The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-12-02
OPENING OF THE R{|CHSIAG
LAST SESSION OF THE PRESENT
SESSION OPENED BY EMPEROR
WILLIAM IN PERSON.
THE EMPEROR READ HIS SPEECH
Much of II Devoted to Advocating n
Stronger Navy-Demonstrati in
Chinese Waters Explained.
Relations Abroad.

! Berlin. Nov. 30.-The last session OF
the present reichstag was opened in Che
white hall of the royal castle Mt moor
today. Emperor William opened the scs
sion 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 greater par,
OF the speech. The passing on this sub
ject was as follows:
The development of the German navy
does not correspond with Germanys mis-
sion at sea. and in the event of warlikt
complications 1t would not suffice TO MS
sure the protection of the home ports and
coasts against blockade or more OK.
tensive operations on the part of III,
enemy. Neither has it kept pace with
the rapid growth of German trans
oceanic interests. While German trad,
Is participating increasingly in the
worlds exchange of merchandise the
numher of our war vessels does not sui.
nee to afford our countrymen abroad the
measure of protection corresponding with
! Germany's position nor the support which
can only be secured by display of
power.
Ano"Sh ~ 10 Hot our OnJeCt TO vie
win the maritime powers of the first
rank, Germany must, nevertheless. he
paced in position to maintain by means
OF preparedness Mt sea, her prestige
among the people of the globe"
Alluding to the projected reform in the
military penal procedure, his majesty in
his speech said: a.
The proposed reform. while following
no iar as possible the lines of the civil
penal code, meets the requirements ab.
s0!utely necessary for the maintenance
OF discipline. The bill will be submitted
without delay"
Inc .emperor's speech then touched
upon the finances of the country, ON
which subject his majesty remarked:
The general condition of the finances
Is satisfactory and n considerable DOR
ton OF the anticipated surplus will be
employed, as last year. in reducing the
| imperial debt.
AN economic committee. consisting NJ
representatives of industry. agriculture
and trade, has been appointed. nv means
oil whose expert advice II Is intended to
defne the conditions and scope of the OK.
tensive ramifications of home produc.
ti0ns in order to obtain n firm basis upon
winch to shape future customs. tariff and
commercial relations with foreign COIN.
tries" -" 'o""'
Referring to the naval demonstration
IN hiao Chau bay, China, Emperor VIII
liam said:
The murder of the missionaries in
China and the attacks upon mission
stations which have been placed under
my imperial protection. and their wei.
rare. which / have at heart, have com.
peiled me TO cause my squadron In enst-
crn Asia to proceed to Kiao Chau bay
tne point nearest to the scane of the
outrage, and land troops IN order to
obtain full reparation and security
against a recurrence of similar lamentn.
BILE events"
Iouching the general political situa.
ton. his majesty said:
"Onr political relations with foreign
states are In every way gratifying and
valuable guarantees of the maintenance
or these relations have again been af-
forded me by meetings with the allied
and friendly monnrchs, as well as by
the brilliant and cordial receptions ac.
corded I me IN my visits to Peterhof and
The speech from the throne con-
cludes:
"All Indications justify the expecta.
tion that with Gods help we NAV In
the future as In the past look forward
to the peaceful development of Europe
and the German fatherland.'
After reading his speech the emperor
said:
1.-TWO years ago from this platform
swore before you on the consecrnted
colors of my First regiment of guards
to preserve the empire as | took II from
my grandfather, and to protect and
safeguard its honor abroad you had
thus all become parties to my oath. and
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 the future as In the
past the honor of the empire abr0nd |
which | have not valued too low to !
give my only brother In pledge for it, |
At the conclusion Of the ceremony |
the members repaired to the reichstag, |
whore Baron Won Buel, as president of |
the house at the last session. opened |
the sitting After welcoming the mem |
bers the president appointed temporary
secretaries.
Among the bills already presented TO |
the reichstag are the budget bill. the |
naval bill and the bill providing for re-
form in military penal procedure.
The roll call showed that Ill mem
bers of the reichstag were present ut
the opening of the sitting. Inc cleo
tlon for members of the presidential /
bureau will take place tomorrow
The United States Ambassador, An
drew White. and United States Consul
General Goldschmidt attended the open.
ing of the reichstag.
The speech from the throne was I'M
favorably criticised as rule by those
who have mp to the present been able
to weigh II.