TO KEEP GERMANY STRONG.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1390, 16 March 1912, Page 6

TO KEEP GERMANY STRONG.

KAISER'S SPEECH TO REICHSTAG. OUTLINE OF POLICY. Emperor William in person opened at noon on February 7 the thirteenth Reichstag, which has assembled since tho foundation of tho German Empire. As is customary, instead of going to the Imperial Parliament, tho Emperor called the members to tho palace, where ho mado his Speech from tho Throne- in the historic White Hall. Tho Deputies present were, for the most part, in uniform or court dress, but no representative of the SocialDemocratio party, comprising more than one-fourth of tho membership of the House, put in an appearance. Led by tho oldest member of the Reichstag, the Radical Albert Tracger, all tho Deputies joined heartily in the customary three cheers as the Emperor entered. Ho was attended by several of the Royal Princes and surrounded by all tho pomp and ceremonial of a medieval pageant. He was prcceeded by heralds, and greyhaired.generals bore tho crown and sceptrc, the sword of stato, tho Imperial banner, and other emblems of empire. The Emperor walked straight to tho Throne, mounted the dais, and, placing his helmet on his head, read his Speech, which ho took from tho hands of Dr. Von Beth-niann-Hollweg, the Imperial Chancellor. The main note of the document was tho demand for additions to the military and naval forces which are considered necessary in the present international situation. After greeting the members of Parliament in the name of the Governments of the Confederated States of the Empire, Emperor William affirmed his desire to augment tho welfare of all classes of the peoplo of Germany and maintain tho strength and prestige of the nation. He appealed to the new Parliament for its loyal co-operation in this work, and then expressed tho hope that by a strict adherenco to the financial' policv now in force tho Imperial finances would soon be placed on a thoroughly sound basis. The Emperor then referred to tho new commercial treaties about to bo entered into between Germany and other countries, and announced that tho Imperial Government in negotiating them would adhere to the old bases of its tariff policy, under which trade industry and agriculture had prospered so well. Then. came tho part of the Emperor's speech for which the members of' the Reichstag were waiting with tho utmost eagerness—that part in which he made references to the international situation and to tho expected increase in tho army and navy. There was partial disappointment, however, as the Emperor merely announced the measures in a-general way, and did nqt give any details. ■ Ho said: "For tho success of'our work of peace at home and overseas tho Empire must remain, powerful enough to defend at all times its national honour and its possessions, as well as its just interests in tho world. It is therefore my constant duty and care to maintain and strengthen both on land and on sea tho defensivo power of the German people, which does not lack young men capable of bearing arms. Measures with this end in view aro in preparation, and will bo submitted to yon, together with proposals for covering tho additional cost. In helping this important work, gentlemen, you will be greatly serving tho Fatherland. "In concluding our agreement with France we have given new proof of our readiness to settle international difficulties amicably, whenever such a course is consonant with the dignity and the interests of .Germany. "Side by side with the maintenance of our alliance with Austria-Hungary and Italy, my policy has-been steadily clireoted toward the cultivation of frie'ndly relations with all the Powers, on tho 'basis of mutu'il respect and good will. "Trusting in tho healthy force of the German people and relying on God's gracious assistance, I look with confidence beyond tho struggles of to-day to the future of the 'Empire. "I greet you, gentlemen, at the opening of the new session of tho Imperial Parliament in tho hope that your work will be of service to the nation and to tho people." Cheers were raised as tho Emperor referred to the satisfactory stato. of the Imperial finances and to the continuanco of the traditional tariff policy of Germany, while the applause was particularly marked when ho proclaimed the necessity of strengthening tho army and tho na,vy. As soon as the Emperor had finished speaking, Dr. von Bet'imann-Hollweg, tho Imperial Chancellor, announced that tho Reichstag was opened. Three cheers for the Emporor were then again given, and the ceremony closed. Bfcforo the Deputies assembled in the White Hall they attended a religious service in the castle chapc-l, at which the Emperor was present. The Rev. Johannes Kritzinger, the court preacher, delivered a sermon on a text chosen by the Emperor. He selected verse 13 of chapter 5 of St. Matthew: "Ye are tho salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." A separate service for Catholic members was held in. St. Hedwig's Church. A short formal session of the Reichstag was afterwards held in the Imperial Parliament building, but no important business was transacted.