The herald., 1897-12-07

navy to maintain the position created
for us by the army. This conviction has
gained ground with very large sections
of the population, and declare in the
name of the federated governments that
they consider as an imperative necessity
that the navy should be strengthened
and that it's strength should be fixed by
legislative enactment. The bill, it is
true, demands a certain sacrifice from
the reichstag, but by it's adoption the
hands of the government will also be
tied. The adoption of policy Of adven-
ture is as far from the thoughts Of the
government as is any intention of rival
ry with the great maritime powers. If
we desire to secure a position in the con-
cert of the powers. which we must have,
a fleet of modest dimensions will be ade-
quate. I ask you to adopt the bill for
the welfare of the fatherland." (Cheers
from the Rightly
Admiral Won Tirpits, secretary of the
navy, then addressed the house, ex-
planning in detail the necessity for in
Producing the bill to strengthen Ger
many He pointed out that the proposed
new ships would establish a basis
which, for long time to come, would
meet the requirements of the country.
By the adoption of the bill, the secre-
tary of the navy continued, the next
reichstag would be debarred from re-
tarding the rate of construction, but he
insisted that no further restrictions
would be imposed upon parliament
The secretary of the navy said that
in connection with the completion of
the Kaiser Wilhelm canal, tactical cal
culations We're made in regard to the
necessary strength of the fleet in order
to render offensive action, even on the
part of the strongest naval power, i'm
possible. He added:
"In the demand for two squadrons of
eight ships each, we are supported by
the whole corps of naval officers. I am
prepared to give more detailed eXplana-
tions, in committee, regarding the mill
tary points involved.
"Our active fleet is fleet for defense.
What we ask is the minimum necessary
to enable us to throw heavy weight
into the scales, on the side of peace. In
| 1904 our fleet will no longer be a guam
| tite negligeable,' and German maritime
| interests will have been increased. To
| underestimate the importance of this
would endanger the interests of the en-
pire generally"
| In conclusion Admiral Tirpits de-
| clared that the present system of voting
naval supplies must be changed, and he
appealed to the reichstag to favorably
consider the government measure. The
admiral's remarks were greeted with
| cheers from several sections.
| Herr Schoenlank, Social Democrat, op
posed the bill. He thought it curious
that the flaws in the navy had only now
| been discovered. Attempts were being
made, he claimed, to frighten the peo-
pie with phantoms and excite them to a
craving for glory. How, the speaker
asked, could this be reconciled with the
pacific declarations of the emperor?
Referring to the occupation of Kiao
Chau bay by the German squadron in
Chinese waters, he said that If Germany
| established herself in China she would
| become involved in endless complica-
tions with Great Britain and Japan.
! Germany, he declared would never be
q naval power. The bill, he said, was
| the outcome Of personal rule.
| Count Limburg- -Stirrum the Conserv-
ative leader, disputed Herr Schoenlank's
| contention. 1--WE have no guarantee Of