The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-07-05

BERLIN. July 4.-The reichstag was
opened today by Emperor William ip
person. The emperor, attired in full
military uniform, entered the salon. and
proceeded directly to the dais, 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 firm and clear
voice, read as follows:
"HonOred Gentlsmen-Since you have
been called in common to work for the
federal government, / desire TO welcome
you upon entering upon your delibera-
tions. A bill concerning the peace foot
ing Of the army, which was submitte4
TO the former reichstag. to my regret, did
not find approval 1t was a unanimous
conviction, shared by all my high con-
federates, that the empire no longer
could afford to renounce the development
Of the army system necessary TO guaran-
tee the future OF the empire. In the face
Of the development OF military institu-
tions, the rejection of the army bill was
bound to lead TO the resolution TO dis
solve the reichstag and 10 order new
elections.
"Since the first introduction of the
bin the 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 Germany's
organized military strength has. how
ever, changed for the worse during the
past year. when compared with that OF
our neighbOrs. II alheady Germany's
geographical pocition and historical de-
velopment lay upon US the duty to
maintain a relatively strong army.
then a further increase in the military
strength of the empire becomes a forci-
ble necessity 10 satisfy the duties laid
upon me by the constitution. con-
slider that all the means at our dis
pos6l must be utilized in order to es-
tsblish an effective defense Of the
fatherland.
You will receive Immediately a new
bill regarding the peace footing Of the
army, in which there viii be taken into
account. as far as possible. certain de-
sires expressed during the discussion OF
the late bill. Diminished demands are
made upon tha personal capacities and
taX-bearing power of the people as far
as possible, without endangering the
efficiency OF the army. The empires
interest requires. especially in view or
the end of the septennate next spring,
that the bill be passed with the ut
most dispatch. so that the new re-
clult calls may be made I'm the autumn
on the new basis.
With a view of enabling you 60 dedicate
your undivided attention TO the dis
sion Of the bill the government will not IN
the meantime Introduce any otner meas
uras / and my high confederates. remain
convinced that the means for the new or
eanizatiOn can be procured. wltaont over
burdenlng the country on the basis oi the
financial bill introduced in the reiehstag
last autumn. At the opening Of the winter
session a bin VIII be presented directed TO
obtaining means, according 10 the capabil-
titles of the taxpayers Until then the In
crea sed costs viii be covered by the federal
states throughout matriculation In pay
ments
Gentlemen. with great sacrifice Ger
many has been united in one empire. The
nation hOnors most those who staked their
blood and property on this work. which
lei the fatherland 20 prosperity. To safe
which God has blessed US in our battle
for independence is our most sacred duty.
This duty we can only fulfill II we make
ourselves strong enough TO remain surely
for Europe's peace. l trust you viii not
fail To give me and my confederates your
patriotic sacrifices and willing support In
striving for these aims"
Il has been arranged that the reicnstag
tomorrow shall elect Herr Won Levetzow,
conservative. president; Baron Won Buol-
Rerenberg. clerical. first vice-president. ana
Prof. Won Marc iarrisen. national liberal
| second Yice-president.