Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-07
OPENED BY KAISER
Emperor William Addresses
the Reichstag.
MEMBERS GO TO PALACE
Plan for Strengthening the Army
and Navy Is Touched On.

BERLIN, February 7.-Emperor Will
liam in person at noon today opened the
thirteenth reichstag which had assem-
bled since since the foundation of the
German empire AS is customary, in
stead Of going to the imperial parlia-
ment the emperor called the members
to the palace, where he made his speech
from the throne in the great white hall.
The deputies present were, for the most
part. in uniform or court dress, and the
scene was brilliant one
After greeting the members of the i'm
perial parliament in the name of the gov
ernments of the confederated states of
the empire Emperor William affirmed his
desire to augment the welfare of all
classes of the people of Germany, and
maintain the strength and prestige of the
nation. He appealed to the new parlia-
ment for it's loyal cooperation in this
work, and then expressed the hope that
by a strict adherence to the financial
soon would be placed on a thoroughly
sound basis
The emperor then referred to the new
commercial treaties about to be entered
into between Germany and other coun-
tries. and announced that the imperial
government in negotiating them would
adhere to the old bases of its tariff pol
icy under which trade, industry and agri-
culture had prospered so well.
Increase in Forces.
Then came the part Of the emperor's
speech for which the members Of the
reichstag were waiting with the utmost
eagerness-that part in which he made
reference to the International situation
and to the expected increase in the army
and the navy. There was partial disap-
pointment, however. as the emperor
merely announced the measures in a gen.
eral way and did not give any details.
He said: For the success of our work
of peace at home and overseas the en-
pire must remain powerful enough to de-
Tend at all times it's national honor and
It's possessions, as we'll as it's just inter-
ests in the world. 1t is, therefore, my
constant duty and care to maintain and
strengthen both on land and on sea the
defensive power of the German people,
which does not lack young men capable
Measures with this end in views are in
preparation, and will be submitted to
YOU, together with proposals for covering
the additional cost In helping this i'm
portant work, gentlemen, you will be
greatly serving the fatherland.
Amicable settlements.
I'm concluding our agreement with
France we have given new proof Of our
readiness to settle International difficult
ties amicably, whenever such a course is
consonant with the dignity and interests
of Germany.
Side by side with the maintenance of
our alliance with Austria-Hungary and
Italy, my policy has been steadily di-
rected toward the cultivation of friendly
relations with all the powers on the basis
of mutual respect and good will.
Trusting In the healthy force of the
German people and relying on Gods gra-
cious assistance, l look with confidence
beyond the struggles of today to the fu-
ture Of the empire.
81 greet you, gentlemen, at the opening
of the new session OF the imperial par
lament in the hope that your work will
be Of service to the nation and to the
people,"