The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-01-14
Cnprivi's Speech.

In the speech made by Count Won CAPRTvI
on Wednesday evening to the committee OF
the Reichstag to which the proposed Army
bill was referred, he wisely reverted to the
tactics which were employed SO success
fully by BISMARCK in like emergencies. In
stead of repeating the silly threats made
by some Government organs, that. il par
liamentary resistance were encountered,
the enlargement OF the army would be
effected by military decree. and that vim
dictive measures would be taken to make
the peoples representatives regret their
opposition, the Chancellor confined HIM
self to a solemn declaration that in
creased military resources were ab-
solutely Indispensable for the protection
OF the fatherland. He was evidently sim
cere. and the reasons assigned for his belief
we're impressive. He said not a word about
the adaptation OF fiscal means to military
ends. OF the additional taxation which his
project would impose: and he had ground
for his conviction that. could he succeed in
rousing the patriotism Of his auditors,
they would not hesitate at fresh pecuniary
sacrifices. 1t was by the sedulous propa-
cation OF q war scare that BISMARCK
obtained the Septennatc and two renewals
Of it: and it cannot be denied that
CAPRrv1 at this juncture has far more
cause to feel and to proclaim that the Ger
man empire is in danger.
The three principal points made by the
Chancellor were concerned. first, with the
existence Of an agreement between France
and Russia for military cooperation in GER
tain contingencies; secondly. with the value
and ~permanence OF the Triple Alliance: and
Al.-li. .u:.l A. llatl--l " :--
fastened through the present %perturbed
condition OF the internal politics OF France.
it does not appear that CAPRIvI's state
ments in reference to any of these matters
were exaggerated, but they were neverthe-
less calculated to excite profound alarm.
With regard to Russia he asserted. as he
was bound to do while diplomatic inter-
course continued. that there is no enmity
between the Cars Government and that of
the German empire. No enmity! That is
a very different thing from the cordial
friendship which united the courts of Berlin
and st. Petersburg while BISMARCK was in
| power, and which that statesman was
at such pains to heighten and con-
firm. CAPRIvI went on to admit that
a understanding probably existed be-
tween France and Russia with rela-
ton to military arrangements. That such
an understanding should have been
brought about is. of course. the grava-
men OF the charge of gross mismanagement
levelled by BISMARCK against his successor
in office. But, after all. from the view
point Of German patriots the question OF
personal responsibility for the serious
change in the situation is one OF secondary
Importance. The vital question is. how can
Germany make head against the new con-
ditions? She could only do this effectively.
according TO CArRIvI, by preparing herself
to assume the offensive against both her
opponents in tho event OF war. He takes
for granted that the bulk OF the forces of
France and Russia would be- launched
against Germany: and the latter country,
owing to the great length of her frontiers.
could not safely contlne herself to defensive
tactics. An Offensive policy. however.
would require. he said. a numerical! superb
ority Of the forces OF the Triple Alliance TO
those of their antagonists. No such superb
ority at present exists. On the contrary.
the armies OF the three central powers are
at present inferior to those OF France and
Russia in respect OF numbers.
But why must the whole brunt OF in.
creased military burdens fall upon Ger.
many? Because Germany alone is capable
Of further pecuniary sacrifices. Both Italy
and Austro-Hungary have reached the limit
Of taxation for military purposes. More
over, although the German Chancellor was
naturally constrained To speak respect,
fully about the military efficiency OF his
allies, lie did not hesitate to say that they
We're weak as regards organization. Blu,
that is n defect more serious even thar
numerical inferiority under the conditions
OF modern warfare. CAPRIyI allowed II tC
be clearly seen that the utmost he expected
in the event OF war from Austria was the
ability 10 furnish occupation for a part OF
the Russian rmy on the Galician frontier
and that he would he satisfied II the Italian:
were able to prevent the French from as
sailing Austria on her southern frontier
and thus taking Germany in flank. Mani
testify. what CAPRIvI fears is u repetition
by the French OF the famous twofo!c
campaign. in which BoSAPARTE, NOV
ing toward Vienna through northern
Italy. fought the battle OF Marengo
while MoREAU. striking at the heart o
Germany. gained the still more memorabl,
victory Of Hohenlinden. To protect tn
TANKS Of the German empire. that. In