Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-07-06
THE REICHSTAG.
Opened by Emperor William In
Person.
He DILATES on THE ARMY BILL.
Regrets That the Previous Reichst.s
Failed to Pass lille Invokes
tho Blessing of the
Almighty.

BERLIN, July 5.-Emperor William
opened 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 post
tions 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
individual states composing the German
empire. After them were the ministers
of state and the members Of the reichs-
tag.
When all had taken the positions as
signed TO them the prince Of Pless,
grand marshal Of the court, announced
the approach Of the emperor by knock
ing upon the floor with his staff Of of
fee.
The emperor, attired in full military
uniform, then entered the salon and
proceeded directly TO tho dais, which
was erected TO the right Of the press
gallery.
Bowling low, Chancellor Won Caprivi
handed the IN anuscript of the imperial
speech TO the emperor. Holding himself
erect, HIS majesty, In q firm, clear
voice, read as followsi
Honored Gentlemen: since you have been
called In common TO work fot the federal
government desire 10 welcome you upon
entering your deliberations bill concern.
ing the peace footing OF the army which was
submitted TO the former reichstas, to my
regret, did not ind approval II was the unan.
imous conviction, shared by all my high oonfed-
crates, that the empire could no longer Afford
to renounce the development Of the army sys.
TEN necessary to secure the future safety OF
the empire 10 the face OF the development Of
military Institutions The rejection Of the
army bill was bound to lead to the resolution
TO dissolve the reiohstag.
Since the nrst Introduction OF the bill tho
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 Cor
many's organized military strength has how.
ever, changed for the worse during the past
year when compared with that OF our neigh.
bors II already Germany's geographical posi-
ton and historical developments lay upon Nc
the duty to maintain relatively strong army,
then further increase In the military strength
Of the empire becomes q forcible necessity 70
satisfy the duties laid upon me by the oonsutu-
tion consider that all the means at our dis
posal must be utilized in order 10 establish an
effective defense OF the fatheriand
You will receive immediate new bill re.
garding the peace footing OF tho army, In which
there will be taken into account, AZ far as pos.
sible, certain desires expressed during the dis
oussion OF the bill Consequently, diminished
demands are made upon the personal capacities
and tax bearing power OF the people, "a far -
possible without ondangering the efficiency OF
the army. The empires interest requires,
especially In view OF the end OF the septennii
next spring, that the bill be passed with the
utmost dispatch, no 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 view To enabling you to dedicate un.
divided attention TO discussion OF the bill the
government will not introduce any other meas.
urea and my high confederates remain con.
WINGED that the means for the new organization
can be procured without overburdening the
country on the basis Of the financial bin intro
duced in the reohstag last autumn Al the
opening OF the winter session q bill will be pro-
sented directed to obtaining means according
to the capabihty OF the taxpayers, Unul then
the increased costs will be covered by the fed
Grated states through matrlculation paw mentsL
Gentemen, with great sacrifices Germany
has been united in one empire. The nation
honors most those who stAked their blood aud
property on this work which led tho father
land to prosperity. To safeguard the glorious
achievements with which God has blessed US
In our battle for Independence IS our sacred
duty This duty we can only fulnll II wo make
ourselves strong enough to remain surety for
Europe's peace l trust you will not fail TO
give me and my confederates your patriotic
sacrifices and willing support In striving for
these aims
The emperor's reference to the duty
of the members of the reichstaR TO pre-
serve and guard that which the nation
had won was greeted with hearty
cheers
When the. emperor had concluded his
written speech loud and prolonged sp-
plause greeted him. He stood waiting
for quiet to be restored and when he
could be heard he added a 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
were given with hearty good will
A number Of the social democrats and
anti-Semites were not present The
centrists or Catholics were all present
and there was full attendance Of the
government groupA