GERMANY

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1916, Page 5

GERMANY

PRUSSIAN DIET OPENS. . THE KAISER'S SUBSTITUTE. CHARACTERISTIC VERBIAGE, Received Jan, 14, 8.25 p.m. Amsterdam, Jan. 13. Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, at the opening of the Prussian Diet, said, on behalf of the Kaiser:— Sanguinary fighting continues, and our enemies who forced the war upon us are responsible for the European people still tearing themselves to pieces. Providence is placing an iron test upon our people. The enemies' project of wearing down and cutting us off from overseas has failed. Our own agriculture is feeding the population, and our own industries are providing the means of defence. Our economic life has been maintained, despite the war's calamities. The Gorman armies' achievements have been of indescribable magnitude and heroism, and with our allies we have held our ground against a world of enemies, and carried our colors far into enemy territory. , The old Prussian military spirit, of which we are so proud, has proved inextinguishably vital, adding immortal glory to the heroism of our forefathers. We face the future, full of confidence in God and victory. Our single holy thought is to give everything, to our last resources, to secure our nation's life and security. The general economic pressure lias not shaken the sound Prussian finances, but the nation's maintenance requires increased taxes. The healing of the wounds, and calling forth new life out of our mighty achievements and sacrifices, will be one of our biggest tasks when we are victorious and peace i 3 secured. Our entire manhood is unitedly fighting in brotherly loyalty. What our enemies call compulsion is liberty based on order.