would re-
! quire that the armies Of the triple alliance
have considerable numerical superiority.
AS matter of fact the triple alliance was
in the minority in point Of numbers. Ger
many's long eastern frontier especially,
could only be protected by employing OIL
fensive tactics. An offensive policy was
good policy. 1t meant short wars win
quick victories and lasting results. AlItnls
could be obtained by assumingthe offensive.
Germany's present forces would no longer
suffice against the increased strength OF
their might-be opponents. The govern
ment, therefore, would not be able to take
the responsibility of the future defense OF
country unless the ornaments were IN
creased.
AS has been before stated the opposition
to the Army bill is in a great measure
based upon the increased taxation that
will be untailed. The share TO be borne by
Prussia of the current extra expenditure
involved by the bill amounts to 45,924,o2I
marks, of which only 43, 5lS,6O3 marks Will
be demanded as a first instalment. Inc
rest will be used in the future for the en-
largement of the schools for cadets and
non-commissioned officers and other OBJ
jects. OF the extraordinary expenditure,
which amounts 10 81, 900 marks, 6,S0O,-
900 marks are to be contributed by Bavaria,
and the remaining 81 100000 marks divided
between Prussia, Saxony and Wurtemburg
The proposed increase in the strength OF
the army by ,S57 non-commissloned offi-
GERS and 72,037 privates is to be divided
partly amongst new and partly amongst
old organizations.
Apart from the estimated increase in the
army, the removal Of the ''recruten vacanzp
that is, the period between the dismissal OF
one batch of recruits and the enrolment OF
the next-is equivalent TO fresh yearly
increase in Prussia's contingent alone OF
1850 non-commissioned officers and 4,52o
privates.
The Chancellor's speech was listened TO
with the closest attention. His presenta-
ton Of the facts upon which the Govern
meut bases its demands was lucid and
forceful and will undoubtedly have much
effect upon the report the committee will
submit TO the Reichslag.