GERMANY’S DEFENCE BILL

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 46, 30 June 1913, Page 8

GERMANY’S DEFENCE BILL

THE ARMAMENT EXPENDITURE. SOCIALISTS NOT CONVINCED OF THE NECESSITY. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 12.50 p.m.) Berlin, June 29. During the debate in the Reichstag on the Defence Bill, Herr Schiedemann (Socialist) remarked that Gei*many was driving other States to competition in armaments, and the Socialists were not convinced of the necessity. Herr Hollweg (Chancellor), turning to the Socialists, said: “You have accused me of not having done my duty. In convincing you of necessity for the Bill, I ask—-Will Social Democracy ever allow itself to bo convinced ? (Uproar followed among the Socialists). A Socialist amendment taxing. Federal Princes was passed by a narrow majority. Herr Schiedemaun contended that if the Bill was dropped, France would drop hers in twenty-four hours. He denounced, the inhuman courtmartialling of seven Socialist reserves Ur .i drunken row at Erfuok and for insulting gendarmerie" policemen and some civilians. Three were sentenced to five years’ penal servitude, two to five years’ imprisonment, one to a year, and another to seven months. The Socialists, Radical, National Liberals, and Centro Party insisted on introducing a Bill to admit mitigating circumstances in such cases. Herr Heeringen (Minister of War) said he was unable to assent to any alteration. The discussion was adjourned.