The herald., 1897-12-01
Chief Theme of Williams
Speech
GERMANY'S MISSION At SEA
NEEDS MORE SHIPS TO INSURE
SUCCESS
The Reichstag Opened With an Ad-
dress From the Throne Which
Rouses Criticism

Associated Press Special Wire.
BERLIN, Nov. 30.-Emperor William
opened the session of the Reichstag to-
day in 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
in the speech. The passage on this sub
ject was as follows:
"The development of the German navy
does not correspond with Germany's
mission at sea and in the event of war;
like complications, it would not suffice
to assure the security of the home ports
and coasts against blockade or more
extensive operations on the part Of the
enemy. Neither has 1t kept pace with
the rapid growth Of German transoce-
anic 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
countrymen abroad the measure of pro-
lection corresponding with Germany's
position nor the support which can be
secured only by a display of power.
Although it 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 preparedness at sea, her pres
tige among the people of the globe"
Abiding to the projected reform in the
military penal procedure, His Majesty
said:
1.-THE proposed reform, while following
so far as possible the lines of the civil
penal code, meets the requirements abb
solutely necessary for the maintenance
of discipline. The bill will be submitted
without delay"
The emperor's speech then touched
upon the finances Of the country, on
which subject he remarked:
THE condition of finances is satisfac-
tory and a certain portion of the antici-
pated 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 1t is intended to
define the conditions and scope of the
extensive ramifications of home pro-
ductions, in order to obtain a firm basis
upon which to shape future customs
tariffs and commercial relations with
foreign countries"
Referring to the naval demonstration
in Kiao Chau Bay, China, Emperor Will
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 have at heart, have compelled me
to cause my squadron in Eastern Asia
to proceed to Kiao Chau Bay, the point
nearest the scene of the outrage, and
land troops in order to obtain full repara-
tion and security against a recurrence Of
similar lamentable events"
Touching the general political situa-
ton, His Majesty said:
''Our political situations are in every
way gratifying and reasonable guaran-
tees of the maintenance of these rela-
tions have again been afforded me by
my meetings with the allied and friendly
monarchs as well as by the brilliant
and cordial receptions accorded me in
my visits to Peterhof and Buda- -Pesth." I"
The speech concluded:
"All indications justify the expecta-
ton that with Gods help we may in the
near future look forward to the peace
full development of Europe and the Ger
man Fatherland."
After reading his speech, the emperor
said: 1.-TWO years ago on this platform
l swore before you upon the consecrated
colors of my regiment of guards to pro-
tect and safeguard the honor of our flag
at home and abroad. You became part
ner to my oath and I pray in the name
of the empire and in the presence Of
Almighty God that he will assist you in
your work and help me to protect in