Year: 1870

His Address To the North German Parliament
The VIII and the Power TO Ropei the Ag-
sression of France.


The following is the speech in full of King
William, on opening the North German Parlia-
ment, on the 10Th of july


"Honored Gentlemen OF the Parliament OF the
North German Confederation when, at your last
meeting, bade you welcome from this place in the
name Of the allied governments, 1t was with 10y
and gratitude that was able to bear witness to the
fact that by the help OF Cod success had rewarded
my sincere efforts to meet the wishes of the people
and the requirements OF civilization by avoiding
any disturbance OF the peace OF Europe II, not
wlthstandiDg this assurance, the menace and immi-
nence Of war have now laid upon the Confederate
governments the duty OF calling you together for
will be animated with the conviction that the
North German Confederation has labored to improve
the national forces, not to imperil but to afford
greater protection to universal peace; and that
when we call upon this national army to defend our
independence we only obey the mandates of honor
Spanish throne both with the bringing forward and
the withdrawal OF which the Confederate Govern
ments were equally unconcerned, and which only
interested the North German Confederation, in so
far as the Government of friendly country ap-
peared to base upon its the hope of acqur-
ing for a sorely tried people pledge for q regular
and peaceful government, afforded the Emperor
of the French pretext for cass belR put forward
In a manner long since unknown in the annals of
diplomatic intercourse, and adhered to after the
mova of the very pretext ITSELF with the disregard
for the peoples right 10 the blessings of peace OF
which the history Of a former ruler Of France
affords so many analogous examples. If Germany





tIons of her rights and of her honor, it was
only because in her then divided state she knew
intellectual and rightful community which began to
De Knit together at the time OF the wars OF liberia
that Germany sarqreemen eaves moi onger an open,
ing to the enemy, the German nation contains
within itself the will and the power to repel re-
newed aggression OF France 1t is not arrogance
that puts these words In my mouth The COnfede-
rate governments and myself are acting with full
consciousness that victory and defeat are In the
hands Of Him who decides the fate OF battles,
With clear gaze we have measured the RESPONSE
bilty which, before the Judgment seat OF God
and OF mankind, must fall upon him who drags
two great and peace-loving peoples Of the heart
and French peope-both equally enjoying
and desiring the blessing of Christian civilization
and OF an Increasing prosPerity1all are called to
flict Of arms. Yet those who hold power In France
have, by preconcerted misguidance, found means to
work upon the legitimate but eXcitable national
sentiments of our great neghboring people for the
furtherance of personal interests and the gratia-
governments are conscious of having done all
our honor and dignity permitted to preserve TO
Europe the blessings OF peace-and the more tndu-
bitabe 1t shall appear to all minds that the sword
has been thrust into our hands-so much the more
confidently shall we rely upon the united will OF the
and upon your love of country; and so much the
more confidently we shall oght for our right against
the violence OF foreign invaders, inasmuch as we
pursue other object than the durable establish
ment OF peace in Europe. God will be with us, as
He was with our forefathers."



arrival of the members of the Federal Council,
Dr. Simson called for cheers for the head of the
North German Confederation, an appeal which
was thrice frantically responded to.


The King read the speech in firm voice, but
displayed at several passages much emotion,
and was often interrupted by vocifer0us cheer
ing especially when he spoke of the no longer
divided Germany-a remark that was under
stood to allude to the cooperation OF Bavaria.
The other passages most cheered were the ones
referring to the peace-loving German people
and the misguidance of the French nation.
At the close of the speech Baron Won Friesen,
the Saxon Minister, called for cheers for King
| William, which were repeated over and over
| again.


King william to the Berlin Town Council


Prussia Not Likely To tiet OFF so Easily In this
Campaign.


| From the n.btvger Borsen halle.


| On July 18 King William spoke as follows to
| the Town Councillors of Berlin:--


Gentlemen-I see you here assembled at such an
earnest moment with sincere qualification. The
address which you have handed me In the name OF
| the grand sentiment which moves us all at this
| moment. The truth contained In 1t has moved me
much. You are right. am not responsible for the
war. You know it is not my fault. A challenge has
been addressed TO me. had to war. The answer
| ignited 1 am elated and filed with assurance by
the reception which have received in all cities
| and provinces through which l have passed,
from all parts OF Germany even from
Germans beyond the sea, and by the the
urday Heavy sacrifices will be imposed upon people
by this war; let not conceal TO ourselves this fact
We have been spoiled by the rapid success IN two
wars secured by the aid uf God. This time we will
| not get OF so easily. But know what may expect
| from my armies; what may expect from those VINO
| hasten 10 our nag. also know that those VIII dt
their duty who feel called upon 10 heal the wound;
| and ameliOrate the suffering which the war vii
cause. once again what you nave &c tod me IN S IN,
| you fOrlt with all my heart, and also thank yOl
| again for the reception at my return.