Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-01
REICHSTAG OPENED.
EMPEROR WILLIAM PEhFohMs
THE FUNCTION IN PERSON.
THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE.
Increase of the Germnn Navy--De-
monstration ut Kino-Chou bay
favornbIy Criticised, ms n Rule.

BERLIN. November SO-The last ses-
sion of the present Reichstag was opened
! at noon to-day. Emperor William per-
| formed the function 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:
1.-THE development Of the German navy
does not correspond with Germanys
mission at sea, and in the event Of war
like complications it would not suffice TO
secure the security of the home ports
and coasts against blockade, and more
extensive operations upon the part Of the
enemy. Neither has it kept pace with
the rapid growth of German transoceanic
interests.
while German trade is participating
increasingly in the worlds exchange of
merchandise, the number of our war
vessels does not suffice to afford our coun-
trymen abroad a measure Of protection
corresponding to Germans position. nor
the support which can only be secured by
display of power.
Although it is not our object TO -
with the maritime powers of the first
rank, Germany must, nevertheless, be
placed in position to maintain, by means
of preparation at sea, her prestige among
the peoples of the world"
Referring TO the naval demonstration
4 h..
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 20 cause my squadron i'm Eastern Asia
waters TO proceed to Kiao-Chou Bay, the
point nearest to the scene Of the outrage,
and land troops, in order 10 obtain full
reparation, and security against recur-
renee Of similar lamentable events"
After reading his speech, the Emperor
said: 1.-Two years ago. from this plat
form, / swore before you. on the con-
secrated colors Of my First Regiment
Of Guards, to preserve the Empire as |
took il from my grandfather. and to pro-
tect and safeguard it's honor abroad You
have thus all become parties to my
oath. and l pray, i'm the name of the
God, that He will assist you in your work
and help me TO protect I'm the future as
in the past the honor Of the Empire
abroad. which l prove have not valued
too low, since l give my only brother in
pledge for It,"
At the conclusion Of the ceremony the
members repaired to the Reichstag, where
Baron Won Buelow, as President of the
House, last session, opened the sitting.
Among the bills already presented I'm
the Reichstag are the budget bill, the
bill providing for reform in military penal
procedure and the naval bill.
The roll-call showed that IA members
Of the Reichstag were present at the
opening Of the sitting.
The election for members Of the presi-
dental bureaus will take place to-mor-
row.
United States Ambassador Andrew
White attended the opening sitting of the
Reichstag.
The speech from the throne was unfa-
vorably criticised, as a rule, by those who
have up to the present been able to
weigh it.