The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-12-06
REICHSTAG OPENED.
Emperor William Reads His Speech From
the Throne on the Momentous
Occasion.
NoTAs LONG AS GROWERS MESSAGE.


Berlin, Dec. 5,-The session ot tho
rcichstng was opened az noon Ia tho
Elttcwaalc Of the castle, Instead of la
the usual white hall, which ~ being
renovated. Emperor William read his
speech from the throne. IL was as fol-
lows:
Honorable Gentlemen: In the name
Of my exalted allies, bid you welcome
at the beginning Of your constitutional
work. May the greatness and welfare
or the empire be the goal for which all
VIII aim with self-dcnying loyalty
entertain this wish all the more strong
~ in view Of the economic ana social
political tasks which must be solved
with your cooperation.
Faithful 20 the traditions OF our an
cestors, my exalted allies and myself
regard VI as our foremost duty 10 the
state To protect the working classes and
10 assist them in obtaining higher eco
nomic and moral development. The fed
crnl governments will continue their
efforts To promote feelings OF content
among the people by mitigating eco
nomic social differences But II these
efforts are 10 succeed IL, appears nee
essary to expose more effectually than
hitherto the pernicious conduct OF those
who attempt 20 disturb executive
power in The fulhlment OF It's duty.
Experience has shown that the exist
ing legislation does not afford the
means required by the federal govern
ment You VIII. therefore. consider
measures Hupplementlng our common
law and the necessary bin viii be SUBJ
mitted you without delay, which chiefly.
by extending the present penal proyis-
ions, will increase the protection Of pub
lie order"
His majesty next alluded TO the preJu-
dicial ELECT OF the abuses OF the bourse
speculation upon national prosperity.
and said that 10 remedy these evils a
bill was being prepared which would
probably be submitted during the
course of the session. Continuing the
emperor said:
The same is the case in regard to a
Dill which Is intended to protect the
trading community against competi-
ton which does not scrupIe to employ
unfair means, and which will contrib
ute 10 strengthening confidence In busi-
ness and commerce.
To my lively satisfaction, my con-
fidence in the maintenance of European
peace has been further strengthened
during the last few years. Faithful to
the spirit OF our alliances. we cultivate
good and friendly relations with all the
powers. During the course of the last
Few months two nelghboring empires
have been deeply stirred by grave
events. Germany has sincerely joined
In the sympathy which was eyinced on
all sides, and which once more gave
evidence OF the solidity OF the human
feeling and the peaceful wishes. In the
death OF the emperor OF Russia / deplore
the loss of a friend and tried co-opera-
tor In works OF peace"
His majesty after the close of his
speech, went to the reichstag building,
In order 10 formally perform the cere-
mony of laying its corner stone, which
combined with the dedication of the
building and the formal opening OF the
new session of the reichstag.
Immense crowds OF people cheered
the emperor and the German reignlng
princes on their way and upon their
arrival. The imperial carriages ar
rived at the new reichstag building at
, o'clock In the afternoon. The por-
tions set apart for the imperial and
royal princes We're alone used. The
portal opposite the column OF victory
was conspicuous from the fact that IL
was decorated with velvet canopy. The
dedication ceremonies passed or with
out hitch. The scene was most bril-
liant. A large dais had been con-
structed for the use of the imperial FAM
lily, and over II was a canopy topped by
the imperial crown. Beneath this can
opy the emperor and empress and the
German princes were gathered. Oppo-
site this structure were the military
and other notables. as well as the MEM
bers OF the diplomatic corps.
Prince Hohenlohe. when everything
was ready. advanced toward the em-
peror with agile and springy step and
asked his majesty's permission for the
ceremonies to begin. The prince spoke
i'm a clear but strldent voice. The
ceremony was "A tedious affair. all the
participants climbing down from tho
dais To the stone and giving IL three
taps. At the conclusion NJ the cere-
mony three "uochs" for the emperor
were given. Tide band played the nu-
tional anthem and his majesty and the
imperial family retired to an inner
chamber OF the reichstng building. The
crowd then gradually dispersed.