"THE MAILED FIST."

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2281, 15 October 1914, Page 6

"THE MAILED FIST."

A SPEECH OF 1907 RECALLED. Now that the bombardment of Kiaochau is taking place, it is interesting to recall some of tho declarations made by the German Emperor when addressing Prince Henry .before the departure of the German Fleet in 1907. Tho Kaiser told his brother that"'.tho, voyage on which ho was starting and tho task ho had to perform had nothing essentially novel about thorn." "They are the logical consequences., of tho political labours of ray lata grandfather aud'tiis great Chancellor, and of cur noble father's achievements, with tho sword on the battlefield. They are nothing more than the first efforts of the reunited and re-established'Gorman Empire to perform its duties across tho seas." The Emperor added l that he hoped it might he clear to all in the Far East with whom thoy would have' to deal "that the German Michael had planted his shield, adorned'> with the eagles of the Empire, firmly on that soil, in order, onco for all, to afford protection to thoso who apply to him for it." , Then followed tho passage 'in which the doctrine of tho mailed fist was promulgated. "May all our countrymen abroad, whether priests or merchants or any other calling, bo firmly convinced that the protection of tho German Empire, as represented by the Imperial ships, will bo constantly afforded thorn. Should, however, anyono attempt to affront us, or to infringe our good rights, tlion strike out with, the mailed': fist, and, if God will, .woavo round your young brow tho laurel which no one in -tliu Gorman Empire will begrudge you.". To this speech Prince Honry replied in a similar strain. _ ,> "I can assure your Majesty of this, tho Princo said. "I am not allured by hopes of winning glory or laurels. \I am only animated by ono dosircr-to proclaim and preach abroad to all who will hoar, as well 'as to thoso who will not,- the gospel of your Majosty's anointed person. I raise my glass and call upon those who, with mo, enjoy tho happy privilege of being permitted to go lorth, to remember this day, to impress tho porson of tho Emperor oh their minds, and to lot tho cry resound far out into tho world—Our most Serene, Mighty, Beloved Emperor, King and Master, for ever and ever." An this reads strango in viow of recent pro- j ceedings. '