Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-07-05
IHE REICHSTAG0PENED
Emperor William Raeds His SetSpeech
to the Members.
THE ARMY BILL THE ONLY TOPIC
Discussed by the Emperor -He
Gives the Members to Under
stand That it Must be Passed
The Government VIII Intro
oduce no Other Measure for the
Riechstag's Consideration.

BERLIN, July 4.-The Reichstag was
opened to-day by Emperor William IN
person. At noen the castle guards
marched into the white saloon, whi.h
which occupies the southeastern corner
of the royal palace and took positions
about the dias from which His Majesty
was 10 read his speech opening the ses-
sion. Following tho guards came the
members Of the Bundesrath, the repre-
sentatives Of the individual States com-
posing the German Empire. After them
| the Ministers OF State and the members
OF the Eeichstag. When all had taken
the positions assigned them the Prince
OF Pless, Grand Marshal Of the Court,
announced the approach OF the Emper-
or by knocking upon the floor with bis
staff Of Office. The Emperor. attired ia
full military uniform, entered the sa-
loon and proceeded directly TO the dias
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 In
a clear voice read as follows:
"HoNoRED GENTLEMES:-Slnce you
have been called In common TO work
| for tho federal government, desire TO
welcome you upon entering on your de-
| liberations. A bill concerning the peace
footing OF the army, which was sub
mitted 10 the former Reichstag, 70 my
regret, did not find approval. IL was
the unanimous conviction shared by all
my high coniederates, that the Empire
| no longer could afford to renouuce the
| =. .T af n a.
sary 10 guarantee the future safety OF
the Empire. In the face OF tho devel-
opment OF military institutions the re-
lection OF the army bill was bound TO
lead 10 the resolution TO dissolve the
Reichstag and order new elections.
"Since the first Introduction OF the
Dill the political situation In Europe
has experienced no change. The rela-
tions OF the Empire with other powers
are thoroughly friendly and free from
all clouds. The proportion OF Ger
many's organized military strength has,
however, changed for the worse during
the past year when compared with that
OF our neigh5ors. II already Germany's
geographical position and historical de-
yelopment lay upon us the duty 10 main
tain a relatively strong army then
further increase In the military strength
of the Empire becomes necessity. I'D
satisfy the duties laid upon me by joe
constitution, | consider that allfthe
means at our disposal must .bs utilized
In order 10 establish an effective defense
OF the fatherland.
"You will receive immediately a new
bill regarding the peace footing OF the
Army In which will be taken into &C.
count as far as possible certain desires
expressed uring the discussion OF the
late bill. Consequently diminished do.
mauds are made upon the personal
capacities and tax bearing power OF the
people as far as possible without eu-
dangering the efficiency OF the army.
The Empires interest requires. and
especially in view OF the septennat0
| next spring that the bill be passed with
| the utmost despatch so that the new re-
| cruit calls may be made In the Autumn
on the new basis. Delay would Innusnce
most unfaVorably our strength for more
| than 30 years.
"With a view to enabling you TO dodi-
cate undivided attention 10 tho discus
sion Of the bill. the government wul not
| in the meantime introduce any other
measures.
81 and my high confederates remain
convinced that the means for the new
organization can be procured, without
| overburdening the country on the basis
| OF the financial bill introduced In the
Reichstag last autumn. At the opening
| OF the winter session bill will be pre-
sented directed to obtaining means ac-
cording 70 the capsbIlity Of the tar
payers. Until then the increased costs
will be covered by the federated states
through mAtrlculation payments.
"Gentlemen. with great sacrifices
Germany has been united Ia one umpire.
The nation honors most those who stak-
ed their blood and property on this
work, which led tho Fatherland 10
pros perity. To safeguard the glorious
achievement with which God has bless
ed Us in our battle for Independence Is
our most sacred duty. This duty we
can only fulfill II we make ourselves
strong enough 70 remain surety for
Europe's peace.
81 trust you will not fail 10 give me
and my confederates Jour patriotic sac
rfces and Williog support In striving
for these aims"
The Emperor's refereoce 10 the duty
of the other meu bers OF the ReIchstag
10 preserve and guard that which the
nation has won, was greeted with
hearty cheers. When the Emperor had
concluded his written speech loud and
prolonged applause greeted hin. His
Majesty stood waiting for quite 10 %
restored, and when be could be heard
be added few improvlsed 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 fatherIand. Amen"
The .Bavarisn Minister called foI
three cheers for the Emperor and they
were given with . hearty good Will.
Tne uniform worn by the Emperor
was that Of the Gsrde Do Corps.
The members OF the Social Democratic
and Radical Peoples parties and some Of
the Anti-Semitss were not present 81
the ceremony OF opening the House.
Most OF the members OF the Centro or
Catholic party were present, and there
was full attendance OF the Govern
ment groups.
BERLIN, July At has been srranEso
that the Reichstag tomorrow snan eLsSs
/ Herr Won Ieyetxow. Conservative, presi-
dent. Baron Won BueikBerudberg, Cierb
cat first vice president, and Prof Won
Marnuenidsen, National Lioersl, ssoona
vice president
THE WEATHEE-