Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-12-01

Extsmporaneous Sensation, Which l. Ex.
tsnsively Criticised-Not So Much NY"
- Csaal-John Bull Gets Some Ners
Territory Of the Celestial Empire.
Berlin. Dec. 1.-The development Of
the German navy does not correspond
with Germany's mission at sea, and in
the event Of wariike complications it
would not suffice to assure the security
OF the home ports and coasts against q
blockade or more extensive operations
upon the part Of the enemy. Neither
has II kept pace with the rapid growth
OF German trans-oceanic interests.
Although it Is not our object to
vie with the maritime powers Of the
first rank. Germany must. nevertheless.
be placed in q position to maintain. by
means OF preparedness at sea, her
prestige among the people Of the globe"
That 10 what Kaiser Wilhelm said re-
garding the German navy in his speech
from the throne at the opening Of the
reichstag in the White Hall Of the
Royal Castle yesterday at noon.
Kiao-Chou and European Peace.
or the seizure OF Chinese territory he
said: The murder of the missionaries
In China and the attacks upon mission
stations which have been placed under
my imperial protection. and their well
fare. which I have at heart, have COM
PEELED me to cause my squadron in east
ern Asia TO proceed to Kiao-Chou bay,
the point nearest to the scene Of the
outrage, and land troops in order to
obtain full rcparation and security
against a recurrence OF similar lamenta-
bic events" and with reference to Eu-
pecan peace he concluded his written
speech as follows: '.All indications
Justify the expectation that, with Gods
help. We may in the future. as in the
past, look forward to the peaceful de-
velopment of Europe and the German
Fatherland''
when tho Deputies Cheered.
The empress. with Prince Henry Of
Prussia, Prince Frederick Leopold and
their wives were present at the opening.
Emperor William wore the uniform of
the Gard du Corps Of the Black Eagle,
with an eagie-crested helmet. He read
his speech in a clear voice. the deputies
preserving silence until he reached the
passage referring to the occupation of
kiao-Chou. This was received with
loud cheers. 1t was supposed that his
majesty's address had ended when he
remarked that all indications justified
the expectation that with Gods help
the German people might look forward
to the peaceful development Of Europe
| and the Fatherland: but to the aston
| ishment of everybody. including Prince
Hohenlohe, the emperor handed his
| manuscript back to the prince and then
| raising his voice added extsnporaneous-
ly illusions to his oath two years ago
from the same platform, and the state
| ment that all before him had thus be-
come parties to his oath. pledged to as
sist him in protecting the honor of the
empire abroad.
Not So Much Capital 81" a. Usual.
| This addition Is extensively criticised
as virtually undoing the effect of the
unusual moderation Of the official speech,
which was conspicuous by the absence
OF such phrases as my army" my
navy" my empire" and similar Gus
tomary evidences Of imperial impulsive-
ness. The Nord Deutsche Anegemine
Zeitung prints an official statement on
the subject Of the occupation Of Kiao-
Chou. reiterating the emperor's state
ment that Germany's only object is to
secure protection for German mission
aries In China. This apparent conflict
Of views between the emperor and Of
ficialdom leaves the public still in the
dark as to the real objects OF the de.
monstration Of Kiao-Chou bay. but has
the advantage automatically of leaving
the government free toretire from Kiao.
Chou without loss OF prestige. should
the negotiations with the powers rendel
that course advisable.