The German Emperor opened the Imperial Diet on Tuesday in
a very long speech, the salient features of which were that the intimidation practised upon workmen by Trade-Unions is to be prevented by repressive criminal laws, that the privi- leges of the Imperial Bank will be renewed, and, it is im- plied, extended, and that the organisation of the Army must be improved, because, says the preamble to the Army Bill, the Armies both of France and " European Russia" are being enlarged. The Emperor then stated his belief that the Conference on Anarchism would lead to " practical conclusions," and concluded by expressing his pleasure in the journey to Jerusalem, and pledging himself tc " employ the power conferred upon him by the grace of God in the cause of the eternal fundamental truths of Christianity" Finally, his Majesty thanked the Sultan for his hospitable reception, and the Turkish popula- tion for their enthusiastic welcome. It is stated that the Emperor will not ask the Reichstag to pay the expenses of the journey, but will make that request to the more loyal and Conservative Parliament of Prussia. The Members, it is known, will not refuse, but the Emperor-King would like a unanimous and silent vote.
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