The new Reichatag was opened by the German Emperor on
Wednesday with the usual formalities. The Speech from the Throne was described by the North German Gan* as "a confident appeal to the patriotic sentiments of the Reichstag and the whole country," but it was especially noticeable for its restrained and unprovocative language. The paragraph concerning national defence has naturally attracted the most attention. In, it the Emperor points out that the country's prosperity depends upon its power to guard "its national honour, its possessions, and its just interests." It is there- fore, he proceeds, his constant duty to maintain and to strengthen on land and water the power of defence of the German people. "Bills which pursue this purpose are in preparation, and will be presented to you with proposals con- cerning the covering of the increased expenditure." The exact nature of the proposed increase in armaments therefore still remains unknown ; but it is remarked that it appears from the Speech that the military and financial proposals are to be presented together. This is perhaps an attempt on the part of the Government to detach the non-Socialist Left from the Socialists on the financial as well as on the military question—a result which could not be effected if the two questions were dealt with independently. We may add that some details as to the Navy Estimate for 1912 were given in a telegram in Friday's Times. These show that the total estimate for new construction is almost the same as last year's,
although only one battleship and one cruiser are to be laid down as compared with three battleships and one cruiser in previous years.
