The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-07-05
REICHSTAG DOORS OPEN.
The Emperor Delivers a Speech From
the Throne.
BE Declares That the Empire Cannot

lNU IULUlt,
BE Declares That the Empire Cannot
Afford to RenOunoe the Develop
ment Of the Army System-A New
Bill Regarding the Peace Effective
to be Sent in at Once and Given the
Right of WAY.
Berlin, July 4.-The reichstag was
opened to-day by Emperor William in
person. At noon the castle guards
marched into the white saloon, which
occupies the eastern corner of the royal
palace, and took positions about the dais
from which His Majesty was to read his
speech opening the session. Following
the guards came the members of the
burerata, and representatives of the indi-
vidual states composing the German En-
pire. After them came the ministers of
state and the members Of the reichstag.
When all had taken the positions as
signed to them, the Prince of Pless, the
grand marshal of the court, announced
the approach of the Emperor by knock
ing on the floor with his staff of Office.
The Emperor, attired in full military
uniform, entered the saloon and pro-
ceeded directly to the dais, 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 read his speech in a
firm, clear voice.
TEXT OF THE SPEECH.
The emperor said:
Honored Gentlemen: Since you have been
called in common to work for the federal gov
ernment desire to welcome you uponlenter-
ing on your deliberations
The bill concerning the peace footing OF the
army, which was submitted to the former
Reichstag, to my regret did not find approval
1t was the unanimous conviction shared by all
my high confcderates, that the empire no long
er could afford to renounce the development
of the army system necessary to guarantee
the future safety OF the empire In the face
of the developments Of military institutions
the rejection Of the army bill was bound to
lead to a resolution TO dissolve the retchstag
and order new elections.
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 Germ
any's organized military strength has, how
ever changed for the worse during the past
year when compared with that Of our neigh
bors.
AN INCREASE a NECESSITY.
II already Germanys geographical posi-
tion and historical developments lay upon us
the duty to maintain q relatively strong
army, then q further increase in the military
strength Of the empire becomes forcible
necessity to satisfy the duties laid upon
me by the constitution. l consider that all
means at our disposal must be utilized in or
der to establish an effective defence of the
fatherland
You will receive Immediately a new bill re-
garding the peace footing of the army, in
which there will be taken into account as far
as possible certain desires expressed during
the discussion OF the late bill. Consequently,
diminished demands are made upon the per
sonal capacities and tax bearings power OF the
people, as far as possible without end3nger-
ing the efficiency Of the army. The empire 3
interest requires, especially in view of the
end OF the Septennate next spring, that bill
be passed with the utmost despatch, so that
| the new recruit calls may be made in the
autumn on a new basis. Delay would in
! fiuence most unfaVOrably our strength for
more than twenty years.
NO OTHER MEASURES TO BE PRESSED.
With a view to enable you to dedicate un-
| divided attention to discussion OF the bin,
| the government will not in the meantime
| introduce any other measures.
and my high confederates remain cOnVinc-
| ed that means Tor new organization can be
| procured without oyerburdening the country
on the basis of the financial bill introduced in
! the reichstag last autumn. At the opening OF
| the winter session the bill Will be presented
| directed to obtaining means according to the
| capability Of the tax payers. Until then the
| increased costs will be covered by the federal
| states through matriculatiOn payments
Gentlemen, with great sacrifices Germany
| has been united In one empire. The nation
| honors most those who staked their blood and
property on this work, which led the father
| land to prosperity. To safeguard the glorious
| achievements with which God has blessed US
| IN our battle for independence Is our most
! saCIe 81 duty This duty We can only fulfill If
! we make ourselves strong enough to remain
! surety for Europe's peace
| trust you will not fail to give me and my
| eonfederates your patriotic sacrifices and
willing support in striving for these aims.
HOW IT WAS RECEIVED.
The emperor's reference to the duty of
| the members Of the reichstag, to pre-
serve and guard that which the nation
| has won, was greeted with hearty cheers.
When the emperor had concluded his
| written speech, loud and prolonged APP
| plause greeted him. He stood waiting
| for quiet to be restored, and when he
| could be heard he added a few imprOvised
remarks, saying: Now then go the old
| God looks upon you and 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 were
| given with hearty good will.
The members Of the social democratic
and radical peoples parties and some of
| the anti-semites were not present at the
| ceremony Of opening tho house.
Most of the members Of the center or
Catholic party were present, and there
was full attendance of the government
groups.