The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-12-03
OPENS REICHSTAG.
Chancellor Won BueloW Reads
the Emperor's Message.

Berlin. Dec. s.-Chancellor Won Bue-
low as the emperor's representative.
opened the Reichstag in the White Hall
of the palace today.
The members of the reichstag, in ev-
ening dress, court costume, military un-
iforms of clerical cuts, stood close to-
gether in front of the empty throne,
and did not occupy much space in the
great marble room. The assemblage
was smaller than on the last occasion,
20 of the localists having been turned
out by the socialists. none of whom
ever attends the opening of the reich
stag, which is essentially a court func-
ton, all the members present wearing
royal order.
Both the Protestant and the Catholic
members We're late. as each of these
bodies had been detained by services.
in their respective churches. The
chancellor also kept the company wait
ing. When he appeared. with the cab
met ministers walking two by two be-
hind him, all present bowed.
Won Buelow stood on the left of the
throne and read the emperor's message
to parliament.
He said His majesty has directed
me to express here his thanks to all
those who have sympathized with his
sufferings and to say that their sym
pathies and hopes for his recovery have
greatly rejoiced him.
The chancellor then passed to the
he said, still suffered somewhat from
the world wide depression which was
unfavorably affecting the imperial
finances.
sity for regulating the financial relations
of the empire with the separate states.
the chancellor remarked that although a
radical settlement of the question was not
now feasible, the government would pro-
pose a measure, introducing the most eS-
sential reforms.
The government, continued the chan
cellor, would propose retaining the pres
ent army footing to April %, 1905, but
it is desired to increase the salary list
because Of the growing cost of living.
The government further proposed to
continue the development of social leg
islation in the interest of the weaker
classes. The ar-es-Salam- Morrigo
German East Africa railroad bil) will
be reintroduced. The government also
intended prolonging the present most
favored relations with Great Britain
The chancellor supplied no infOrma-
ton regarding the progress of the COM
mercial negotiations with other coun-
tries. In congratulating the members of
the reichstag on the very friendly rela-
tions of Germany with other countries,
the chancellor said the imperial gov
ernment had contributed it's share to the
avoidance of serious complications in
the Balkans. He referred to Emperor
Williams meeting with the great con-
tinental rulers, and to the interchange
Of views connected Herewith, which
had strengthened anew their desire
and hope that peace, the greatest boon
of the nations, shall continue to be
guarded from dangerous disturbances"
The message was favorably comments
ed upon, emphasis being placed on the
fact that the government had not made
any unusual demands upon the tax
payers. Although it was announced
some time ago that the government
would not demand large increase for
military purposes, the members of the
reichstag felt easier after the authori-
tative declaration from the throne. Sat
isfaction was also expressed at the fact
that the government did not propose to
introduce controversial legislation. so
that the commercial treaties can be
freelysand fully discussed.
After luncheon, the members reas-
sembIed in the reichstag for the pre-
lininaries of organization All the So
cialists were then present.