The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1893-07-06
REICHSTAG CONVENED.
OPENED BY EMPEROR WILLIAM
WITH AN ELABORATE ADDRESS.
The Army Bill Was the Burden Of Hi
Message and no Other Business Will
Be Submitted Until That Is
Finally Disposed Of

BERLIN, July -lHe helchstdS wa
opened today by Emperor William
in person at noon in TIT
white saloon. When all thu
dignitaries had taken position
assigned them, Prince Pless, CRANE
marshal of the court, announces the
approach of the emperor. The EN-
peror, attired in full military uniform
entered the saloon and proceeded
directly to the dais. Chancellor Won
Caprivi handed the manuscript OF the
imperial speech to the emperor
Holding himself erect, his majesty in
firm, clear voice read as follows:
Honored Gentlemen:
'Since you have been called in com
mon to work for the Federal govern
ment, | desire to welcome you upon
entering your deliberations. The bill
concerning the peace footing OF the
army, submitted to the former Reichs-
tag, to my regret did not find APPROX
al. 1t was the unanimous con-
viction shared by all my
high confederates that the
empire could no longer afford to re-
nouuce the development Of the army
system necessary TO guarantee the
future safety of the empire. The re
lection of the army bill was bound TO
lead to resolution to dissolve tn
reichstag. Since the first introduction
of the bill the political situation in
Europe has experienced no change.
The relations of the empire with the
other powers are thoroughly friendly
and free from all clouds. The p opo-
sition of Germany to organize mill
tary strength has, however, changed
for the worse during the past year
when compared with that of our
neighbors. If already Germany's geo
graphical position aud historical de-
velopments lay upon us the duty to
maintain relatively a strong army then
further increase in the military
strength of the empire becomes forcl-
BILE necessity to satisfy the duties laid
upon me by the constitution. l con
slider that all means at our disposal
must be utilized in order to establish
an effective defence of our fatherland
You will receive Immediately
new bill regarding the peace footing
of the army in which there will be
taken into account as far as possible a
certain desire expressed during the
discussion of the late bill, the conse-
quent diminished demands made
upon personal capacities and taxbear-
ing power of the people so far as pos
sible without endangering the effi-
cheney of the army. The empires in
terest required especially in view of
the end of the septennial next spring
that the bill be passed with the ut
most dispatch so new recruit calls may
be made in autumn Oh the new basis.
Delay would influence most uuiavor-
ably our strength tor more than 20
years. With IL view to enabling you
to dedicate your undivided attention
to the discussion of the bill, the goV
ernment will not ia the meantime III
troduce any other means.
and my high coniederates remain
convinced that means tor the new o.
gaDization can be procured without
over burdening the country on basis
of the financial bill introduced in tue
reichstag last autum. AT the opening
of the winter session the bill to be
presented is directed to obtain means
according to the capabilty of the tax
RhyNho@ Nhtil liiNh lAANNNNcCu OOcAo
will be covered by the federal states
through matriculation payments.
Gentlemen, with great sacrifices,
Germany has been united in one EN-
pire. The nation honors most those
who staked their blood and property
or this work which led the Father
land to prosperity. The safetyguard,
the glorious achievements with which
. L. !, =, al ;,,. h,+ g ID
pendence in our most sacred duty
This duty we can only fulfill If we
make ourselves strong enough to re-
tain surely Europe's peace. trust you
will not fail 10 give me and my con
federates your patriotic sacrifices and
willing support in striving for these
aims"
The emperor's reference to the duty
OF members of the reichstag to pre-
serve and guard that which the nation
has won was greeted with hearty
cheers. When The emperor concluded
his written speech loud and prolonged
applause greeted him. His majesty
stood waiting for quiet to be restored
and when he could be heard he added
few provisioued remarks, saying:
snow then 20. The old God looks
upon you and will lend you his bless
ing to complete this honest work fol
the benefit OF the Fatherland. Amen
The Bavariau minister called for
three cheers for the EN-
peror and they Were given with
hearty good will. The Uniform OF the
emperor was that of the Gurde du
Corps. Members of the Social Demo
crat and Radical Peoples Party and
some of the Anti-Semitics were not
present at the ceremony OF the open
ing of the house. Most of the mem
bers of the clnter and OF the Catholic
party were present and there was a
full attendance of the government
groups.