New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-01
GERMANY AT THE HAGUE
Chancellor Defines Position on
armament Limitation.

| Berlin, April 30.-There was a general debate
on Germany's foreign relations in the Reichsta g
to-day, and, incidentally, a deputy termed An
drew Carnegies recent reference to the de-
cIsion between war and peace being in the
hands of Emperor William a distortion of facts.
AT the opening of the debate speakers of va
Vlous parties suggested TO the Imperial Chan
ceHor Prince Won Bulow, that Germany should
take no part in the discussion of the limita-
ton Of ornaments at the Hague peace confer
hence.
The Chancellor in reply, said that Germany
ala not object to letting other powers discuss
the matter but Germany would hold alOOf.
ms statement was received with approval b.
me house. Continuing the Chancellor referred
10 the recommendation of the first peace con-
/ ference at The Hague, that the powers study
the question OF the limitation of ornaments,
and added:
Germany has complied with this recommends
tiOlt bat has not found a formula which tai
mtc account the great diversity in the geo.
Efaphlcai, economic and military positions of
( the various states or one which would he cacu-
lated to remove those dversities and serve as u
oasis Tor a treaty. | am also unaware that
other countries have been more fortunate IN
discovering such a formula So long there is
not even a nope for a satisfactory solution of
TINS question and no method for it's practical
application exists cannot expect anything
from It's discussion at a conference. on the
contrary; the danger is that an undesirable
effect may be produced by arousing divergent
interests.
The Chancellor believed that the mere pros
pect of discussion Of the question of the lim:ta-
ton of ornaments had disquieting effect upon
the international situation and sai3
Germany's abstent!on from the discussion Of
ule question does not mean that she cherisheS
secret desire for or that she is actuata1
ny military ambition or other selfish motives
olHeF powers reel the same way Germany
regarding the limitation proposition, and many
friends OF peace in France, Great Britain. Italy
ana the Cnired States think it would not serve
the cause Of peace to give way TO illusions
ana lose sight of realities. Germany hitherto
has secured peace by keeping in readiness for
one. we never once misused our military
strength and never will. Many persons have adj
Nlsed us 70 take part In the discussion of the
limitation of ornaments in order to show Ger
manys good will, since nothing come of the
matter in any way, but Germany's peaceahle
aspersions which may have been made
Germany does not wish to prevent "ther pow
ers from discussing the limitation of arma-
ments. If some practical result is reached by
such discussion Germany will conscientiously
examine whether it harmonzes with the protec-
ton Of her peace with her natl nal interests, and
with her specia! situatOC.
Tie Chancellor called attention to the TACT
that his poslt,oa in the matter under discussion
was indorse1 by speakers representing all the
parties in the house and added
Supported by this unanimty. Germany will
show by her actua, course at The Hague that
she sincerely favors all efforts calculated to pro-
mote in a practical way peace civilization and
humanity.
Loud applause greeted the Chancellor when
he concluded his remarks the subject Of the
limitation OF ornaments. He then turned 10
other phases OF Germany's foreign relations,
which he discussed at great length, endeavoring
to auay the nervousness in Germany respect
ing King Edwards visits TO President Falieres,
King Alfonso and King Victor Emmanuel.
Referring 10 Andrew Carnegies recent utter
ance Baron Won Hertling, Clerical said he rec
ognized the fact that Mr. Carnegies speech was
thoroughly friendly 10 Germany. but it was IAN
Illustration Of the misconceptions entertained
abroad respecting Germany automatically
governed country" Germany. he added. a
conf licated, political mechanism. in which a
Foreign policy which opposed the will of the
German people was impossible.
Or. Wiukler, Conservative. took exception TO
Baron Won Hartlngs recognition Of the friendly
character Of Mr. Carncgies words, which the
deputy regarded as a distortion OF facts. adding;
1T is "a singular idea TO represent Germany and
the German Emperor disturbers of the
worlds peace