New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-05

MFASTHE At PRESENT
Berlin. July 4-Thc Rcichstag was opened 10
day by Emperor William in person. At noon ID
Castle Guards marched into the W mt" Saioo,
which occupies IN" southeastern corner Of Tin
I Royal Palace. and took positions about the dai
from which the Emperor was to read his sperc'
opening the session. Following the Guards cam
the members of the Bundcsrath, the representa-
tivcs of tho individual States composing tn
German Empire. After them came the Minister
of state and the members Of the Rcichs'ag.
When all had taken the positions assigned Il
them, the Prince of Plcss. Grand Marshal of tn
Court, announced tn" approach of I'll" Emporo
by Knocking upon the floor with lis stall o
Office. h" Emperor, a;trcd in full military
uniform OF the Garle du Corps, entered the s,loor
and proceeded directly 10 the dais. which wa
erected TO the right Of the Press Gallery. Bow
| ing low. Chancellor Won Caprivi handed tho
manuscript Of the imperial speech 10 the En-
pcror. Holding himself erect, the Emperor, in
Il firm and clear voice. real as follows:
IIon0rcd Gentlemen Since you have been
called in common to work for the Federal Govern
mrnt, desire to welcome you upon entering on
your deliberations. bill concerning the peace
footing of the Army. which was submitted to the
/
prevail. 1t was the unanimous conviction,
shared by all my high confeicratcs, that the
Empire no longer could afford TO rrnounce the
development of the Army system necessary 10
guarantee the future safety of the Empire. In
face Of the great development of military insti-
tutons the rejection of the Army bill was bound
10 lead 70 the resolution to dissolve the R'chiag
and order new elections.
,Io first If flp
political situation in Europ' has experienced no
change The relations of the Empire with other
Powers are thoroughly friendly and free from al
clouds The proportion of Gcrmany' Organized
military strength has, however changri for the
worse during the past year wien compare with
that of orr nci .hbors. If already Gcrmany''
gcograp hcal position and HISTORIC development lay
upon MS the duty TO maintain a relatively strpng
Army, then further ncrcas., in the military
strength of the Empire becomes forcibl" necrs-
sity 10 satisfy the duties laid upon III" by the Con-
,titution | consider that all the means al our
disposal must be utilized in order 70 establish an
effective defence Of the Fathcrland.
You will receive Immediately new bill re-
garding the peace footing of the Army, in which
there will be taken into account far posi-
Bile certain desires expressed during IN" discussion
of the late bill Consequently diminished de-
mands are made upon the personal capacities and
tax bearing power of the people a. far a. possible
without endangoring the efficiency of the Army.
The Empires interest requires. especially in view
Of the end of the Sept"nnatr next spring, that
the bill be pass d with the utmost Dispatch 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 a view 10 enabling You TO dedicate
undivided attention 10 thc discussion of tnc bill,
the Government will not in the mean tirrc intro
due" any other measures.
d" | and my high confcd"ratcs remain convinced
that th" means for III" new organization can b.
procured without overwhelming the country. on
tie basis of the financial bill introduced in the
R"clstis last autumn. Al ~" opening of III"
winter session "A bill will be- pr sentrd directed
TO obtaining means according 90 the cambility
of IN. taxpayers. Until then the increased costs
will be- covered by the federated States through
payments.
Gentlemen, with great sacrifices Germany has
h--n united IN one Empire. In" nation honors
most thos" who -iakrl their nl"od ana prop'rty
p"rity To Safeguard the glorious achl"yrments
with which tod has blessed H. in our BATH" for
i, our most sacred duty. This duty
We can only fulfil If w" max" ourselves strong
cuounl 10 remain surety for EurOlr'- peace.
." trust you will not fail TO give m" and my
confcdrratrs your patriotic sacrifice, and will
ing support in striving for these aims The
Lmp,1oi'> reference 10 the duty of the members
of the Rcchstag to prsery" and guard that which
the nation had won was greeted with hearty
cheers. When the Emperor had concluded his
written speech loud and prolonged applause
erected HIM The Emperor stood waiting for
1unt 10 In. restored. and when he could be- heard
l. added a few improvi>sd remarks, >ay ing:
Now. them 20. God looks upon YOU and will
Hud Won Ills blessing To complete this honest
work for the benefit of the Fathcrland. Amen.
The Uayarlan Minister called for three cheers
for the Emperor, and they were given with hearty
good will
II has been arranged that the R"ichstag To-
morrow shall elect Herr Won lrvctzow, Conscr- |
yntiyr President: Baron Won Blsoi-Rer"nbcrg |
'rrical First Nice-PrcSd"nf. and Professor Won |
National LIBERAL Second Nc"-Pr'sl- |
lent.
Radical Peoples parties and some OF the Ante.
;cmit,s were not present ~ the ceremony oi
,p.ning the House. Most of the members of the
"ntrr or atholic party were present.. ana there
yns n full attendance Of the Government groups.
Emperor William has conferred upon DR..
Johannes Miguel Prus-ian Minister of Finance,
he decoration of the Grand Cross OF the Order
f the Red Eagle.