The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-12-01
I'm PROPER PERSON
EMPEROR WILLIAM OPENS TIE
REIOHsTAG's SESSION.

Mind-He Does Not Expect Germany
| to be Made . First C,ass Naval Power
But She Should Have Eoough Navy to
Hold Her Own Abroad and Defend Her
i self at Home Military Procedure i;ili
other Meters Touched Upon.
| Berlin, Nov. 30.-The last session OF
| the present reichstag wes opened in the
White hall of the Royal castle at noon
today.
Emperor William opened the session
| in person. for the first time since 1884
The ceremony took place in the White
hall Of the Royal castle. His majesty
read the speech from the throne.
The navy occupied the principal place
(; in the speech. The passage on this SUB
! ject was as follows:
'aThe development Of the German navy
does not correspond with Germany's mis-
sion at sea and in the event or warhKe
| complications 1t would not suffice to as
sure the security of the home ports and
coasts against a blockade or more ex-
| tensive operations upon the part OF the
enemy. Neither has IL kept pace with
| the rapid growth OF German trans
oceanic interests. While German trade
is participating increasingly in the
worlds exchange Of merchandise, the
number of our war vessels does not SUI
flee to afford our countrymen abroad the
measure of protection corresponding
with Germany's position nor the support
which can only Sc secured by display
| of power.
Although IT i. not our object to vie
with the maritime powers OF the nrst
rank. Germany must nevertheless be
placed in a position to maintain by
means of preparedness at sea, her
prestige among the people Of the globe"
Abiding to the projected reform IN the
military penal procedure his majesty in
mis- speech said:
The proposed reform, while following
SO far as possible the lines Of the civil
penal code, meets the requirements al
solutely necessary for the maintenance
of discipline. The Dill will be submitted
without delay
The emperor's speech then touched up
on the finances Of the country. upon
which subject his majesty remarked:
1.-The general condition OF the finances
is satisfactory and a considerable por-
ton of the anticipated surplus will be
employed. az last year, in reducing the
imperial debt.
"An economic committee, consisting
of representatives Of industry, agricult-
ure and trade, has been appointed, by
means of whose expert advice IL is IN
tended to define the conditions and ex-
tensive ramifications of home produc-
| tions in order to obtain finn basis up
on which to shape future customs
tariffs and commercial relations with
i foreign Countries"
Referring to the naval demonstration
in Kiao-Chou bay, China, Emperor
William said:
the murder of the missionaries in
China and the attacks upon mission sta
| tons which have been placed under my
imperial protection. and their welfare.
which l have at heart, have compelled
me to cause my squadron in eastern
Asia to proceed to Kiao-Chou bay, the
point nearest the scene of the outrage,
and land troops in order to obtain full
reparstion and security against re-
currence Of similar lamentable events"
Touching the general political situa-
| ton his majesty said:
Our political relations with foreign
states are in every way gratifying, and
valuable guarantees of the maintenance
! OF these relations have again been af-
forded me by my meetings with the
allied and friendly monarohs, as well as
by the brilliant cordial receptions ac-
! corded me in my visits to Peterhof and
! Buda Pest
The speech concluded:
"AH Indications justify the expecta-
| ton that with Gods help We may in the
future as in the past look forward 70
the peaceful development OF Europe and
! the German fatherland."
After reading his speech. the emperor
added:
1.-TWO years ago from this platform l
swore before you. upon the cunsecrated
colors of my First regiment of guards.
/ TO preserve the empire as took II from
my grandfather and 10 protect and safe
| guard its honor abroad. You have thus
all become parties to my oath and I
pray, in the name OF the empire and the
presence of Almighty God, that ne will
assist you in your work and help me TO
protect. in the future as in the pas., the
honor az the empire abroad. which 1
nave not valued too low 10 give my only
| brother in pledge for T."
At the conclusion % theceremony. the
members repaired to the reichstag.
| where Baron ven Bueoi. as president OF
the house at ne last session. opened the
sitting. After welcoming the mensoeis.
| the president appointed temporary sec
| retaTiee-
Among the bills already presented 20
the reichstag are the budget bin, the
naval bill and the bin providing for re-
forming military penal procedure.
The roll call showed ia members o.
tae reichstag were present az the open
ing OF the sitting. The election for
members Of the presidential buresu viii
take place tomorrow.
Amoas.aior White AMI United States
Consul General Gold.cnmidt s.ten3sd
the opening sitting OF the retcastsg.
The speech from the throne was IN
,avorab.y criticized. as a rule. by tho,e
who have Up 70 the present been abe TO
weigh il.
The empress. with Prince Henry %
PrusSia. Prince Frederick Leopo,5 AMI
their wives. acre present al tae open
ing.
Emperor William wore the uniform q
the Guard Dc Corps Of the Black Eagle.
with an eagle crested helunes- He read