The record-union., 1893-07-05
Special to the REcoRD-UNIoN.

plodeS, Killing Iweuty-SIX PaSSen-
gers.
/ Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.
! BEELIN, July 4.-The Reichstag was
opened to-day by Emperor William.
/ The Emperor, attired in full military
uniform, proceeded directly to the dias,
which was erected to the right of the
press gallery. Bowing low, Chancellor
/ Won Caprivi handed the manuscript of
the imperial speech to the Emperor.
/ Holding himself erect, his majesty, in a
firm and clear voice, read as follows:
"Honored gentlemen, you have been
called in common to work for the Federal
! Government. 1 desire to welcome you
upon entering on your deliberations. A
| bill concerning the peace footing of the
army, which was submitted to the former
/ Reichstag, TO my regret did not find ap-
proval. 1t was the unanimous convic-
ton, shared by all my high confederates,
| that the empire no longer could afford to
renounce the development of the army
| system necessary to guarantee the future
safety Of the empire In the face Of the
! development OF military institutions, the
rejection of the army bill was bound to
lead to the resolution to dissolve the
Reichstag and order new elections.
''Since the first introduction of the army
| bill the political situation in Europe has
! experienced no change. The relations of
the empire with the other powers are
thoroughly friendly and free from all
clouds. The proportion of Germany's
organized military strength has, how
ever, changed for the worse during the
past year, when compared with that of
! our neighbors. If already Germany's ge-
! illogical position and historical develop
ments lay upon us the duty to maintain
a relatively strong army, then future
! increase in the military strength of the
empire becomes a forcibIe necessity to
satisfy the duties laid upon me by the
/ Constitution. l consider that all means
at our disposal must be utilized in order
| to establish an effective defense of the
! fatherland.
"You will receive Immediately a new
| bill regarding the peace footing of the
army, in which there will be taken into
account, as far as possible, certain de-
sires expressed during the discussion of
the late bill, consequently diminished
demands are made upon the personal
capacities and tax-bearing power of the
! people as far as possible, without endan-
gering the efficiency of the army. The
| empires interest requires, especially in
view of the end of the heptennate next
spring, that the bill be passed with the
utmost dispatch, so that the new recruit
calls may be made in the autumn on the
new basis. Delay would influence most
unfavorably our strength for more than
twenty years.
"With view to enabling you to dedi-
cate undivided attention to the discussion
of the bill, the Government will not in the
meantime introduce any other measures
l and my high confederates remain con-
vinced that the means for the new organ
ization can be procured without over
burdening the country, on the basis of
the financial bill introduced in the
Reichstag last autumn.
| AT the opening of the winter session a
bill will be presented directed to obtain
| ing means, according to the capability of
| the taxpayers. Until then the increased
costs will be covered by the federated
States, through matriculation payments.
"Gentlemen, with great sacrifice Ger
many has been united in one empire.
The Nation honors most those who
staked their blood. The prosperity of
this work, which led the fatherland to
prosperity, to a safeguard, the glorious
achievements of which God has blessed
US in our battle for independence, is our
last sacred duty. This duty we can only
fulfill if we make ourselves strono
enough to remain the surety for Europe's
peace. l trust you will not fail to give
me and my confederates your patriotic
sacrifices and willing support in striving
for these aims"
The Emperor's reference to the duty Of
the members of the Reichstag to preserve
and guard that which the Nation has
won was greeted with hearty cheers.
! When the Emperor had concluded his
written speech loud and prolonged ap-
plause greeted him.
His majesty stood waiting for Quiet to
be restored. and when he could be heard
he added few improvised remarks, saw
ing: Now then, go. The old God looks
upon you and will lend you his blessing
! to complete this honest work for the BEN
eft of the fatherland. Amen"
The Bavarian Minister called for three
cheers for the Emperor, and they were
given with hearty goodwill.
The uniform worn by the Emperor was
that of the Garde du Corps.
The members of the Social Democratic
| and Radical Peoples parties and some
Anti-Semitics were not present. Most of
the members of the Center or Catholic
party we're present, and there was a full
attendance of Government groups.