The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-14
New Session of Prussian Parliament Opened With
 Optimistic Speech
INCOME TAX IS
 TO BE INCREASED
Additional Funds Required for Recon structiOn of East Prussia-Country Can Produce What Is Needed
 for Defense, He Declares

Berlin, January 13.--(By wireless to Say Prussian prime minister opened today the new session of the APrussian Parliament He read the speech from the throne, members of both houses being present.
 Dr. Bethmann-Hollweg first recalled that sanguinary conflict is going on wide ly separated battlefields
 us, he said, they must also bear the guilt if the nations of Europe continue to inflict wounds upon one another
 The prime minister said that Germany's enemies had planned to demoralize her by cutting her off from the transatlantic world, but that this had failed. He added:
 FOOD IS ASSURED
 Our agriculture assures the susten- ance of the nation. Relying on our own strength, on our industries, and on our trade, we can produce what we need for our defense. These maintain the millions of workers who have remained at home, and they maintain our economic life in spite of the war. But above all things, are the deeds of the nation in arms, filled with ineffaceable grandeur and heroism.''
 Dr. Won Bethmann-H Hollweg declared that Germany and her allies not only re- sisted world of enemies, but carried her flag into the enemies countries. He con- tnued
 \ We are and always will be proud to. vritl, that the old Prussian spirit has shown it's impenetrable vitality and has added new immortal glory to the heroic deeds Of our fathers and ancestors. Together with our King and Emperor, we march toward the turning of the roads sure of victory. One thought fills us, to give all until the very last depths of the nations power for the life and safety of the future na- ton"
 Dr. Won Bethmann- -Hollweg said:
 "Gentlemen: The Emperor and the King knows that your work, as it has been heretofore, will also be- during the next period of parliamentary activity, inspired hy the spirit of sacrifice and determina- ton which alone gives. strength to our nation to carry this war through vic- lcTlUuSly. A HcW race IS STOWluS up, surrounded by wars experiences. All able-bodied men are united in faithful comradeship until death, for defense of the state and the nation The present spirit of mutual understanding and trust will continue to make itself felt also in the time of peace in collaboration with that of the whole people for the country. This spirit will pervade our institutions and will find strong expression in our public administration, in our legislation, and in forming the basis for representa- tion of the people in the legislative bodies"
 INCREASE INCOME TAX
 The prime minister then stated that the King and Emperor sent as a greeting to the Parliament his warm thanks for those who are fighting at the front He also announced that bill will be presented increasing the income tax, as an increase of the states receipts had become neces- sary. The war, he said had not broken the strength of Prussias state finances but further means were needed to be used for the reconstruction of East Prus- sia. He conveyed the thanks of the King and Emperor to those not only in Ger- many but also outside it's boundaries who had contributed funds for this purpose. He added that new means will also be- necessary to corl1pfete the net of Prus- sian railroads.
 Dr. Von Bethmann- Holweg declared: ITO heal the wounds that have been in-