THE KAISER AT KRUPP'S

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 130, 19 October 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE KAISER AT KRUPP'S

CELEBRATED FIRM'S CENTENARY. The Emperor William was present on August 8 at the Essen celebration of the centenary of the firm of Krupp. The Emperor, who, on his arrival at the Villa Hugel, conferred upon Herr Krupp Von Bohlen the title and rank of an Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, and on Frau Bertha Krupp the Order of Louise, Second Class, had an enthusiastic reception as he drove through the streets, which were decorated with flags and triumphal arches, to the Lichthof at the headquarters of the Krupp administration. An orchestra played the overture to "Rienzi" as the Royal procession entered. His Majesty conducted Frau Krupp-Von Bohlen to the dais. On her right sat Prince Henry of Prussia and Herr Krupp Von Bohlen, and on the Emperor's left sat Frau Krupp and the Imperial Chancellor. The Emperor was attended by the Court Marshal, Count Eulenburg, Grand Admiral Von TirpitZ, the Prussian Minister of War, General Von Heeringen; the Chief of the Emperor's Naval Cabinet, Admiral Von Muller; Grand Admiral Von Koster, president of the Xavy League; by a large number of Prussian and Imperial officials, and by directors and important employees of the firm. There were about 600 persons in the building, among them master workmen and employees from all branches of the firm, dressed in sober black, with top hats and white ties. After a short speech by Herr Krupp and three cheers for his 'Majesty, the Emperor William took a manuscript from the Chief of his Civil Cabinet, Herr Von Valentini, and delivered the following speech:—

KRUPP GUNS EVERYWHERE. "The history of the firm whose centenary we celebrate to-day is a piece of Prussian and German history. The foundation of the firm goes back to the year which closed with the break of that dawn which brought deliverance to Prussia and to Germany from the stranger's lordship, and began- the epoch, extending from Leipzig until, after Versailles, which led to German unity under Prussian hegemony. The first decades of painful effort through which the firm had to struggle embrace the period wherein by quiet and untiring labor, and under the shelter of free industrial legislation, actively promoted and supported by my ancestors, there arose in Prussia an industry which subsequently, in the development of a hundred years, conquered the homo market, and has grown to a position in the world market, where it is a successful rival of all civilised States. The annals of this political and economic development will ever mention the name of Krupp with honor. Krupp guns have been with the Prussian lines and have thundered on the battlefields which made ready the way to Germany's unity and won it at last. Krupp guns are still to-day carried in the German Army and the German Navy. Krupp docks build ships which fly the German war flag. Krupp steel guards ships and forts. Krupp war material is used by numerous foreign armies."

CARE FOR THE WORKERS. In the evening a banquet was given. The Emperor, in replying to the toast of his health, proposed by Herr Krupp, said: "I, too, would like to add my tribute of mourning to the coal army corps who are engaged in a struggle with the forces of the earth. Surrounded by dangers, that gallant band have again been swept away by choke and damp. They have fallen on the field of honor, and they live for ever in the hearts of the province from which they sprang. The occasion which has called us together here to-day constitutes indeed a festival and triumph of labor. Here is one of the sources of a powerful upward national movement and of the welfare of the Fatherland. What had always gained my sympathy is the really ideal relationship which exists between Me Krupp family and their employees" To-day we/.ave had occasion to' inspect the mo' installations provided for the wqtJ .m. . . . In the course of years- ave during repeated visits receive great many valuable impressions < a any suggestions for dealing wi ie great and difficult problem of * g the workers, a problem to which e devoted much attention, and I thi -t unsuccessfully, during my reign of -rly 25 years.