The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-01-17
ARBIT RATION TO
DISPLACE ARMS
Some Germans Pleased
With the Signing of
the New Treaty.
Others Favor Militarism and
Declare That War Advances
Civilization.
NV the Leaders of the Party of the
Center Are Preparing Most
Obnoxious Law.

BERLIN, GERMANY, Jan. 16-Outside
of military and Government circles with
the press, the opponents of their views,
the general arbitration treaty just signed
by Great Britain aud the United States is
hailed with delight. The Centrist and
Frelssinige newspapers concur in acclaim
ing the treaty as offering the very best So
luton how to escape from the system of
militarlsm which is now draining the
likelihood of Europe and advocate similar
measure on the part of the Contine ntal
powers. The leading Centrist organ, Ger
mania. predicts that the conclusion of the
Anglo-American treaty will influence the
party of the Center, which is now the
strongest party in the Reichstag, in deal
ing with the demands of the Imperial
Government for large increase in the
army estimates for the purpose of aug
menting the artillery and other branches
of the military service. Pursuing the sub
ject the paper asks why this momentuous
event-the signing OF the treaty-cement-
ing peace between no. 100000 of people
ought not to lead to some understanding
between other countries.
The Fran kfurter Zeitung is also enthu-
siastic over the treaty, which it says will
encourage the friends of peace in Ger
many to exert their energies toward a
general reduction in the ornaments of
Europe and to settle all future disputes by
means OF arbitration instead of resort 10
arms. The North German Gazette, the
organ of the Government, on the other
hand upholds the principle of militarism
and SCOTS at the idea of universal peace,
which it characterizes as a mere delusion
of the democracy.
War" the Zeitung declares, "has been
a great factor in the advance Of civiliza-
ton. The policy of peace at any price is
degrading. There is a good deal of sham
behind the American and English ex-
pressions of mutual sentiments. Both
nations have common concern in angliciz-
ing the world, and other nations small in
ducement to follow their example"
The proceedings in the Reichstag this
week have been of the humdrum order
More than half of the members are still
absent, not having returned from their
holiday vacations, and it has been a very
difficult matter to obtain quorum in the
Cham Der.
The leaders of the party of the Center
are about to introduce bill similar to the
impracticable Heintze law, which was
drop ped after its reference to a committee
Of the Reichstag in 1892 because the meas
ure was found to be unavoidable. The
new bill provides for the punishment of
offenses against decency and morality on
the stage and platform aud IN the columns
of the press, imposing penalty OF years
i'm prisonment and fine of 1000 marks
upon persons convicted OF violation of the
provisions of the act.
Such a law would be an awful weapon
in the hands Of the authorities. Accord
ing 20 the terms Of the proposed measures
as they are now known the bill far ex-
ceeds IN severity and scope the existing
censorship of the stage, and the powers
conferred upon the police authorities to
dissolve or prevent meetings, yet it Is
pretty well understood that the Ministers
are inclined to support the measure.
Deputy Ring, who has been assured of
the support of the Conservative, National,
Literal and Centrist memb ers of the
Prussian Unterhaus, has given notice of
his intention to introduce a bill in that
BODY providing for the subsection of all
cattle imported into Germany to one
months quarantine without reference to
their condition, and to prohibit bsolutely
the importation Of Russian pigs, dressed
pork and poultry. The proposed mea ASSURE
also provides for temporary exclusion of
Austro- Hungarian cattle. So far as Rus
STA is concerned the purpose of the pro-
posal will be partially baked BY the con-
vention which has inst been concluded
between Germany and Russia permitting
Russian pork to be imported into Ger
many after 1t has undergone inspection.
DR.. Ahlwardt, the notorious Jew batter,
who spent some months in America upon
an unsuccessful occurring tour of the
United States, recently caused it 10 be
announced that ne was about to return to
Berlin but he has not vet arrived 1t was
also said that he had sent his wife the sum
of $50 marks during his absence, but this
report is denied by Frau Ahlwardt, who
decar that her husband left her and
their children destitute and has not con-
tributed penny to their support since he
went away, Frau Ahlwardt has sent
word TO her husband threatening TO turn
over his correspondence in her possession
to his opponents.
The imperial family came to Berlin
from Potsdam on Monday and the season
is now at its height.
Sharp, freezing weather and heavy snow
storms have prevailed during the week
and the rivers are fast being closed by ice.
1t is reported that the Czarina, whose
ACCOMPLISHMENT is expected soon, has been
threatened with premature birth, which,
however, was fortunately averted. Her
Majesty has been seriously i'll, and in con-
sequence there were no receptions during
the Russian New Year week. The Gar
mas physicians say that a long rest with
perfect quiet at Livadia will be necessary
to restore her 10 health.
General Bronsart Won Schellendorf, late
Minister OF War, is paying a visit to Prince
Bismarck, at FREDERICKSBURG, and the two
veterans walk out together daily. Dr.
Eisenberg, assistant to DR.. Schweninger,
Prince Bismarck physician, is in attend
%noa hor, A.