SCENE IN REICHSTAG.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1377, 23 March 1915, Page 4

SCENE IN REICHSTAG.

A TOO HUMANE SOCIALIST. PROTESTS AGAINST GERMAN BARBARISM. WILD SCENES FOLLOW. LONDON, March 20,

A Berlin message says there were wild scones in the Reichstag on the second reading of tlie Budget. Herr Lodebonr, a Socialist, protested against, the military trying lo Germanise portions of the occupied territory, and said he was horrified to learn that the Germans intended to destroy three Russian villages for every German village burned. Dr. Liebknecht interposed: “This is barbarism I” There was a general disturbance and cries of “Treason.” Herr Ledebonr continued: “This .'trikes the Poles and Lithuanians, whose co-oper-ation we want."

Members sprang from their seats excitedly, calling “Order I’’ and there were cries of “Shame !”

Horr Delbruecl? said he would bo unworthy of his present situation if lie replied to the speech. Herr Ilass-ermaim argued that reprisals were necessary to stop Kussia’s unhliiuun warfare.

Herr Shoklmumi explained on behalf of the Socialists that Herr f.edebonr wan only invited to speak on the language i|iiention and the remainder of Ids remarks were made on his own responsibility. Herr Delbrucck declared that Herr Ledebour’s criticism was unconstitutional and insulting and was directed against the most honoured army leader of the war, who had set aside everything dividing them in peace time. Their duty was to gain imperishable successes, affording the enemy now proof of Germany’s economic and moral invincibilitv.

Cither speakers eulogising the Navy hoped that the intensity of submarine operations would continually be increased, and the Navy would go forward until victory is gained. Herr Nacken, reporting mi i)|e Kstiniates, said the financial situation was as bright as at the beginning of (he war and all obligations would be fullilled. however long the war. Hr. Helfferich said the result of the loan wa ? splendid and totalled £350,000,000. greatly surpassing the success of the first loan. With both loans jGcnjiany exceeded

England by four or five tlnm-and million marks, proving her unbreakable ••conomic and financial strength, and her determination to hold out to the end.