The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-12-09
.RE|CHSTAG NAVAL DEBATE.
FIRST READING OF THE GOVERN
MENTs BILL STARTED THE
BALL.
RESIGNATION OF ITALIAN ICAB|NE1
In the Hands of King Humbert.
Austria's New Premier Said to lie
Making Progress Towards
Consolidating Factions.

peesoh 'hc uepale upon the nrSt reading
of the governments naval bill. The i'm
perial chancellor, Prince Hohenlohe,
made statement ON the subject, say
ing:
I'VE absolutely require an efficient
navy to maintain the position created
for us by the assembly. This convic-
tion has gained ground with very large
sections of the population, and | declare,
In the name of the federated govern
nlents, that they consider as an impsra-
tive necessity that the navy should he
strengthened and that its strength
should be fixed by legislative enact
ment. The bill, 1t is true, demands n
certain sacrifice from the reichstag, but
10y Its adoption the hands of the gov
eminent will also he tied. The idea of
a policy of adventure is far from the
thoughts of the government as Is any
intention ut rivalry with the great mari.
time powers. If we desire to secure n
position in the concert of the powers
we must have fleet of modest dimen.
slons. We ask you to adopt the bill
for the welfare of the fathcrland."
CHEERS from the right
Admiral Won Tirpitz, the secretary of
the navy, then addressed the house. eX-
planning the necessity for introducing
the bill to strengthen the German navy.
Admiral Won Tiipitz pointed out that
the proposed new ships would establish
basis which, for long time to come.
would meet the requirements of the
country. In conclusion Admiral Won
llrpitz declared that the present system
OF voting naval supplies must he changed
and he appealed TO the rechstag to
favorably consider the government s
measure. The admiral's remarks were
greeted with cheers from several fac
tons.
Herr Schoenlank. social democrat. OBJ
posed the bill, saying he thought It
curious that the flaws in the navy had
only now been discovered. Attempts
were being made. he claimed 10 fright
cite them to n craving for glory. How,
the speaker asked, could this ne recon-
ciled with the pacific declarations of
the emperor.
Referring to the occupation of Kiao
| Chau bay by the German squadron in
Chinese waters, Herr Schoennnk said
that if Germany established herself IN
China she would become involved In
endless complication with Great Britain
and Japan. Germany. he claims. would
never be n naval power. The bill. he
said, was the outcome of personal rule.
Count Limburgh-Stirum, the conscr-
vative leader. disputed Herr Schocn-
tanks contention. I'VE have no guar
arm ourselves for the evcntnality Of
war. Why should German charge
daifairs be Obliged to submit to he
treated with shameless arrogance by
! the blacks of Hayti? and how was 1t
| that the American minister carried his
point! Because he had only to tele-
graph In order to at once obtain eff
cient support"
Count Posadowski, minister for the
interior. was the next speaker. He said
the federal government had no idea of
aarresting social legislation Herr
Shoenlank," he continued has spoken
of an absolutionist tendency in certain
quarters, but If Herr Schoenlank's views
ever find favor with a majority of the
rcichstag there will he no need Of alb
solutism to destroy pariamentarism."
CHEERS and counter cheers.)
The minister for foreign affairs, Baron
Won Bulow said:
Herr Schoenlank's fears that we
shall plunge into adventures are not
well grounded. The chancellor and his
colleagues are men not to seek useless
quarrcls. We do not poke our fingers
into every pie, but. nevertheless, Ger
many must not renouncc her claim to
have a share of the countries having a
rich future.
"'rhe object of the expedition to Iiiao
Chau bay is to obtain satisfaction and
greater guarantees against the repeti-
! ton of such occurrences. We 10 not
want to ntimdate or provoke China.
Notwithstanding the grave injustice
DONE we desire continuance of her
friendship. In addition to the murder
Of the two German missionaries. whom
We can not allow TO he regarded as
outlaws. we have Il number of other
serious grounds for complaint. W. can
not allow the view to become cstnb-
lishcd in China that Germans can he
treated in II manner which other M
| lions do not permit. German mission
aries. contractors. goods and vessels
must be respected exactly ms chose OF
other countries. We are quite ready to
consider the Asiatic interests of the
other powers and feel sure due regard
will be paid to ours. True to the ira
ditions of German policy. we will. with
out unnecessary force. but Mt the same
| time without weakness. protect orr
rights and interests" prolonged
| cheers.)
| Herr Barth. the freic slime leader,
said further light would be thrown on
| the bill in committee. The frcie anne
party, he added had no idea Of reject
| ing the measure summarily.
| Count Won Jazdeswski, the Polish lead
or. declared the Poles would not accept
| the hill in its present shape.
| The house adjourned until tomorrow.