The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-07-03
The New Rcichstar Meets.

1ne Now hctchstaR Meets
This week the Reichstag Just elected
will assemble, and, after presiding officers
have been chosen, the Army bill, which
already has been remodeled by the Bundles
rath. or Federal Senate. on the lines OF the
HuENE amendment will be laid before the
peoples representatives. The debate on
the measure will not take place until 1t has
been referred to committee and reported
back to the House; but meanwhile the in
terchange OF opinions among the Deputies
and the caucuses Of the several factions
will indicate the fate OF the project
The still uncertain factors are three.
These are the Polish members. who num-
Der nineteen; the Anti-Semites. who, In
stead OF the six seats they had In the last
Reichstag. now have sixteen; and tho
twelve Unionist Radicals representing that
section OF the Freisinnige party which
seeded because 1t could no. concur with
Herr RICHTER In uncompromlsing opposi-
tion to the military project no matter
what amendments might DO accepted by
the Government. Lot US look first at the
last-named element. which. it has been as
sumed somewhat hastily. Is certain to sup
port the measure framed by the Federal
poh"pVs VI III oJucI WOIuS, but Olu
modified by tho HUENE amendment. which
merely cut down the number OF additional
soldiers called under the colors. but left 1t
still optional with tho military authorities
to enforce three years term or two years
term OF service. Now. those members Of
the Freisinnige party who at present call
themselves Unonist Radicals. never agreed
in the last Relchstag to consider the COM
promise proposed by Baron Won HuENE
satisfactory. On the contrary, they in
sisted on an amendment suggested by
Major H1NzE. which made the reduction OF
the term Of service to two years compul-
sorry. This further concession it was
which Chancellor CAPR1vI was at the last
moment inclined to make. but which was
vehemently repudiated by the Emperor.
Even had the Kaiser himself assented. it
is at least possible that he might havo
estranged the Conservatives. who deem
three years service indispensable to the
training Of q soldier. That the Unionist
Radicals have changed their minds with
regard to this important question there Is
no proof whatever. What evidence there is
points the other way, for some Of their
newspaper organs assert that the Govern
ment ought not only to content itself with
two years term. but also to pledge it.
self solemnly not to seek to impose any adj
ditional military burdens hereafter. AS
the Kaiser is not likely TO do either Of these
things. the attitude Of the twelve Unionist
Radicals can scarcely as yet be predicted
with absolute confidence.
OF the Anti-Semites about two-thirds are
reckoned In the Government forces. This
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party are not alive to the causes of the
wonderful growth evinced by their organ
ization. which cast half million votes at
tho recent election. and threw even the
progress OF socialism into the shade. II
this growth Is to continue. IL anti-Semit-
ism is to become what BISMARCK hoped it
would be. successful rival OF socialism.
the organizers OF the former movement
must be quick to recognize the popular
wishes and ideas. 1t Is unquestionablo
that among the masses Of artisans. small
traders. and peasants. from whom alone
the Anti-Semitic propagandists have
chance OF gaining adherents. the Army bill
Is an object Of aversion. and some Of the
Anti-Semitic members could not have been
elected had they not promised to oppose 1t.
A part Of this faction, therefore. is acknowl
edged even by the Chancellor's organs as
likely to vote against his project. We come.
lastly. to the Poles. who always hitherto
have been accustomed to cast their whole
party vote In the Reichstag according to the
decision arrived at by majority in a eau
Gus. What the caucus will do is not yet
known. because a majority is claimed by
both the friends and the opponents OF the
Army bill. We are likely to have more light
upon this point before the present week Is
ended. II the Poles determine in their eau
Gus to vote collectively against the measure.
it cannot be carried. On the other hand.
their unanimous support would not abso-
lutely insure success. In the absence OF CO.
operation on the part OF the Unionist Rad
icals and most OF the Anti-Semites.
Sufficient doubt still hangs over the future
Of the Army bill to make the next week or
two period Of unusual excitement. and to
keep the eyes Of Europe fastened on Berlin.