KAISER’S EXTRAORDINARY SPEECH.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 September 1918, Page 5

KAISER’S EXTRAORDINARY SPEECH.

AMSTERDAM, Sept 12. The Kaiser, addressing Krupp’s employees at Essen, declared that he had left no stone unturned to shorten the war. The enemy jeeringly anu contemptuously rejected the unambiguous peace offer he presented in December, 1916, and similarly treated repeated responsible suggestions since made. Germany had always been ready ic offer the hand of peace, but the enemy compelled Germany to fight for existence. After lauding the army and reiterating the claim that the British fleet were defeated at the Skaggerack, he eulogised the Üboats, which, he said, were like con suming worms, gnawing at the enemy’svitals. He proceeded to argue that the war was really due to the enemy’s envy of German industry and culture. The envy had how been replaced by hatred owing to enemy miscalculations. Everyone knowing the Anglo-Saxon character knew what it meant to fight with them, and how tenacious they are. He accused Britain of criminally attempting to overthrow the ultra democratic Russian Government, and warned his hearers against rumour mongers. The enemy had tried to weaken the morale of the German people by spreading false rumours. Whoever hearkened thereunto was a traitor to the Fatherland. He proceeded to quote Scriptural passages showing that the ’Almighty would sustain his own. For example he quoted Mat foe w 6-33. However, if they were going to build upon God’s assistance they must have faith, because to doubt was ingratitude to God. Moreover, had they really ground for doubt? Had they not won peace witr. Russia, and Rumania, and finished Serbia and Montenegro? Was God at the last moment going to abandon them in the West? Only the faint-

harted would think so, but Germans must weld themselves into a solid block of resistance tc the enemy. “Now,” he said, “promise me. on behalf of the entire German labour, that you intend to fight and hold out to the last .so help us God. Whoever intends to do ,let him answer yes.” The assembly answered with a loud “Yes.” The Kaiser replied: “I thank you. Now you must banish doubt. Our watchword is: German swords raised, hearts strong, muscles taut on to battle against everything that stands i against us. So help us God. Amen! Farewell!”