The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-11-30
OPENED BY KAISER.
Last Session of Present ReichStag
al Berlin,
His Speech Devoted Chiefly to De-
velopment ef the Navy.

Berlin, Nov. 30.-The last session OF the
| present Reichstag was opened Mt noon today
| by Emperor William in person, for the first
time since 1894. The ceremony took place IN
the white hall Of the royal castle. His majes-
ty read the speech from the throne. The navy
occupied the principal place in the emperor 5
speech. He said:
"The development Of the German navy does
not correspond with Germany's mission at
sea, and in the event of warlike complications 5
il would not suffice 10 assure the security of
the home ports and coasts against blockade
or more extensive operations upon the part OF
the enemy.
Neither has il kept pace with the rapid
growth OF German trans-oceanic interests
While German trade is participating increas-
ingly in the worlds exchange Of merchandise,
the number OF our war vessels does not suffice
10 afford our countrymen abroad the measure
OF protection corresponding with Germany's
position, nor the support which can only be
secured by a display of power.
Although IL is not our object TO vie with
the maritime powers OF tho first rank. Ger
many must, nevertheless be placed in posi-
tion to maintain. by means OF preparedness
at sea, her prestige among the peoples OF the
globe.
"To this end, the strengthening of our home
fleet Of battleships and the increase in the
number of our vessels intended for foreign
service in time Of peace becomes necessary,
and in order TO gain firm ground for urgent
measures which cannot any longer be post
poned, the federal government considers it
expedient to determine by legislative act the
strength of the navy and the period in which
n ia 10 he M in xia
n bill will be submitted to the Rechstag for
constitutionally arriving at decision, and
later, with view to the promotion of trans
oceanic interests,a bill will also be- introduced
for improving the mail steamship communica-
tion with Eastern Asia.
Abiding to tho projected reform in the mil.
itary penal procedure his majesty in his
speech said:
The proposed reform, while following so
far as possible the lines OF the civil penal
code, meets the requirement absolutely neces-
sary for the maintenance of discipline. The
bill will be submitted without delay"
The emperor's speech then proceeded to
touch upon the finances Of the country, on
which subject his majesty rem ar Sed:
The general condition OF the finances is
satisfactory and a considerable portion of the
anticipated support will be applied in reduc-
ing the imperial debt.
IAN economic committee. consisting Of rep
resentatives OF industry. agriculture and
trade has been appointed, by means OF whose
expert advice II is intended TO define the CON
ditions and scope of the extensive ramihca.
tion OF home productions, in order 70 obtain n
frm basis upon which 10 shape future Gus.
toms, tariffs and commercial relations with
foreign countries. The development OF our
protectorstes. ON the whole, is satisfactory
The Rinder2est in Southwest Africa has neces-
STATED the construction of railroads TO facil.
itate transportation.
N The results of the negotiations with France
FOR the delimination of Togo Dahomey bound
aries tend To benefit the economic interests of
both Countries
Referring 20 the murder of the two German
missionaries, Mics and Henle, in China, En-.
peror William remarked
The murder OF tho missionaries in China
and the attacks upon mission states and their
welfare, winch ! have at heart, have COM
PEELED me 90 cause my squadron In Eastern
Asia TO proceed TO kaio Chou Bay, the point
nearest 20 the scene of the outrage. and land
troops in order 90 obtain full reparation and
security against recurrence OF similar
lamentablc events
Touching tho general political situation,
Emperor William said:
Our political relations with foreign states
are IN every way gratifying and valuable
/ guarantees OF the maintenance OF these tcla.
/ tions have been gain afforded me by my
meetings with the allied friendly powers"
The speech concludes:
! "AE indications iust~.- the cxpectation
| that, with Gods help,we may in the future.
a. In the past, look forward 20 the peaceful
development Of Europe and the German
! Fatherlmd
After reading his speech, the emperor
| added:
| Two years ago. from this platform, | swOr,
before You, upon the consecratcd co,ors ~ my
fir-t Regiment 81 Guards. 10 preserve the
I --ffff-if. ~ iooh 70 fF..is'- -pis gri.ndf and
to protect aud safe guard its mono .'uad
| You have thus All uccufnr parties io NY oath
| and ! pray, iu the name 90 the empire and ir
the presence ~ Almighty God. that he vii
assist won in your work and help me 10 pro
tcct, In M future as IN the past. the mono,
~ the empire abroad, which have NO, valued
too low 20 give my only brother in pledge foi
It,"