Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-11-17
MADE IN SOLEMN SECRECY
The Russo-German Treaty Still
"Sub Rosa"
H0HENLOHE USES HIS FACE
But absolutely Refuses to Give Out Any In
formation Whatever.
THE BIG DEBATE PROVES A FROST
that Created any Interest and then It
Got Weary-Oount Bismarck
Makes Denial.

makes Denial.
Berlin, Nov 16-The announcement
made last week that within the order of
toeay's proceedings in the reichstag the
centrists would offer an Interpolation.
demanding an explanation on the part of
the government of the neutrality treaty
between Russia and Germany, the ex-
istence of which from 1884 to 1890 was
disclosed by Prince Bismarck in the re-
cent series of articles inspired by the ex-
chancellor, which appeared in the Ham
burg Nachtrichten, the princes personal
organ, caused the corridors of the reich
stag to be packed at an early hour with
persons vainly trying to obtain admis-
sion to the galleries, every available
space of which was filled by visitors
lucky enough to secure permits. There
was also an unusually large attendance
of members of the chamber, and every
thing and everybody bore an air indcat-
ing the importance of the occasion.
At 115 p. m. Baron Won Buol Beren-
berg, president of the reichstag, rose and
announced the business of the sitting,
after which Count Won Hompesch, dep
uty for Aachen, and one of the leaders of
the centrist party in the chamber, intro
duced the promised Interpolation. In the
course of his remarks, Count Won Homp-
esch said that the party of the center de-
sired to remove the distrust which had
been caused by the recent disclosures of
the existence of a treaty of neutrality
between Russia and Germany during the
period extending from 1884 to 1890, dis
trust which was being felt throughout
wide circles at home and abroad. (Crles
of Oh! Oh! from the galleries and loud
applause from the benches of the CEN
teri.
When the applause had subsided Count
Won Hompesch continued his remarks,
saying that this was the chief aim of tho
centrists, and hoped that the government
would make the explanations required by
the motion he had offered.
At the conclusion of Count Won Homp-
eschs remarks there was general con-
fusion throughout the chamber, deputies
rushing around the tribune from which
Prince Hohenlohe was to speak In reply
= the Interpolation, while cries of 'sit
lown'' were heard everywhere.
During the confusion the chancellor
was making his way to the tribune and
when order was restored he began his re-
ply, speaking at first in a weak, trem-
ulous tone, making it difficult, If not i'm
possible, for the deputies in seats re-
mote from him to hear him.
Prince Hohenlohe said that he was not
able to give any information concerning
the Russo-G German neutrality, because
that agreement had been contracted in
absolute secrecy; therefore, Germany
would be unable to raise one-slded ar
gument in regard to the convention or to
make any explanation of the agreement.
Still, he said, he could solemnly affirm
that never at any time was the policy of
Germany under English influence. Con-
tinuing, the chancellor said he believed
that the clouds of discomfort which arose
among the people of Germanys allies
xxyna 10
had already been dispelled and he was
certain that full confidence existed be-
tween Germany and Austria and Italy.
(Cheers)
minister of foreign affairs, was the next
speaker.
His remarks, which occupied forty
minutes, were delivered in a tone hardly
audible to the members.
He asked the house to deSist from ex-
citing further trouble over the matter,
which had already had the effect of caus-
ing great perturbation throughout the
country, and rebutted the charge that
Germany was ready to break solemnly
contracted treaties entered into by her
with other powers. If the belief that
Germany would act thus should come to
be publicly accepted, Freiherr Won Bic
berstein said, 1t would undermine the
country's position in Europe. The charge,
he declared had no basis in fact. Ger
many had ever been faithful to her trea-
ties. 1t was a question for argument, he
admitted whether the government had
been wise to conclude secret treaty with
Russia. Arguing accidentally he would
suppose that Russia and Austria had
come to war. Germany would then be
obliged to decide which of the two coun-
tries she would support. 1t might be
contended that If Austria was attacked
the German army would be forced to
march against Russia, whereas, IL Aus
tria attacked Russia, Germany should re-
main neutral. The other members of the
dreibund could conclude similar treaties,
for the dreibund was defensive alliance.
In this connection Won Biebarstein SAID
that as Prince Bismarcks statecraft met
9 with such absolute acknowledgment
throughout the civilized world ii was de-
plorable that he should have been made
the object of such undignified attacks
Germany, he said knew that the entente
between Russia and France would never
permit France to frivolously declare war
against Germany. The relations existing
between Russia and Germany were abso-
lutely friendly.
The debate tagged somewhat after the
speech of the foreign minister. but Herr
Richter aroused the cheers of his faction
of the chamber by making personal at
tacks upon Prince Bismarck. obviously
aiming at provoking the ex-chancellor's
son, Count Herbert Bismarck, into reply
ing.
Count Won Mirback conservative, saw
khe object of Herr Hichter and expressed
hope that Count Bismarck would not ac-
cept the challenge of the radical leader.
Count Won Mirback then proceeded to
defend the acts of,Prince Bismarck and
was followed by Herr Won Kardorff. free
conservative, who, spoke in a similar
strain, the speeches of both deputies be-
ing loudly cheered.
The debate was a tame affair in COM
parison with what was expected by the
opponents of the government. and fell
far short OF being sensational. AS mat
ter of fact after the speeches of Count
Won Hempesch, the replies of Prince
Hohenlohe and Baron Marshall Won Bic
berstein, and the remarks of Count Won
1firiack and Herr Won Kardorff, the dis
c1sg.on fiottened out completely.
Z Count Herbert Bismarck stated that he
had remained silent during the debate be-
rause the declaration of the chancellor