New-York tribune., 1910-02-20
CRITICISED KAISER
Socialist Caused Uproor IN
ReichstGg bH Bold Gneech.

Berlin, Feb. 12.-The session Of the Reich
stag opened to-day with 4 stormy scene
growing cur of sn Interpolation by the
Socialists asking Chancellor Bethnann Won
HcllTeg what had induced him in his Prus-
sian suffrage speech in the Diet to attack
universal suffrage as guaranteed by the
imperial constitution
DR.. Frank, Socialist member. referring to
the Chancelior's remark that q democratic
franchise exercised an evil and degenerat-
ing influence upon political morals, inquired
whether the Rsichstas was willing TO hear
such q Criticism Of universal suffrage from
the Chancellor. Continuing, he asked what
would happen 10 a Chancellor who assert
ed that in many speeches the Emperor had
exercised an evil and q degensra ting inf1u-
ence.'
Or Franks comment caused an uproar
on the right Of the Chamber. whence came
many calls demanding that the speaker be
brought 70 crder. Vice President SPAIN
finally called DIR. Frank te order which &C
ton aroused q -denaonstratiin Of
protest on the part of the Socialists
Chancellor Retnman1i von Hollwsg. re
Piled to the Interpolation. assuring the
House thai the universal suffrag &c Of the
empire was secure from any attacks by the
imperial government or the Buudesrath
Herr Groeber Clerical member, pointed
out the conflict between DIR Bethnaann Won
HollTeg's positions as Chancellor Of the
Empire and as Prussiar Minister President.
Ernst Ia assern1snn, leader Of the National
Liberal party, following, called attention to
the fact that ths Chancellor had taken
back nothing and had not confessed HIM
self to be q believer in universal suffra ge
Nevertheless, Herr Bassermann said that he
was convinced that any attempt to over
throw universal suffrage would usher IN
the widest possible political struggle, and
il would mean the beginning of grave trou-
hles and probably of revolutionary move
Tnents, the outcome of which it would be
Impossible to foresee
Deputy Lebebour. Socialist member, re-
ferred TO the recent street demonstrations
and said that the Socialists meant TO con-
tinue the protest and that they were not
10 blame for the rioting al Halle, Neur1iin-
stsr and Frankfort, but rather that this
police were responsible, because thev had
interfered with peaceabIe crowds The DO
lice, he said, had used arms against un-
armed people, wounding and massa erin z
women, children and aged persons
The fault" he added, is with the rriirg e
powers. and the blood shed at Frankfort
myers
the Chancellor. The Socialists will con-
tinue making demonstrations III the streets.
and perhaps viii use stronger methods
We viii bring II TO pass that the Prussian
people obtain universal suffrage against
the opposition of the government and the
parties supporting It.
IF that results Ia violence as is prob
able. then revolution Of the people would
ne tllsfifiahle. The English stuarts and thA
French Bourbons perished In an atternpt TO
rse force against victorious ana popular
movements. and precisely so viii any such
attempt with US be crushed by the power
CT the people. II you let matters proceed
so far the people viii he ready"
The speech caused a prolonged commo-
ton through the House. Vice President
Srahn. as Herr Lehebour concluded. called
him to order for his statement that the
blood shed In the rioting was uron the
hands Of the Chancellor.