The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-07-07
EMPEROR WILLIAM.

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EMPEROR WILLIAM.
When all had taken the positions as
slgned to them the Prince of Pless, Grand
Marshal Of the Court announced the sp-
proach Of the Emperor by knocking upon
the floor with his staff Of offica The En-
peror, sttirsd in full military uniform, en-.
tered the saloon and proceeded directly to
the dais which was erected to the right Of
the press gallery. Bowing low, Chsncel-
lor von Caprivi handed the manuscript Of
the imperial speech to the Emperor. Hold
ing himself erect, His Majesty, in . Arm
and clear voics, road as follows:
''Honored gentlemen:
''Since you have been called In common
to work for the Federal Government, / de-
sire to welcome you upon ent ring on your
deliberations. A bill concerning the peace
footing Of the army. which was submitted
to the former Rsichstag. to my regret did
not find approval. 1t was the unanimous
conviction, shared by all my high confsd-
crates, that the Empire no longer could
sfford TO renouncs the development Of tho
army system necessary to guarants the
future safety OF the Empire. In face Of
the development Of military institutions,
the rejection Of tho Army bill was bound
to lead to tho resolution to dissolve tho
Reichsta2 and order new elections.
''Sincs the first introduction Of the bill
the political situation in Europe has ex-
perienced no change. The relations of the
Empire with other powers are thoroughly
friendly and free from all clouds. The
proportion OF Germany's organized mill
tary 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 development lay upon US the
duty TO maintain a relatively strong army,
then further increase in the military
strength Of the Empire becomes forcible
necessity to satisfy the duties laid upon me
by the constitution. ! consider that all the
means at our disposal must be utilized IN
order to establish an effective defence Of
the Fa:herland.
The House Cheersd.
"You will receive Immediately a new
bill regarding the peace footing of the
army, in which there will be taken into
account as far AZ possible certain desires
expressed during the discussion of the late
bill. Consequently, diminished demands
are made upon the personal capacities and
tar. bearing power OF the people ~ far a.
possible without sndangsring the sf-
ficisncy OF the army. The Empires in
terest requires, especially In view Of the
end Of the ssptennste next spring, that the
bill b passed with the utmost dispatch,
20 that the new recruits calls may b made
In the autumn on the new basiS Delay
would influence most unfavorably our
strength for moro than twenty ysarA
with view TO enabling you to vote
undivided attention to the discussion
Of the bill the Government will not In the
meantime Introduce any other msaaursA
II and my high confsdsratss remain
convinced that the means for the new or
ganization can be procured, without over
burdeninx the country, on thu basis OF the
financial bill introduced In the Reichstag
last autumn. At the opening o: the win
tor session bill will BE- presented directed
to obtaining means according to the caps-
bility Of the taxpayers. Until then the
increased costs will bs covered by the fed.
Grated States through matrculation pay
menta
''Gentlsmen-With great sacrifices Ger
many has been united In one Empire. The
nation honors most those who staksd their
blood and property on this work, which
led the Fathsrland to prosperity. 70 safe
guard the glorious achievements with
which God has blessed US In our battle for
Independence 10 our most sacred duty.
This duty We can only fulfil II we make
ourselves strong enough to remain surety
for Europe's peace.
Il 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 10 the duty of
the members Of the Reichstag to 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 him.
His Majesty stood waiting for quiet to be
restored, and when he could DE heard he
added a few improvissd remarks, saying:
"Now then, go. The old God looks
upon you and will lend you His blessing
to complete this honest work for the bene-
fit OF the Fatherland, Amen"
The Bavarian Minister called for three
cheers for the Emperor, which were given
with hearty good will.
The uniform worn by the Emperor was
that of the Garde du Corps
The members Of the Social Democratic
and Radical Peoples parties and some of
the Anti-Seminites were not present at the
ceremony Of opening the House. Most of
the members Of the Centre or Cotholic
party were present, and there was a full
attendance OF tho Government groupa