Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 February 1888 — THE FOREIGN BUDGET. [ARTICLE]

THE FOREIGN BUDGET.

The British Parliament reassembled at London on Thursday. The Queen’s speech was read by the Boyal Commissioner. After congratulating tho country upon the pacific foreign relations, she announces the intention of the Government to introduce a bill declaring squares and thoroughfares unsuitable for public gatherings, a bill of broad scope dealing with Irish land valuation, and an English local-government bilL The speech expresses satisfaction at the diminution of crime and the improved social condition in Ireland. Other measures announced are bills relating to land transfers, titles, amendment of limite.l liability companies, acts, employers’ liability for accidents, and improved technical education. The speech does not refer to the European crisis. Beference to foreign relations is devoted chiefly to the Afghan boundary settlement and the sugar bounties conferenceThe statement that Prince Bismarck would SDeak on the military bill attracted an enormous crowd to the vicinity of the Reichstag, says a Berlin dispatch of the 7th inst. Long before the day’s business begau the galleries were filled to overflowing. Prince Bismarck was enthusiastically greeted on his way to the Reichstag palace by dense crowds which lin-d the route. When he entered the Reichstag he was received with deafening cheers. The House proceeded with the first reading of the military loan bill, and Prince Bismarck arose to address the House. He said:

Ido not believe lean add anything to the true state of the case regarding tho bill. I do not adaress you on that aucount. My object is to speak of the general situation of Europe. I may confine myself to refei ring to what I said on the same subject over a year ago. There has been very little change since then, when I feared war with I ranee. Sinoe then France has elected a peace-loving President, and a pacific disposition has prevailed. 1 can, therefore, reassure the public that so far as France is concerned the prospect lias become more peaceful. Regarding Russia also I am of no other opinion thau when I said that we have to apprehend no attack from Russia Tho situation must not be judged lrom press comments. The Russian newspapers I do not believe. I believe the Czar’s word absolutely. The situation on the whole is no different from that of 187 J, I grauc that the cone e.vtration of Russian troops on the front.er may appear serious, but I perceive no causo or pretext for a Russian or European war. Russia has no interest to,conquer Prussian or Austrian province®. Indeed, Igo so far in my confidence as to i-ay that even a war witn France would not n- cessitate a war with Russia, although the latter eventually would involve the former. It is true that I caunot demand an explanation from the Russian Foreign Office regarding the concentration of troops on the frontier, but hav lug oeen well acquainted with Russia's foreign policy for a generation I may have my own opinion of the matter. I believe the Russian Cabinet in ten sto make Russia s voice heard at the next European crisis, and, therefore, wiab.es to push her military forces as far westward aa possible. Prince Bismarck then reviewed tho relations of Prussia with Russia siuc3 1848. Frequently, he said, they hal had a menacing aspect, but at all times the calmness and conscientiousness displayed by the ministers on the

Prussian side toward the threatening position of Russian affairs—a position of which foreign countries had no idea—had succeeded in averting mischief. He continued: Austria is oar natural ally in the dangers which threaten ns from Russia and France; bnt there is no need to fear the hatred of Russia. No wars are waged from mere hatred, tor otherwise France would have to be at war with Italy and the whole world. The strength we possess will reassure our public opinion and allay the nervousness of the bourse and the press. Our task now is to strengthen this strength. It muet not be said that others can place the same defensive frontier force as we are able to do. If we are attacked, then the furor Teutonieus will flame. We hope to remain at peace with Russia, as with ail other powers, but we do not rnn after anybody. Russia has no grounds for complaint of Germany’s attitude on the Bulgarian question. Priuce Bismarck reiterated the confidence that Germany felt in her army, and declared that Germany. feared “only the God which makes os wish to foster peace.”