The news & observer., 1897-12-05
us HARSHLY CRITICIZED
REICHSTAG REFUSES TO PASS
HIS NAVAL BILL.
WILL STAND OR FALL BY THE REFUSAL
Alleged that Bigger Navy Will Check Emil
grafton to the United States The Chan
ceIIOr'S Salary to Be Increased to
$4,000, Now $780,. ,
S25, 600, Now $13. 500

Copyright 1897 by Associated Press.)
Berlin, Dec. 4.-(Special Berlin letter.
Politically this has been u very lively
week in Germany, the opening of the
RelcLstag being the first feature of inr-
portance with the Chinese question \
good second. When he made his speech
from the throne i'll the White Hall Of
the castle on Tuesday, Emperor William
had everything arranged to render the
scene impressive. On the landing of the
stairs hung a colossal painting, Snowing
the Emperor taking the oath on tie cOi-
ors in the presence of the same Reich
stag, but the effect was wholly iuade-
quate. The majority Of the delegates
on leaving the castle, openly and ylgOr-
ously criticised the speech. The
Cologne Nolks Zeitung commenting on
the whole scence says:
There is chasm between the Em-
peror and the nations representatives"
Continuing the VOlh, Zeitung reminds
his Majesty that since his accession the
Empires debt has been increased by
1,5O0,000,000 marks, almost exclusively
for military and naval purposes.
AS a matter of fact this Reichstax
will stand or fall with the two impor-
tant bills introduced by the government
on the opening day, the naval bill and
the bill for the reform Of military trials.
and neither will pass in the present
shape. That may be safely predicted.
Talks which the correspondent here of
the Associated Press has had with the
leaders of majority of the parties make
it evident that the opposition to the gov.
ernments bills viii not be overcome.
The Tageblatt says:
How shall we characterize the con-
duct of the government which dares to
put such bill before the peoples repre-
sentatives"
The Boersen Courier and other mod.
crate papers also condemn the measure
and predict its failure. Some of the pa
pers, however, especially, the Conserva.
tive organs uphold the naval bill.
One of the governments arguments in
the memorial accompanying the bill, is
emigration. Reviewing the past flow
to the United States, it expresses the
hope that with a larger navy and a con-
sequent larger sea trade, this migration
may be more largely diverted to the Ger
man colonies. The first reading of the
naval bill will take place on Monday
but unless the government is able to ac-
eelerate the proceedings. a vote cannot
be taken until March 15.
In regard to the statements of the
| German papers, the correspondent here
of the Associated Press learns that no
| instructions regarding China have been
sent to the United States ambassador,
Andrew d. White, from Washington.
The downfall of Count Badeni, the
late Austrian Premier, was received with
rejoicing in Germany. The Austrians
of Berlin Illuminated their houses in
honor of the event and the entire press
expresses satisfaction. Even the govern
ment newspapers which have hitherto
been very cautious, express pleasure at
the Counts retirement from power.
The Centre party has re-intrOduced the
bill providing for the re-admission OF
Jesuits into Germany.
The Budget contains an item fixing the
salary of the imperial chancellor at 10O,.
600 marks in stead of 81, 1000 marks. Il
is said the increase is in accordance with
promise the Emperor made Prince
Hohenlohe, his present salary being In
adequate, in view OF the lavish entees
tainments expected Of his office.
The item win be the subject of lively
attacks upon the part of the Socialists
and Radicals.