The herald., 1896-11-17
" ont Do for These Degenerate
Days
IN THE GERMAN RElCHSTAG
Discussion of Bismarck's Revelation
Draws a Crowd
The Imperial Chancellor Explains That
German Relations With Russia
Have Always Been Friendly
Press Special Wire

BERLIN, Nov. 16.-In anticipation of
the statement from the imperial chancel
lor, Prince Hohenlohe, on the subject of
the revelations by Prince Bismarck,
through his organ, the Hamburger
Nachrichten, regarding the secret treaty
which existed between Russia and Ger
many from 1884 to $780, there was
large attendance at the reichstag to-
day. Among those present was Count
Herbert Bismarck, eldest son of the ex-
chancellor, who, it was rumored, was
to take an active part in the debate and
defend his father against attacks Count
Won Hompresch, Centrist leader, intro
duced an Interpolation. notice of which
was given Wednesday last. In brief the
question was, did the secret convention
between Russia and Germany exist up
to 1890, and If so why was it not pro-
longed? Finally. have recent dieclo-
sures had influence upon the dreibund
and Germany's relations with other pow
ers? In reply Prince Hohenlohe said:
I'm regard to the negotiations between
Russia and Germany from 1887 to 1890
it was agreed at the time that absolute
secrecy should be observed. The point
of time when this obligation ceased
cannot, in consequence, be defined by
us alone. I, therefore, for moment am
not in a position to give official infor-
nation concerning the result of these ne
gotiations. AS regards the tendency of
the German policy toward Russia since
the spring of 1890 it is equally impossible
to give an exhaustive reply as long as
that obligation continues, and leave it
to the foreign secretary, who took part
in the deliberations to say what can be
said in that respect AS to the effect re-
cent publications have had upon the
position of Germany in the dreibund and
her relations with the European powers
1 am glad to be able to declare the cloud
of distrust which at the first moment was
observable among some classes Of popu-
lation of those countries has again dis
appeared and our relation with our al
lies Is marked now as before by abso-
lutte mutual Confidence. In the same way
our relations with Russia never for mo-
ment ceased to be good and friendly"
Herr Liebknecht, the socialist leader,
responded to Count Won Mirbach's re-
Bismarck, saying that as little was now
known of the object of Bismarck's rev.
elations as those underlying the prac-
tice of confirmed criminal. He con-
cluded by saying: I'VE must abolish
the old diplomacy which was so power
full in shaping events when Bismarck
was an active part in politics.
Count Won Kardoff declared his conf
dence in Prince Bismarck. from whom,
he said, the people were accustomed
to expect startling words and startling
deeds. The Liberal Conservatives were
convinced that Bismarck had only had
in view the veal or woe of the father
land Geftist cries of "woe.D
Count Won Kardoff continued that
Prince Bismarck doubtless recognized
the necessity of the revelations. His
enemies might not be able to perceive
this. but his followers We're still counted
by the millions.
Herr Pasche, National Liberal, said
the imputation that Bismarck was ac-
tuated by personal motives would re-
vert upon its originators. His revela-
tions had been so much cold water upon
French enthusiasm.
Herr Richter, Liberal, expressed the
satisfaction of his party with the ex-
plantations offered by the government.
At the close of the debate Coust Her.
bert Won Bismarck, replying to person
al remarks, said that after Prince Won
Hohenlohe's statement discussion be-
came purely objective, and his sense of
propriety forbade him to say anything
Ths reichstag then adjourned without
any vote being taken on the question.
The discussion of the Bruswitz Incl
dent, involving the case of an army Of
flcer who ran a laborer through the body
because his chair in cafe had been
Inadvertently jostled by the workman,
is fixed for tomorrow.