GERMAN POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9528, 28 June 1909, Page 5

GERMAN POLITICS.

THE FINANCIAL PBOPOSALS. POSSIBLE POLITICAL CRISIS. United Press Association—By Eleotrio Tolegraph Copyright. BERLIN, June 25. Thsre is much speculation as to •whether the' Kaiser will dissolve the Reichstag, or whether Prince von Bulow will resign, in consequence, of opposition to the Chancellor's financial proposals. At a mass meeting held at Cologne recently, Professor Adolf Wagner, a I well-known national economist, made an eloquent endeavour to "popularise" the idea of fresh taxation. He showed how a poor German Empire had developed into a rich German Empire, and demonstrated that, while the needs of the Empire have been enormously increased, the people have not become accustomed to the act that means must be provided to supply these needs. "The nation," be added, "bears willingly the burden of universal military service, for it realises that if Germany is to maintain her position in the heart of Europe, her army must be at the height of efficiency; and while it also realises that Germany cannot think of disarmament, it is slowly realising also that a fleet must. be gradually constructed which will enable it to defend itself acainst an en'emy coming from> the seaboard." After explaining the pro- j posals advanced for raising the necessary funds by fresh taxation, Pro-fessor-Wagner said: "We must make sacrifices, and we can make them. We have become much more wealthy, and in this respect compare favourably with the most highly developed nations on earth. We spend millions on intoxicating liquors and tobacco, and have attained a luxury in travelling which is equalled in no other country. Ladies also have become exceedingly extravagant. I recently heard a lady in a railway carriage say that her new hat had cost only £3O; Where such opinions prevail something more can be sacrificed for the general weal. Seeing, too, that wine is offered at £l, £2, £3, and even £5 ner bottle, there must be pay such prices. There is thus no lack of means; it is willingness to sacrifice something that is lacking. Let us show our enviers and our enemies abroad that the German nation is capable of maintaining a strong army and of creating a fleet which it considers adequate, however displeasing it may be to foreigners. God grant that Imperial financial reform may succeed.'' The Professor's remarks were greeted by tumultuous applause lasting several minutes.