The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-01
THE GER MAN NAVY.
Emperor william Makes a Plea for Its
Enlargement.


BERLIN, Nov. 3O.-The last session of
the present Reichstag was opened in the
White Hall of the Royal Castle at noon
to-day.
Emperor William opened the session
jn person for the first time since 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
I'm the speech. The message on this
subject was as follows:
"rLe development of the German navy
Goes not correspond with Germany's
mission at sea and in the event of wariike
complications 1t would not suffice TO Sc
cure the security CT the lone ports and
coasts against a blockade and more eN-
1engiye operations upon the part of the
enemy. Neither has 1t kept pace with
the rapid growth of Germanys trans
oceanic interests.
While Germany's trade is participant
ing Increasingly III the worlds exchange
OF merchandise, the number OF our war
vessels does not suffice TO afford our
countrymen abroad the measure OF pro-
lection corresponding with Germany's
position nor the support which can only
be secured by display OF power.
Although II Is not our object TO vie
with the maritime powers of the first
rank, Germany must, nevertheless, be,
placed in a position TO maintain, by
means OF preparation at sea. her prestige
among the people of the world"
Referring TO the naval demonstration
I'm kiao-Chou Bay China, Emperor VIII
liam said:
THE murder OF the missionaries in
China and the attacks upon mission sta
tions 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 to the scene Of the out
rage, and land troops In order TO obtain
full reparation ana security against a
recurrence of similar lamantable events"
After reading his speech, the Emperor
said
Two years ago from this platform i
Ewore before you. 10 preserve the con-
centrated colors of my First Regiment OF
Guards, TO preserve the Empire as l took
1t from my grandfather and to protect
and safeguard its honor abroad. You
have thus all become parties TO my oath
and i pray in the name OF the Empire
and ia the presence OF Almighty God that
lie Will assist you in your work and help
mo Ia protect in the future as In the past,
the honor Of the Empire abroad which l
have not valued too low to give my only
brother in pledge for IL"
Al the'conclusion OF the ceremony the
members repaired 20 the Reichstag, where
Baron Nonbuelo as president OF the
House last session. opened the sitting
Among the bills already presented 10
the keichstag are the budget bill. the bill
providing for the reform in military penal
procedure and the naval bill.
The roll call showed that IA members OF
the Reichstag were present at the OPEN
ing OF the sitting.
The election for members OF the pres,-
Dental bureaus will take place tomorrow.
United states Ambassador Andrew
White attended the opening sitting OF the
Reichstag.
The speech from the throne was unfay-
orally criticised as a rule by those who
have w TO tho present been able to weigh
%.