Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-02-19
REICHSTAG OPEN
Emperor William Presided al Opening Exercises in the
 White Hall of Palace
NO SOCIALISTS THERE

 opened the new reichstag to-day amid q gorgeous stage setting in the great white hall of the palace identified for centuries with great events of the house of Hohenzoilern. Members of the reichstag, assembled on the floor of the hall, but there was not q so- cialist among them, for being anti monarchists and republicans. they re- fused to countenance the sovereign in any form. The empress, attended by the crown princess Cecelia and numerous German princesses occu- pied a great box at one end of the hall, while from another box, adjoin- ing the imperial loge, the diplomatic corps surveyed the scene. Among those in the latter box were Ambas- sador and Mrs Tower.
 The emperor attended divine ser vice in the private chapel of the pal ace at 1O:30 and listened to sermon by Court Preacher Faber, who took as his text the words of the Prophet Isaiah Be Not Afraid" After this the emperor waited in the picture gal lery until all the great officers of state had grouped themselves on the right of the throne, while on the left were the members of the federal council, Prince Von Buelow, standing pace in advance of this body.
 The imperial procession entered from the picture gallery, headed by detachment of the palace guard in their antique uniforms. The process sion included various generals with the insignia of state. Then came the emperor, in the uniform of the Garde du Corps, with the insignia of field marshal his golden helmet surmount- ed by a silver eagle, with widespread ing wings, topped by a small, golden crown. Across his cuirass the en- peror wore the broad, orange ribbon of the Order of the Black Eagle and in his right hand he carried field marshals baton. -t. z.f
 The members of the reichstag cheered as the emperor and empress entered the hall, the cheering being proposed by the senior member of the house, Herr Lender, who is 17 years old.
 Following his majesty were the crown prince, Frederick William, the other Imperial princes and the princes of the sovereign houses of Germany. They were on the em- peror's right as he took up his position on the lowest step of the throne. The imperial chancellor then advanced. handed his majesty the speech from the throne and he. holding it in his gauntleted hand and with his helmet on his head, read the speech in a clear. loud voice.
 "The general political situation entities us to the assurances that peace will continue to be preserved. My government maintains with our allies our old, heartfelt relations and with the other powers good and cor rect relations.
 "The treaty with Denmark signed January 2, which was designed to remove disturbing differences by regulating the status of children in choosing their nationality, will l am sure strengthen the friendly re- lations with our northern neighbors. !" In regard to the approaching con- ference at the Hague, the emperor remarked:
 Following the suggestion of the United States and the proposals of Russia. have accepted an invitation to the second peace conference at the Hague. which in view of the re- suits of the first Hague conference will be qualified to develop further the laws among nations for the good of humanity and of peace"
 Alluding to the recent elections to the Reichstag, the emperor said:
 "The German people were called upon to decide difference of opinion between the federal governments and the former Reichstag and demon- strated their resolve to safeguard the honor and property of the nation by putting aside all narrow. party spirit. The strong national feeling that united our citizens will effectively protect the fatherland in the future Just as am willing to observe con- scientiously all my constitutional rights and privileges, so am I con- fident that the new reichstag, com. posed of intelligent men. ready to act, will acknowledge that It's duty is to preserve and strengthen our position among civilized nations"
 The speech announced the ap- preaching introduction of various government measures in parliament. among them being the supplementary budget for the expenses in German Southwest Africa. upon which the reichstag was resolved: and measures providing for the construction ef rail- road lines with and in the colonies, and the establishment of a colonial ministry. The emperor said he hoped a considerable reduction of the nun. her of troops in German Southwest Africa would soon he possible as there were only few rebels in the field.
 Referring again to the elections his majesty stated that the healthy spirit in town and country had asserted it. self and had checked the socialistit movement subversive of the state and society.
 And now gentlemen said ths emperor in conclusion. may the na. tional sentiment and readiness to acr which created this reichstag rule its laiors to the welfare of Germany
 As the emperor stepped down from the dais the oldest member of the reichstag. following the custom pro posed three cheers for his majesty which was still sounding as tho em. | r.a-p~ Ieft tho hail Tho brilliant as