New York Times Current History: The European War from the Beginning to March 1915, Vol 1, No. 2: Who Began the War, and Why?Various
History
New York Times Current History: The European War from the Beginning to March 1915, Vol 1, No. 2: Who Began the War, and Why?
Various
World War, 1914-1918
One hour later the Reichstag met in its own house. The Emperor had
begged for quick and thorough work. He was not to be disappointed.
Without any formalities the presiding officers of the last session were
re-elected--in times of peace and party strife this would have been
impossible. This short curtain raiser being over, the first act of the
drama began. Before an overcrowded house the Chancellor described simply
and clearly the efforts of the Government for the preservation of peace.
He stated cold facts, showing unmistakably Russia's double dealing and
justifying Germany's beginning of a war which she did not want. The
Chancellor had begun in a quiet, subdued tone. Then he raised his voice
and when, in words that rang through the hall, he declared that the
entire nation was united, the Deputies and the spectators in the
galleries could sit still no longer. They rose, with them at first some
Socialists, then all of them, carried away by the impulse of the
moment; the members of the Federal Council, of the press, diplomats and
the crowds in the galleries joined them. The whole multitude cheered and
clapped its hands frantically. It reflected truly the spirit of the
whole nation. The Speaker, who under ordinary circumstances would have
suppressed the clapping of hands as unparliamentary and the
demonstrations of the galleries as undignified, let the patriotic
outburst go on to its end.
After a short intermission the business meeting began. Sixteen war
measures had been introduced, the most important of which was the one
asking for 5,000,000,000 marks to carry on the war. The leader of the
Social Democrats read a statement explaining why his party, despite its
opposition on principle to all army and navy appropriations, would vote
for the proposed bills. Without further debates all the bills were
passed, and shortly after 5 P.M. the Reichstag adjourned. At 7 P.M. the
Emperor received the presiding officers of the Reichstag to thank them
for their prompt and useful work. He signed the bills, which were
immediately published and thus became laws.
The resolute attitude and quick work of the Reichstag reflected the
unity and resolution of the entire nation. Sixty-seven millions of
Germans feel, think, and act with their elected representatives. No
party, no class, no creed is standing back; all are imbued with one
single thought: United Germany is unconquerable.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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