GERMAN ARMY BILL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3187, 26 November 1892, Page 2

GERMAN ARMY BILL.

(by electhio teleqiuph—col'viuoht.) Berlin, November 24. Count von Capihvi introduced the Army Bill in the Reichstag in a ! speech which lasted two hours. He disclaimed any idea of a warlike policy, and warmly replied to the idea that the increase asked for was for the purpose of provoking war. On the contrary they wished to secure a long peace. Germany wanted no increase of territory, but he felt it his duty to point out the dangers that confronted them both on the Eastern and Western frontiers. The French army already outnumbers the German, and the disparity was increasing every year. It was impossible to ignore the French love of war, and their desire was constantly growing stronger to conclude alliances, not for defence, but partly in order to revise the maps of Europe. Though Germany was on good terms with Russia, fierce forces were operating there which might drive the Czar —lover ot peace as he .vas—into war with Germany. Count von Caprivi said he was convinced the next Russian war would be conducted on the western frontier, though there was no immediate danger of it. If the rapprochement between France and Russia were con - verted into an alliance there would be grave risk, hence Germany could not surrender Alsace-Lorraine, or aban* don its relation with Austria and Italy. He contended that as a matter of fact the troops of the Triple i Alliance were not equal to the combined French and Russian armies.

He was aware that any request for an increase in the forces was bound to produce ill-feeling, but war with Russia at the present moment would find Germany unprepared. The Bill might possibly be unwelcome, but a defeat would be worse.

Germany was not so supreme as ic 1870. Ho" dwelt forcibly on the extraordinary strength of the French frontier fortifications and Paris, which was now the strongest fortress in the world. The Eeichstag received the Chancellor's speech ecldly and with evident scepticism.