The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-03
AMERICA IS MENTIONED
Our Competition Will Furnish
 Mines of Argument.
New Measure Will Be the Hardest Fought Parliamentary Battle in the History of the
 Empire.


 imperial chancellor, in introducing the greatest parliamentary struggle that Ger many has ever faced, counselled the members of the Reichstag to moderation of language, declaring that the eyes or the world were upon them. Illusions were made to the United States in today's debate on the subject and the name America" is likely to be yet more freely used by both sides in this controversy which is moving Germany more deeply than has any other civil question since the emergence of the empire.
 The tariff experiences of the United States and the pressure of American competition constitute rich mines for argument upon either side of the ques- tion. t
 "Brotwusher, (bread usury) or the raising of the prioe of bread. is to be the battle word of the manufacturing capi- talists and the socialists alike who by curious turn of politics now unite in passionate opposition to bill that primarily increases the cost of foodstuffs.
 Every individual small interest through out Germany that is adversely affected by the tariff bill, is organized against this bill This opposition to the measure is more powerful outside than inside of the German parliament. While the gov- ernment is aware and feels the opposi- ton, it also recognizes that the present period of industrial calamity in Germany is an inopportune time to press meas ure raising the cost Of food. However the government is so pledged to the agrarian party, so completely committed to the measure, that it feels 1t cannot reeede therefrom or postpone It's consid- eratior, Consequently the ministry enter ed upon the debate today determined to see the thing through but with no cheer fulness of spirit
 It is believed Germany is about to enter upon as intense a period of political dis turbance as existed in Great Britain during the corn law agitation.
 This bill Is the most important which has been before the house for long time, but 1t does not imply any devta- ton from the policy in regard to treaties of commerce." said the imperial chan celIor, Count von Buelow, at the opening of the debate. "On the contrary, the federal governments are firmly resolved to pursue policy, with commercial treaties in future, in the interests of German industry, while of course up- holding the just rights of Germany"
 The chancellor said the bill had been carefully prepared upon material furnish ed by experts in the various branches of trade
 '''The Emperor" said the Chancellor, ''has approved the bill, which is the re- suit of several years comprehensive, care ful alabor, which is the outcome of the requirements of German economic life, and which is intended, while giving, so far as possible, equal consideration to all interests, to meet, above all, the wishes for increased protection manifested by the agriculturalists, the justice of which, within the limits prescribed with due re- gard for the commonweal, cannot be dis puted.
 ''The measure is also intended to fur nish a better weapon for future commer- cial treaty negotiations with other States.
 '"The bill, therefore, is not departure from the policy of tariff treaties"
 The statement caused exclamations from the Leftists.
 Wait a moment" retorted Count von Buelow and see which way the hare runs next"
 Tn any case" continued the Chancel- lor the federal governments have firmly resolved in the interests of Ger man export trade, to pursue this policy in the future as in the past and to decide, according to our own judgment, upon the limits of what we can grant without abandoning vital German interests.
 "It is now the business of this exalted house to examine the bill and pass it to law.
 'I dwell especially on agriculture be- cause with the federal governments, l am convinced that it Is in a particularly diff fcult position, while industry and com- merce during the last decade have shown much more favorable developmentt. In view of the high importance of agricul- ture for the nations power and suste- nance, 1t should be afforded every measure of protection compatible with the conditions of our general economic life Germany Is both an industrial and an agrarian state. We must have re- gard for the millions of hands employed in the factories and in traffic on land and sea. It should be the earnest endeavor of every responsible statesman to ensure and facilitate our share in international exchange of goods. and secure foreign treaties on acceptable conditions, thus promoting the well being of the great mass of the population"
 The appearance of pr. von Thielmann. secretary of the Imperial Treasury, was the signal for an uproar which was con tnued throughout his address. He urged forbearance upon the part of those who were dissatisfied. pointed out the care with which the tariff measure had been drawn up and assured the house that it would facilitate negotiations for Russian and other treaties. He said that in spite of higher duties on cereals the government hoped to come to an un- AN..