KAISER WILHELM

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10079, 29 August 1910, Page 5

KAISER WILHELM

CABLE NEWS

United Prbss Association—By Eleoltio Telegraph Copyright.

MAKES A- REMARKABLE SPEECH.'

A STORM OF CRITICISM.

(Received Last Night, 5.5 o'clock.)

BERLIN, August 27. The Kaiser made a remarkable speech at Konigsberg, in honour of the Province, of East Prussia. He declared that he looked upon himself as "an instrument of the Lord." He

declared that he would ; go his own way, regardless of the views or opinions of the day. The speech has raised a storm of criticism in Berlin, and has depressed the Bourse.

The Kaiser, referring to his grandfather's connection with Konigsberg, said he placed the Crown of Prussia on his own head. It was conferred by the grace of God alone, and not by Parliament or popular decision. He was the chosen instrument of Heaven.

"We must," said the Kaiser, "always keep our armaments ready and in a state of perfection, in view of the vast progress of the neighbouring Powers." The Kaiser, proceeding, said that the Queen's Court associated with Konigsberg taught women that their principal task did not lie in public meetings, when seeking to 'attain rights wherein they emulated men, but in quiet work. ■■•"'■'•

The Radicals and Democrats regard the speech as pitting the "grace of God" against the people's " will. They say it recalls the Kaiser crisis of 1908, when Prince Bulowapolc*gised for King William. The Vossiche Zeitung says the speech, which. protests against the idea of disarmament, must excite much attention abroad, and cause a painful commotion.