New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-20
REICHSTAG OPENED.
THE EMPEROR'S SPEECH.
References to Recent Elections
Larger african Budget.

PerIf7 Feb 19-Fn!peror William opened the
new ReIchstag to-day amid a gorgeous stage
setting in the great White Hall Of the palace.
Members Of the Reichstag. in uniform or even
ing dress. assembled on the floor of the hall. but
there was no Socialists among them, for be-
ing anti-MonaTchists and Republicans they re
fused to countencnce the sovereign in any form.
TIE Empress attended by the Crown Princess
Cecilia and many princesses of the German
royal houses occupied a great box ct one end
Of the hall. while from another box, adjoining
the imperial Ioge the diplomatic corps watched
the scene. Among those in the latter box were
Ambassador and Mrs Tower and Professor and
Mrs. Burgess
The Emperor attended divine service in the
private chapel Of the palace at 1870 o'clock, and
listened TO a sermon by the court preacher,
Herr Faber. After this the Emperor waited IN
the picture gallery adjoining the White Hail
until the ministers Of state. generals and adj
mirals had grouped themselves on the right OF
the throne. while on the left were the members
of the Federal Council.
The imperial procession entered from the
picture gallery. headed by a detachment Of the
Palace Guard Then came two heralds. They
were followed in order by the bearers Of the
emblems Of the empire. which were on purple
velvet cushions; the chief OF the General Stef.
General Won NIoltke. with the imperial seal; the
Minister Of War, General Won Einem, with the
sword Of state; General Adjutant Won Lihde-
uust with the golden orb. Field Marshal Count
Won HaeseIer with the sceptre; Field Marshal
Won Hahnke, with the imperial crown. and Cen
erals Won Kessel LOewenfeld and HOepfner, car
rylng aloft the imperial standard. Then came
the Frnperor. in the uniform Of the Garde du
Corps with the insignia OF a field marshal, his
golden helmet surmounted by silver eagle, with
nv small golden
crown. Across his cuirass the Emperor wore
the broad orange ribbon OF the order Of the
Black Eagle and in his right hand he carried
q field marshaTs baton.
Following his majesty was the Crown Prince,
Frederick William. the other imperial princes
and the princes OF the sovereign houses Of Ger
many forming a group on the Emperor's right
as he stood on the lowest step Of the throne
The Imperial Chancellor then advanced and
handed his majesty the speech. The Emperor
holding it in his gauntleted hand and with his
helmet on his head, read the speech in a clear,
loud voice.
Referring 10 the foreign relations Of Germany
and to international peace he said:
The general political situation entities us 10
the assurance that peace Will continue 10 be pre-
served. My government maintains with our
allies our old. heartfelt relations, and with the
other powers good and correct relations Inc
treaty with Denmark, signed January : which
was designed 70 remove disturbing dinerences
by regulating the status or children IN CHOOSING
their nationality. will l am sure. strengthen the
friendly relations with our northern neighbor.
In regard to the approaching conference 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 results or the
first Hague conference. viii be qualified to de
velop further the laws among nations for the
good Of humanity and OF peace.
Abiding to the results of the recent elections
to the Reichstag, the Emperor said;
The German people were called upon TO de-
eide a difference or opinion between the federat-
cd governments and the former Re!chStag ana
demonstrated their resolve TO safeguard the
honor and property Of the nation by putting
aside an narrow party spirit The strong ma
tiouar feeling which united our citizens peasants
and lahorere viii effectively protect the Father
land in the future. Just as I am willing 10 OBJ
serve ConsclentioUsly all my ConstllulloIa4
new Pclchstag composed Of intelligent men,
ready TO act will acknowledge that its highest
duty is to preserve and strengthen our position
among civilized nations.
The speech announced the approaching intro
duction Of various government measures in
Parliament among them being the supple
nentary budget for expenses in German South
west Africa, and measures providing FOR the
construction OF the projected railroad from Het-
rnanskop TO Kubub the development of other
lines Of communication with the colonies and in
them the establishment of colonial ministry
and the ADMINISTRATION Of the farmers OF Ger
man Southwest Africa who sustained losses as
result OF the rebellion in that colony The En-
peror said he hoped that a considerable reduc-
ton Of the number OF troops in German South
west Africa would soon be possible as there
We're few rebels in the field.
Referring again to the elections. his majesty
said that the healthy spirit In town and cOun-
try had asserted itself. and had checked the
socalLstic movement subversive OF the state
and society. It the purpose Of the fed
Grated governments TO continue the social work
in the spirit which animated his majestys Illus
trious grandfather And now. gentlemen"
said the Emperor in conclusion, may the ma
tional sentiment and readiness to act which
created this Rechstag rule its labors to the well
fare Of Germany"
As the Emperor ceased speaking and stepped
down from the dais the oldest member of the
Reichstag, following the custom, proposed three
cheers for his majesty which were still sound
ing as the Emperor left the hall