The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-04-09
ASK MORE REFORM
But Kaiser's Pledge for Fran
chise Greeted With Joy.
Socialists, However, Demand
Deeds, Not Promises.

Berlin, April 8, (via London)-For-
NAL pledge by the kaiser for political
reform was generally hailed with re-
ioicing in editorial comment today.
But a number of the more liberal
newspapers indicated clearly the
pledges were not enough to satisfy
those seeking greater participation by
the people IN government.
'eWhile the promise will please the
Socialists, they will take into account
only Deeds" declared the Socialist or
gan, Vorwaerts.
1.-The emperor promises only secret
general vote-so the fight for equal
votes must continue" insisted the Vos-
gische Zeitung.
The Tagelische Rundschau, on the
other hand, declared:
Thus, in few strokes of the pen,
have been created what years of agi-
tation and conferences have hereto
fore failed to achieve"
Thanks to the emperor's interven-
tion," said the Lokal Anzeiger, IAN
unpleasant internal dispute has been
settled His address will produce a
good effect abroad, as showing that
there can be no outside interference
and that the German people continue
to stand behind the emperor and
Field Marshal Won Hindenburg."
1--WE wished for an immediate start
in fulfilling the chancellors promise,
but the value of the emperor's pro-
posaI is not small" declared the
Tageblatt. Franchise reform is only
one of numerous reforms which Ger
many needs"
Under the promise of the kaiser all
the citizens of Germany will be al
lowed to vote for deputies in the Prus-
sian diet following the orders of the
kaiser to the chancellor, Won Beth
mann-Hollweg.
The kaiser hints at many changes in
the government when he suggests that
1.-The internal formation of Prussia be
carried out by legislation
The emperor asserts that the upper
house will be better allie to legislate
for Germany if it's membership is
made up of representatives of all
classes and not restricted to the no.
bility. --..l-
Autocracy Feels Shakey.
London, April 9-Autocracy in Ger
many must be feeling a profound
shakiness from unrest among the Ger
man people, according to signs read
today by close observers of Teutonic
Conditians.s
That the kaiser should have thought
fit to intervene and issue formal
statement favoring extension of the
franchise in Prussia so as to make the
Prussian diet more representative,
after a promise for almost the same
reform from Chancellor Won Beth
mann HOllWeS was CONSIDERED nlBnly
| significant. 1t was pointed out here
/ that the kaiser, however, like Won
| Hollweg, adjudged that the
reforms should not be made until 1.-THE
! Homecoming of our warriors" there
fore postponing reform until after the
conclusion of the war.
The kaisers Easter message gave
specific orders to the imperial chan
cellor to submit to me definite pro-
posals of the ministry of state so that
upon the return CT our warriors this
work, which is fundamental for the
| internal formation of Prussia, may be
carried out by legislation
I'm view of The gigantic deeds OF
the entire people," the proclamation
continued, there is in my opinion nj
more room in Prussia for election b3
| the classes.
THE bill will have to provide fur
Their for direct and secret election Of
| deputies"