The herald., 1893-07-05
The FOURTH IN GERMANY
An Important Event Dates
From the Day.
Emperor William Opens the
New Reichstag.
His Speech Devoted Exclusively to
the Military Bill.
No Other Measure to Be Presented for
Consideration During the Entire
Session-The Ksiser's Remarks
Heartily Applsuded.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press
BERLIN, July 4.-The reichs tag was
opened today By Emperor William. The
emperor, attired in full military uni
form, proceeded directly to dais,
which was erected to the right of the
press gallery. Bowling low, Chancellor
Won Caprivi handed the manuscript OF
the imperial speech to the emperor.
Holding himself erect, his majesty, in
clear voice, read as follows
"HoNoRABLE GENTLEMEN: You have
been called in common to work for the
federal government. I desire to well
come you upon entering upon your
deliberations. A 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 confederates, that the empire no
longer could afford to renounce the de-
velopment of the army eystem neces-
sary to guarantee the future. safety OF
the empire. In the face of the develop
ment OF military institutions, the rejec-
tion of the army bill was bound to lead
to the resolution to dissolve the reich
stag and order new elections. Since the
first introduction of the bill, the poll
tical situation In Europe has experienced
no change.
"The relations of the empire with the
other powers are thoroughly friendly
and free from all cloude. The proper
tion of Germsny's organized military
strength has, however, changed for the
worse during the past year when COM
pared with that of our neighbors. II al
ready Germany's geographical position
and Historical developments lay upon
us the duty to maintain relatively
strong army, then further increase in
the military strength of the empire be-
comes forcible necessity to satisfy the
duties laid upon me by the constitution.
l consider that ali the means at our dis
poeal must be utilized in order to es-
tRblish en- effective defepee of she iath-
! erland. You VIII receive immediately
q new bill regarding the peace footing
| OF the army, in which there will be
taken into account, so far as possible,
certain desires expressed during
the discussion OF the late
bill. Consequently dimished demands
capacities and tax-bearing power of the
people as far as possible without en-
dangering the efficiency Of the army.
The empires interest requires especi-
| ally in view of the end OF the eeptennate
next spring, that the bill be passed with
the utmost dispatch, so that the new re-
eruit calls may be made in the autumn
on new basis. Delay would influence
most unfavorably our strength for more
than 20 years.
"With q view.to enabling you to ded.
icete undivided attention to the discus-
zion of the bill, the government will not
in the meantime introduce any other
measure. [ and my high confederates
remain convinced that the means for
the new organization can be procured
without burdening the country on the
basis of the financial bill introduced in
to the reischstag last autumn. At the
opening OF the winter session, a bill will
be presented directsd to obtaining
means according to the capabilities of
the Taxpayers. Until then the increas-
ed costs will be covered by the federat-
ed states through matriculation pay
ments.
"Gentlemen, with great sacrifice Ger
many has been united in one empire.
| The nation houors most those who shed
their blood on this work which led the
fatherland to prosperity. To safeguard
the glorious achievements with which
/ God has blessed us in our battle for in
dependence ie our most sacred duty.
This duty we can only fulfill If we make
ourselves strong enough to remain
surely for Europe's peace. | trust you
will not fail to give me and my confeder-
ates your patriotic sacrifices and willing
support in striving for these aims"
The emperor'e 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 end prolonged ap-
plause greeted him. His majesty stood
waiting for quiet to be restored, and
when be could be heard ne added 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 Tor three
cheers for the emperor, ard they were
given with hearty goodwill.
The uniform worn by the emperor
was that Of the gsrde dc cofpe. The
members of the Social Democrat and
Radical Peoples parties and come anti
Semites we're not present. Most of the
members of the Centre or Catholic
party were present, and there was full
attendance OF the government groups.
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