The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-07
SPEECH BY THE KAISER
WILHELM OPENS THE REICHSTAG
AND TELLS WHAT HE WANTS.
His Pet Measures in the Hands of
Observation-Disclosures to Inter-
national Questions.


BERLIN, Dec. 6.-The Reichstag was
opened to-day by Emperor William, who,
after announcing the Introduction of series
Of social and labor bills and the completion
of the organization of the army, said that
Germany's relations with all the foreign
powers continued to be friendly and that
the principal object Of his policy would be
to contribute to the maintenance of peace.
Therefore, his Majesty hailed with warm
approval the Cars magnanimous proposal
for the fprtheranee of that object. Con-
tinuing, The Emperor referred to the as
sassination of the Empress of Austria as ii
savage and ruthless act which had caused
him deep pain, and which had evoked ths
most sincere sympathy throughout Germany.
Abiding to the anti-anarchist conference al
Rome, the Emperor said the readiness with
which the invitation had been accepted by
the powers justified the hope that it's de-
alterations would have practical results.
Abiding to the war between the United
States and Spain his Majesty said: Ger
manys neutrality was conscientiously and
Loyalty observed towards both belligerents."
Then, taking up colonial affairs, Emperor
William pointed out the measures taken for
the economic development of Kiao-Chau,
DdyLlS lLdl WIll0 COUSCleullOuSly represent
ing the well-acquired rights of third parties,
the German government would direct its
efforts to the further promotion of its eco
nomic relations with China, which are yearly
growing more important.
There was a special passage devoted to the
inspection Of meat, on which subject his
Majesty said: I'm order to avert the dam
gers involved in the traffic of unexamined
meat intended for humans, whether of home
or foreign origin, the question of the gen.
eral introduction of a system of inspection
of both cattle intended for slaughter-house
and meat Is being considered. The federal
governments bill regulating the subject
will, hope, occupy your attention during
the present session."
The Emperor concluded with a reference
to his visit to Palestine, saying he hoped
the brilliant receptions accorded him by the
Sultan and the Turkish people everywhere
would prove to be of permanent benefit to
German prestige and the national interests
of Germany. He said that it was with deep
emotion that he had visited with the En-
press, the spots rendered dear to the whole
of Christendom by the sufferings of the
Savior, adding: 1.-THE anxious desire of my
three predecessors on the throne of Prussia
was TO erect there a place of worship of the
Evangelical confession. That 1t was granted
to me to fulfill this desire and hand over the
Redeemer's Church at Jerusalem to the
service of the Lord is fresh incentive to
me by the grace of God in behalf of the
eternal and fundamental truths of Chris
tianity. Guided by such sentiments, it af-
forded my heart special satisfaction to full
ill the long-cherished wish of the German
Catholics by the acquisition of property on
Mount Zion sacred to them by hallowed
"reminiscences. l cherish the hope that my
stay in the Turkish empire and the brilliant
reception accorded me by the Sultan and the
OF permanent benefit to German prestige and
the national interests of Germany" His
Majesty's speech was repeatedly cheered.
Count Won Lorchenfeld the Bavarian
plenipotentiary called for three cheers for
the Emperor, after which Emperor William
and his sons left the hall and the deputies
proceeded to the Reichstag, where Herr Lin
gems took the chair as senior member. After
the usual formalities of the opening, the
Reichstag adjourned until Wednesday,
considerable surprise IS expressed at the
omission from Emperor Williams unusually
long speech of any reference 10 the agree
ment with Bavaria about military judicial
procedure or TO the alleged new understand
ing with Great Britain. The evening papers
note that the Emperor spoke of the Car
as his dear friend.'' and of Emperor Fran
els Joseph his faithful ally" They
argue, therefore. that the trend of foreign
policy is unchanged and that the triple al
lance is still in existence.
The preamble of the army bill, which was
introduced to-day, says that Germany is
sttll menaced in consequence of her geo.
graphical position, while neighboring states
do not cease their systematic warike prepa-
rations" The Hispano-American war is
cited as furnishing proof of the dire con-
sequences of neglect TO make proper prep
arations for war" Special attention is
drawn TO the military preparations of
France and Russia, and the preamble con-
cludes by declaring that "A strong and
well-organized army is the surest pledge of
peace" 1t is regarded as certain that the
army bill will be passed by large ma
1ority.
Passionate debates are expected over the
strike bills, Emperor Williams reference
to this measure Is interpreted in some
quarters to mean that he will dissolve the
Reichstag if the bill is rejected