Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-02
THE ReicHSTAc OPENED.
Emperor Williams Speech from the Throne
Not Very Fayorably Received.

Berlin. Nov. c0-The last session of the
present Reichstag was opened. at noon
today, by Emperor William in person. for
the first time sine. 1894. 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 Emperors speech. He said: The
development OF the German navy does
not correspond with Gcrmanys mission
at sea. and in the event of warlike com
plcatlons II would not suffice TO assure
the security of the home. ports and coasts
against blockade or more extensive OPP
erations on the part of the enemy.
Neither has it kept pace with the rapid
growth OF German trans-oceanic interests
While German trade is participating in
creasingiy in the worlds exchange Of
merchandise. the number of our war YES
sells does not suffice to afford our coun-
trymen abroad the measure OF protection
corresponding with Germany's position.
or the support which can only be secured
by display of power
Although il is not our object to vie
with the maritime powers of the first
RANK, Germany must nevertheless be
placed in position to maintain, by
means of preparedness at sea, her pres
tige among the peoples of the globe. To
this end. the strengthening of our home
fleet of battleShips and the increase in
the number or our vessels intended for
foreign service in time of peace becomes
HtttSSbINs dIt III oTucT 10 gam 1irrn
ground for urgent measures which can
not any longer be postponed. the federal
government considers il expedieat to de-
termine by Legislative enactment the
strength of the navy and the period in
which il is to be attained. With this
object in view. a bill will be submitted
/ Co The Reichstag for constitutonally ar
irving at Il decision and. later. with the
view TO the promotion of trans-oceanic
i, interests, a bill will also be introduced
I-rlnfnIsinvr hs. 20, y in
munication with eastern Asia
Abiding to the project to reform the
military penal procedure. His Majesty In
his speech said: The proposed reform.
while following so far as possible the
lines of the cival penal code. meets the
requirement absolutely necessary for the
maintenance of discipline. The bill will
be submitted without delay"
The Emperors speech then proceeded
to touch upon the finances of the country
on which subject His Majesty remarked:
THE general condition of the finances is
satisfactory and a considerable portion of
the anticipated surplus will be employed
as last year in reducing the imperial
debt. An economic committee consisting
OF representatives of industry. agriculture
and trade. has been appointed. by means
OF whose expert advice it is intended to
define the conditions and scope OF the ex-
tensive ramiiication of home productions.
in order to obtain firm basis upon which
to shape future customs tariffs and COM
mercial relations of foreign countries.
The development of our protectorates
on the whole. is satisfactory. The rinder-
pest in southwest Africa has necesstated
the construction of railroads to facilitate
transportation. The results of the nego-
tiations with France for the delimitation
of the Revolutionary boundaries tend to
benefit the economic interests of both
countries
Referring to the murder of the two
German missionaries, Mes and Hennle.
in China. Emperor William remarked:
THE murder of the missionaries in China
and the attacks on mission stations which
have been placed under my imperial pro-
lection. 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 to the
scene OF the outrage. and land troops in
order to obtain full reparation and secur-
ity against recurrence of similar la
mentable events
Touching the general political situation,
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 afforded me by my meetings
with the allied and friendly monarchs, as
well as by the brilliant and cordial recep-
tons accorded me in my visits to Peter
hat and Buda Pest"
The speech from the throne concludes:
All indications justify the expectation
ehs1,' WIN Nou uolD. We may III the 1u-
ture as in the past. look forward to the
peaceful development of Europe and the
German fatherland.'
United States Ambassador Andrew D.
WHITE and United States Consul General
Goldschmidt attended the opening sitting
of the Rechstag
The speech from the throne was I'M
favorably criticized. as a rule. by those
who have up to the present been able to
weigh it.