The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-17
rnE eossrr OF Berlin.
Opposition TO the Financial Proposals.
Germany and Russia.

Germany and Russia.
BERLIN. Oct. is-Semi-official news
pspers say that the complete financial
proposals OF the government will be laid
before the Reichstag when the deputies re-
assemble on November %. These propos-
ais are SAID to be such as will command
the majority obtained for the Army bill.
After they shall have been passed. the
deputies will be expected to consider sew
eral reforms which the Emperor has at
heart.
It is only just to say that this conf
dence in future success is really entertain
ed In government circles, although every
week brings an increase Of power 10 the
Asrarians, Clericals and Radicals. who
form the opposition. The associations OF
tobacco manufacturers wine growers and
wine merchants are holding meeting after
meeting 10 protest against the impending
taxes, and are subscribing funds TO sus-
tain the popular ferment against the gov
eminent Coz serN alive organizations like
hreuzzeiturg, proclaim the fall Of Chan
cellor Won CaprlV 10 be inevitable. while
the National Liberal dailles admit that
the rate OF the taxation bills is doubtful
The strength OF the government ultimate
ly will rest only on the impossi5ility OF the
opposiuon's agreeing on any financial poll
icy whatever. The army bin having be-
come law, the deputies must find the sup
plies, and II is difficult TO say where the
revenue can be found, unless at the sources
suggested In DR.. Miquels scheme.
No alternative plan has been even hinted
and 1t will battle the opposition leaders to
conceive anything equally discriminating
Il popularity effective. The chances. there
fore, are that after a protracted struggle.
with minor concessions here and there.
the government will carry the financial
measures substantially unaltercd
Inc Emperor and Empress passed last
week az the shooting lodge, Hubertuss-
took, about two hours by train from Ber-
lin. General Won Kaltenborn. War Minis
ter; Or. Bosse, Minister Of Public Wor-
ship, and DR. Miguel have gone TO see
the Emperor. but neither the Chancellor
nor the Foreign Minister, Freiherr Won
Marschall, has been summoned TO him.
The Inference is that foreign affairs are
quiet.
The outburst of French enthusiasm at
the Toul0n reception has been ignored
here as empty noise. The government
undoubtedly has some information which
causes IL to treat the TOulOn fetes with
indifference.
Tine foreign Office maintains silence as
TO the reported renewal Of the entente be-
tween France and Russia. The cOrrespon-
dent of the United Press, however. has re-
ceiyed from the best sources, information
which enables him to say that the con-
yiction In the highest.quarters here is that
Russia prefers TO revive closer relations
with Germany rather than TO risk an alli-
ance with France, whether the commercial
convention now in hand be signed or not.
The negotiations for the convention are
proceeding smoothly. but are likely 10 last
until midwinter. The prospects OF a poll
teal rapproachement with Russia are re-
garded now as better than before in many
years.
The Emperor will attend a banquet 10
be held at the Kaiserhof Hotel on Octo-
Der 9th, 10 celebrate the anniversary Of
the capitulaton Of Metz. He is expected
TO make an important speech on Euro
pean politics. Chancellor Won CapriW has
returned from Carlsbad, where he has re-
cruited his health for several weeks. He
and all the Prussian and imperial minis
ters will be present to lend significance TO
the occasion.
As the Germans here are directly inter
ested In the ascendency Of the German
party i'm Austria. Count Taaffs electoral
reform bill absorbs public attention 20 the
| partial exclusion Of home politics. Not a
voice has been raised in Prussia for the
| measure, except among the Socialists.
| Taaff has never been a trustworthy friend
| Of the Austro-German alliance. and has
| been distrusted by both Bismarck and
| Caprivi. His suffrage bill is regarded as
| aiming a fatal blow at German influence
| In Austria. Its in' nc is said 10 be The
| subsection OF German population 10 Slal
/ masses. The bill has not a chance OF com
ing 10 a final vote during the present Res-
sion Of the Reichsrath. Meanwhile, the
! German Liberal deputies in Vienna car
force an early dissolution by coalescing
with the existing oppOstion-for instance
| the young Czechs-or can take time q
| prepare a measure extending the franchise
on lines safeguarding the German party
! against loss Of power. IL is proposed "a
| convene a national conference OF Austro-
| German delegates, who will decide upon a
course OF action. The Frankfurter Zeit-
ung and other Radical dailies I'm Germany
| are keenly excited over Taaf's policy
They urge the German Austrians 20 re-
fleet calmly before acting against pro-
posals TO extend the suffrage, and recon-
mend rather an effort TO modify Taaff's