The age-herald., 1901-12-03
Greatest Parliamentary Struggle in the History of the
 Empire to Begin
"BREaD USURY' BATTLE CRY
Every individual Small Interest Throughout Germany Adversely Affected by the Bill Is
 Fighting 1t.

Berlin. December 2--Counr von Buelow,
 the imperial chancellor, introducing the
 greatest parliamentary struggle that Ger many has ever faced, counseled the members of the Reichstag the moderation
 of language, declaring that the eyes of
 tho world were upon them.
 Illusions were made to the United States to today's debate or 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 em- pire.
 The tariff experiences of the United States and the pressure of American com petition constitute rich mines for argu-
 ment upon either side of the question. "Brotwushcr' (bread usury) or the raising of the rrice of bread Is to be the
 battle word of the manufacturing capital ists and the Socialists alike, who by q
 curious turn of politics now unite in
 passionate opposition 10 bill that pri-
 marily increases the cost of food stuffs. Every individual small interest through out Germany that is adversely affected by the tariff bill Is organized against the bill. This opposition to the measure Is mere powerful outside than inside of the German Parliament. While the govern
 ment is aware and feels the opposition.
 it also recognizes that the present period 4.ta l.. s- inopportune time to press a measure
 raising the cost of food. However, the government IS so pledged to the sagrarian party, so completely committed to the measure, that it feels that it cannot re- cede therefrom or postpone its considera- ticn. Consequently, the ministry entered
 upon the debate today, deter mined to see the thing through, but with no cheerful
 ness of spirit.
 Rival English Corn Agitation. It is believed Germany is about to en- ter upon as intense a period of political disturbance 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 it does not imply any deviation from the policy in regard to treaties of commerce. said the imperial chancellor, Count Von Buelow, at the opening of the debate. ''On the contrary, the federal governm ents are firmly resolved to pur-
 sue a policy with commercial treaties in
 future in the interests of German indus
 try. while. of course, upholding 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 and industry.
 "The emperor" said the chancellor,
 ''has approved the bill, which is the re- suit of several years comprehensive,
 careful labor 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. above all. the wishes for in- creased protection manifested by the agriculturists, the justice of which, with in the limits prescribed with due regard for the commonwealth. cannot be dis | puted.
 "The measure Is also intended to fur nish a better weapon for future comm er- | cial treaty negotiations with other l states.
 "The bill therefore, is not a departure | from the policy of tariff treaties.' | The statement caused exclama tions | from the leftists.
 | w dit n tipiHtHt, TttOTteu SOunI NOu | Buelow, and see which way the hare runs next''
 Government Firmly Resolved. 'Tn any case,'' continued the chancel- Tor. the federal governments have firm ly resolved, in the interests of German export trade, to pursue this policy in the future as in the past and to decide, ac- cordng to our own judgment upon the limits of what we can grant without abandoning vital German interests. Tt Is now the business of this exalt- ed house to examine the bill and pass it to law.
 T dwell especially on agriculture be- cause with the federal governments, I am convinced that 1t is in a particularly difficult position, while industry and
 commerce during the last decades have shown much more favorable develop
 ment. In view of the high importance of agriculture for the nations power and sustainence. 1t should be afforded every measure of protection compatible
 with the conditions of our general eco-
 homie life. Germany Is both an indus trial and an agrarian state. We must have regard for the millions of hands employed in the factories and in traffic
 on land and sea It should be the earn
 est endeavor of every responsible states
 man to ensure and facilitate our share in international exchange of goods. and secure foreign treaties on acceptable | conditions, thus promoting the well be- ing of the great mass of the population" | The appearance of Dr. von Thiemann, l secretary of the imperial treasury, was | the signal for an uproar which was con- tinued throughout his address. He urged | forbearance upon the Iart of those
 who were dissatisfied. pointed out the
 care with which the tariff measure had
 been drawn up and assured the house | that 1t would facilitate negotiations for
 Russian and other treaties. He said that in spite of higher duties on cereals the 1 government hopes to come to an under
 standing with the United States.