The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1893-07-14
WANTS THE ARMY BILL.
Emperor William Formally Opens the
Reichstag Army Bill Is All He

Emperor William Formally Opens the
Reichstag The Army Bill Is All He
Wants
BERLIN. July emperor William
vopened the reichstag in person At
noon the castle guards marched into
the white salon in the southeastern cor
ner of the royal palace and took posi-
tons about the dais from which his
majesty was to read his speech opening
the session of the reichstag. Following
the guards came the members of the
bundesrath. the representatives Of the
irdividual states composing the German
empire. After them were the ministers
of state and the members of the reichs-
tag.
The emperor, attired in full military
uniform. then entered che salon and
proceeded directly to the dais. which
was erected to the right of the press
gallery.
Bowling low. Chancellor Won Caprivi
handed the m anuscript of the imperial
speech to the emperor. Holding himself
erect. his majesty. in firm, clear
voice, read as follows:
Houored Gentlemen: since you have been
called in common TO work for the federal
government l desirs TO welcome you upon
entering your deliberations. bill concern
ing the peace footing OF the army, which was
submitted to the former reichstag. to nv
regret did not find approval 1t was the unan-
imous conviction, shared by all my high confed-
crates, that the empire could no longer AFFORD
10 reuounce the development Of the army SIS
ten necessary to secure 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
Since the first introduction Of the bill the
political situation in Europe has experienced
no change. The relations OF the empire with
other powers are thoroughly friendly and free
from all clouds The proportion of Ger
nanys organized military strength has how
ever changed for the worse during the past
rear when compared with that Of our neigh
bors II already Germanys geographical posi-
ton and historical developments lay upon Us
the duty to maintain a relatively strong army,
then q further increase in the military strength
of the empire becomes a forcible necessity 70
satisfy The duties laid UPON ME by the cousutu-
ton I consider that ali the means at our dis
posal must be utilized il order to establish an
effective defense OF the Sutherland
You will receive Immediately new bill re-
garding the peace footing OF the army, in which
there will be taken into account, as far as pos
sible. certain desires expressed during the dis
cussiou OF the bill. Consequently, diminished
demands are made upon the personal capacities
and tax-bearing power Of the people, as far as
possible. without endangering the efficiency OF
The army The empires interest requires.
es oeciallv in view of the end OF the septennial
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 a view TO enabling YOU to dedicate IN
divided attention 10 discussion Of the bill the
government viii not introduce any other meas
ures aud nv high cOlfederates remain con
/ WINGED that the means for the new organization
car be procured without overourdening the
country on the basis OF the financial bill intro
duced in the reichstag last autumn At the
opening of the winter session a bill viii be pre-
serted directed to obtaining means according
; to the capabillty OF the taxpayers. Until then
/ the increased costs viii De covered b. the fed
Grated states through matriculatioa payme nts
Gentlemen with great sacrifices Germany
has been uni ted in one empire The nation
houors most those who staked their blood and
property on this work which led the father
Lard 70 prosperity. To safeguard the glorious
achievements with which God has blessed US
ia our battle for independence is our sacred
duty This duty we can only fulfill If We make
ourselves strong enough TO remain surety for
Europe's peace 1 trust you will not fail to
live me and my confederates your patriotic
sacrifices aud willing support in striving for
these aims
When the emperor had concluded his
written speech loud and prolonged ap
plause greeted him He stood waiting
for quiet to be restored and when he
could be heard he added few impro
vised remarks. saying: Now. then. go
The old God looks upon you and he
will lend YOU His blessing to complete
this honest work for the benefit of the
fatherland. Amen"
The Bavarian minister called for
three cheers for the emperor, and they
xrsa-a crirerl with \ hearty rnnd will