Learn to know the misery of our people in the later years of the
Middle Ages, in the struggles between church and state and between the
princes, in the strife of creeds during the Thirty Years' War, when
our people were trodden down and brought into the service of foreign
peoples and dynasties with whom its interests had nothing in common,
until the final great downfall in the time of Napoleon. The year 1870
first brought us a united German state again. And if you enter upon
a political career, keep your eye upon the field as a whole, and do
not be disturbed by parties. For these shove their interests before
those of the Fatherland and often draw a curtain between you and it.
And if your political efforts threaten to bewilder you, I advise you
to withdraw from them for a time--travel or go on a walking tour--and
let Nature have her way. Then when you return you will have a clearer
vision of the real relations. If at any time the waves overwhelm you,
if the many phenomena of modern art and literature bewilder and depress
you, you can always turn to these ideals of antiquity as a means of
recovering your balance.
You are now ready to enter the university. Therefore I would like to
give you one more counsel, which you must not take lightly, for it is
to me a very serious matter. Alcohol is a great danger to our people,
which, believe me, gives me great anxiety. I have led the government
now during twenty-three years, and through the reports which pass
through my hands I know how many crimes have been committed through
alcohol. Direct your gaze for a moment to a neighboring land. The
Americans are far ahead of us in this. At their universities there they
do great things, as you may convince yourselves, since so many students
come to us from there. There, at the reunions and at the great academic
gatherings--for instance, at the inauguration of a president--no wine
is seen on the whole table; and they get along very well without it. If
you enter the university, steel your body through sport and through
fencing--a thing I would blame in no one--or through rowing; but do
not seek to make a record for yourself by seeing who can gulp down the
greatest number of intoxicating drinks. Those are customs which come
to us from another time. If you will take this attitude in the corps
and societies, I shall be grateful to you. We have other tasks now than
they had in former years and must strengthen our knowledge of national
economy and finances. For it is worth Germany's while to protect her
position in the world, especially in the world market. Therefore we
must all hold fast together.
I herewith turn the flag over to you. The _primus omnium_, so I
understand, will carry it and will consider it an honor that he is the
first one to do so.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
HAMBURG, AUGUST 27, 1911
After a religious service for the army, the Emperor and Empress
visited the race-course at Grossborstel. The relations between
Germany and England were becoming strained. At the time of the
uprising in Morocco on the twenty-first of May, 1911, the French
general Moinier took measures, so he said, to protect Europeans
in Morocco and later besieged certain native cities. Germany,
pursuing her world-policy, immediately sent the gunboat _Panther_
and later the cruiser _Berlin_ to the harbor of Agadir, and assumed
a threatening attitude, as she had done at Tangier and as Admiral
Diedrichs had done at Manila. When the English made it plain that
they would support France, in accordance with the _entente_ reached
in 1904, with regard to Morocco and Egypt, feeling between the two
nations became tense and has remained so. The Emperor here, while
insisting upon the place in the sun, is at the same time insisting
on friendly competition. (See the discussion of the speech of March
31, 1905.)
YOUR MAGNIFICENCE:
As often as her Majesty and I have the happy opportunity of coming to
Hamburg, it becomes our duty to express our gratitude for the joyful
reception and warm, heartfelt greeting which is accorded us by all
classes of the Hamburg citizens. We have felt this again to-day and are
constrained to express anew our thanks for the welcome on the part of
the city. It is an index of how close the relations have become between
the citizens of Hamburg and our house. As the highest commander of my
army, I would at the same time like to express the joy I take in the
fact that the Hanseatic cities are now about to express again their
lively interest and their love and fondness for the regiments which
bear their names. To me it is a proof that the relationship between
the garrisons and their cities is a deep and a close one, and that they
are proud to give some outward recognition for the service which their
sons have rendered in the past and for the zeal which they showed in
their work of peace.
When, yesterday, the city of Hamburg enthusiastically greeted a portion
of that army which has so long maintained peace, she did a very proper
thing, for she understands that under the protection of peace she can
devote herself to her labors. She is a world city and is situated on
one of the greatest rivers of our Fatherland, and the breath of the sea
and the wave beat of the tides come to her wharves. Just as for the
human body, it is necessary for a nation to breathe in order to live.
The breath of the body politic gives it life and strength. This breath
is commerce. Long ago the far-sighted Great Elector coined the phrase:
"Trade and navigation are the two main pillars of my state."
In the twenty-three years since I mounted the throne it has been a
pleasure to me to follow the progress which the Hanseatic cities and
especially Hamburg have achieved in their restless advance. If I do
everything that I can on my side to help the Hanseatic cities, it is a
duty that I gladly discharge.
But we need not wonder that the great increase of trade in our
newly united Fatherland has disquieted many people in the world. I,
nevertheless, believe that in the domain of commerce competition is
healthful; it is necessary in order to spur on states and nations to
new achievement. Indeed, it is the same thing with sports, as we have
seen to-day at the magnificent race-course, where before the eyes of
thousands of Hamburg's men and so many of her beautiful women the
officers of my army rode in competition. There we see one rider who in
thought has already won first prize, and on the right and on the left
the next two work up to him and it becomes an earnest contest between
the three. Then he who up to this point was at the head reaches for his
whip, not in order to strike his two rival riders but his own horse,
and he gives him the spur. In the same way competition between nations
can be fought out in peace.
The powerfully developing German fleet of war, which is distinguished
by its cult of manliness and discipline, has in the last decades been
created by the German people as a protection to trade and navigation.
It represents the will of the German people to count for something
upon the seas. This growing young fleet is particularly proud of the
interest of Hamburg's citizens. If, then, I have correctly interpreted
this expression of your enthusiasm, I believe that I dare assume that
it is your purpose to further strengthen our fleet in order that we
may be certain that no one will dare challenge the "place in the sun"
which should be rightfully ours. I, therefore, raise my glass to the
health of the Hanseatic cities, and especially to Hamburg, the greatest
of them all! The gentlemen know what I think about Hamburg and how I
feel myself bound to her. And at the risk of repeating myself I say it
again: the citizens of Hamburg and I understand each other! The city of
Hamburg--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
IMPERIAL GLORIES
AIX, OCTOBER 18, 1911
The special fondness of the Emperor for Aix is indicated in the
address of June 19, 1902. With his assistance the cathedral had
been restored in this year, and a marble tablet had been set
up in his honor. If the Emperor's father was concerned about
restoring the splendor of the crown, it is also true that he was
by nature one of the most liberal of the Hohenzollerns. The book
which Frederick I gave his son to read was in all probability the
magnificent volume, "Die Reichskleinodien" by Doctor Fr. Bock,
published in Vienna in 1864.
MY DEAR BURGOMASTER:
You have strengthened with your friendly words of greeting the deep
impression which I received to-day as I found myself within your walls.
I thank you, the city magistrates and the citizens, most heartily
for this memorable day. I do not see how the eightieth birthday
of my father, who was all too soon taken from us, could have been
celebrated more beautifully than through the solemn unveiling of the
magnificent equestrian statue dedicated to his memory, which we owe
to the unselfish reverence of the citizens of Aix for the favorite of
the German people. I congratulate the city on this new monument, which
will serve as a bond and a joy for generations yet unborn. It will
indicate that, in spite of all the frictions and political, social,
and religious differences of our time, a firm bond of love and trust,
nevertheless, surrounds and binds together the prince and the people.
If ever a prince deserved a monument here in Aix it was my late
father. From my childhood I had occasion to observe with what interest
he devoted himself to the study of the German Emperors and of their
traditions and how deeply he was impressed by the power of their
position and the splendor of the old German imperial crown. When as a
lad I played in his room and had earned some reward through my good
behavior, he allowed me to turn the leaves of a magnificent volume in
which were represented the jewels, insignia, robes, and weapons of the
Emperors, and finally, in brilliant colors, the crown itself. How his
eyes glistened when he told stories of the coronations at Aix with
their ceremonies and banquets, of Charlemagne, of Barbarossa, and their
greatness! He always closed by saying: "That must all come again, the
power of the empire must rise, and the glitter of the Emperor's crown
must shine forth once more. Barbarossa must be freed from the tower
again!" And it was granted him by Providence to play a large part in
the accomplishment of this great work. On the bloody field of battle he
helped his honored father to win the Emperor's crown and the unity of
the German people.
Educated by my father for the high position which was one day to be
mine, I grew up in wonder and in reverence for the Emperor's crown,
which, with its burden and its responsibility, I have taken over from
him. It is a sacred jewel from which, under God's protection, many
blessings have gone forth upon the Fatherland and which has proved
itself a shield for the national honor. All Germans can look up to
it with trust, and it will show itself the stronger the more it is
surrounded and supported by loyal affection and earnest co-operation.
As my forefathers bestowed their special favor upon Aix, so with me
it has always been a pleasure to be able to show her my interest and
good wishes, within whose walls here, in the extreme western part
of the empire, German culture and German manners have found a place
fortified by a famous past and traditions many hundred years old. May
the city in the future also, with her salutary springs and beautiful
wooded hills, with her manifold industries and her far-reaching
commerce, grow, flourish, and prosper! May the citizens, through
loyalty to God, King, and Fatherland, pursue their work and enjoy the
fruits of their industry in peace! The old imperial city and her loyal
citizens--Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
VIII
LAST MONTHS OF PEACE
FEBRUARY 7, 1912--JUNE 23, 1914
OPENING OF THE REICHSTAG
BERLIN, FEBRUARY 7, 1912
As a result of the Morocco crisis and the increasing imminence of
international difficulties, the war footing of the German army
had been increased to 3,860,000 men. The navy had been steadily
extended, and projects for further increases in both army and navy
were to be introduced at this session of the Reichstag and to
be granted. The question of taxation was becoming more and more
serious. In view of the project for increased armament and higher
taxation, Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg had earnestly urged all
parties to unite against the Social Democrats. His efforts were
not nearly so successful as had been those of Bülow in 1907. One
hundred and ten Social Democrats were returned. It is perhaps
significant that at this session the Reichstag voted a bill
creating a German oil company, which was to conduct its operations
under the supervision of the government and thus render Germany
more independent of foreign countries in this regard.
HONORED SIRS:
In the name of the affiliated governments, I bid the newly elected
Reichstag welcome!
To maintain the solid framework of the empire and the order of the
state undisturbed, to increase the welfare of the people in all classes
and conditions, to protect and raise the strength and credit of the
nation is the aim of all my efforts. In this I find myself in accord
with my honored colleagues, and I cherish the conviction that you, as
the chosen representatives of the nation, will exert your best powers
in this common work.
For a generation past questions of social regulation have occupied
a prominent place in the legislation of the realm. Even at the last
session of the previous Reichstag the benefits of insurance were
extended to a large portion of the population. The same social spirit
with which the work has previously gone forward must prevail even
further. For development does not stand still.
The finances of the realm have attained a firm position. On the basis
of definitely calculated contributions from the states, we have
succeeded in establishing a balance in the imperial economy, and by
the help of the surplus which resulted we have relieved the excess of
the budget. By holding fast to the rigorous policies in vogue up to
the present, the empire will within a short time arrive at a complete
restoration of its finances.
It fills me with satisfaction when I think to what a point the free
spirit of enterprise has attained in industry and crafts, in trade,
and in commerce, and how, through the increasing perfection of its
technic, agriculture has gradually blossomed forth again. In view of
this gratifying progress, the affiliated governments will henceforth
not neglect to strengthen the foundation of our customs policy by means
of alterations and the addition of new trading regulations.
A project which will be shortly put before you is to serve for the
strengthening of the German interests in foreign countries. It
regulates dependence upon the empire and the state in such a way that
it will be easier for natives of Germany in foreign parts to remain
citizens of the empire, or, in case they have lost their imperial
rights, to recover them again.[47]
[47] This project resulted in a law promulgated by the Emperor July 22,
1913. It has been made the subject of considerable hostile comment
in foreign countries, as it would seem under certain conditions,
not definitely fixed, to permit a German subject to divide his
allegiance.
Article 17 of this law asserts that (German) citizenship is
lost through the acquiring of citizenship in a foreign country.
It, however, refers to Article 25, which makes the following
conditions:
Art. 25, Sec. 2. Citizenship [German] shall not be lost by him
who, before acquiring citizenship in a foreign country, shall,
on his request, have received the written permission to retain
[German] citizenship from the proper authority in his home
state. The German consul is to be consulted before granting this
permission.
Art. 25, Sec. 3. The Imperial Chancellor, on a vote of the
Bundesrat, can decree that the permission specified in Section 2,
shall not be granted to persons who wish to acquire citizenship in
a specified foreign state.
On the face of it, this decree would seem to be open to the
interpretation that it lies within the power of the German
Bundesrat to allow a man who has ostensibly acquired citizenship
in a foreign country to be counted as a German citizen.
The success of our work of peace at home and overseas depends upon
the empire's remaining powerful enough to stand for and protect its
national honor, its possessions, and its rightful interests in the
world at all times. On this account it is my continual duty and care
to maintain and strengthen by land and by sea the armies of the German
people, which does not lack young men capable of bearing arms. Bills to
this end are in preparation and will be laid before you together with
proposals which will provide for the increased expenditure. If, Honored
Sirs, you help to carry out this great project you will be doing the
Fatherland a great service.
We have given a new proof of our willingness to settle international
points of dispute amicably wherever this can be done in accordance with
the dignity and the interests of Germany, through the conclusion of
our agreements with France. In addition to strengthening our alliances
with the Austro-Hungarian monarchy and the kingdom of Italy, my policy
is directed toward the maintenance of friendly relationships with all
powers on the basis of mutual respect and good-will.
I trust the healthy power of the German people, and, counting upon the
support of a gracious God, I look out hopefully over the struggles of
the day toward the future of the empire. Therefore, at the beginning of
a new legislative session, I offer you, Honored Sirs, my greeting in
the hope that your activities will be exerted for the benefit of the
people and the country.
BRANDENBURG ONCE AGAIN
MAY 30, 1912
The indications of particular good-will which the Emperor had
always exhibited for the Brandenburgers and the marks of special
favor which he had seemed to accord to them have occasionally
aroused a certain suspicion, not to say ill will, in the minds of
some of his South German subjects. In his hereditary provinces,
Brandenburg and Prussia, it will be noticed that the Emperor had
always expressed himself most freely with regard to his personal
pretensions that he ruled by divine right alone. The two speeches
which have been most criticised in this respect are the ones
delivered at Breslau (February 3, 1899) and Königsberg (August 25,
1910). They served, unfortunately, to accentuate the differences
which existed between the subjects in various parts of the empire
and to remind them that they had a Prussian Emperor. If certain
portions of his audiences here acquiesced in these pretensions of
their hereditary ruler and were somewhat proud of the particular
confidence he vouchsafed to them, critics, and even conservative
critics, referred to these ideas of "_Gottesgnadentum_,"
grace-of-Godism, with touches of what was at least irony. After
the unfortunate crisis following the _Daily Telegraph_ interview
Chancellor von Bülow had felt constrained to request the Emperor
"henceforward to observe, even in private interviews, that reserve
which is indispensable both to the interests of a consistent policy
and to the authority of the crown." As we have seen, in spite
of the Emperor's seeming acceptance of this necessity, it had
not modified to any particular extent the tenor of his speech at
Königsberg in 1910. It may be that by this time (1912) he had taken
the admonition to heart, for it will be noticed that, though we
have the customary reference to Frederick of Hohenzollern and the
glorification of his ancestors, and also the marks of special favor
and trust in the Brandenburgers, we miss any mention of the theory
of divine right.
La Fontaine has said that it is difficult to please every one and
his father. The Emperor must have felt this when he learned that
certain of his subjects, nevertheless, resented that closing part
of his speech which would seem to imply that the Franco-Prussian
War was a sort of family affair through which the grateful
Brandenburgers decided to present the imperial crown to their
beloved overlord. Through such an interpretation the position and
interests of Bavaria, for instance, became for Bavarians somewhat
too incidental. If, then, foreign critics have drawn a distinction
between Prussia and Germany, the distinction has, therefore, a
certain warrant, since it seems to be made by the Emperor himself.
The heir to the Bavarian crown took occasion to object in one of
his speeches to the conception that the affiliated sovereigns are
"vassals of the Emperor." That he should have gone so far would
indicate that, in his mind at least, there was a disposition to
make them so. He was even more emphatic in a speech delivered in
May, 1900, before the Association for the Furtherance of Inland
Navigation in Bavaria. "I do not see," he said, "why we, if we
belong to the German Empire should not enjoy precisely the same
rights and privileges as North Germany, for the German Empire was
welded together just as much through Bavarian blood as through
the blood of any other German stock; and for that reason we do
not wish to be regarded as minor brothers, but as brothers with
full rights and privileges." So, too, it is said that the King
of Würtemberg left the Emperor's side in anger and withdrew from
the army manoeuvres in 1894. It will be plain to any one who
reads the Emperor's speeches that very few of them are made in
South Germany. Münich, Leipzig, and Stuttgart have been visited
by him less frequently than certain foreign capitals. This is due
in part, no doubt, to the fact that the reigning sovereigns of
these capitals do not wish to see a greater at their side. But it
is likewise true that in most of these districts the Emperor's
reception at the hands of the populace would be far less warm
than that accorded to him at Breslau and Berlin; for, if the
Emperor is warranted in expecting a particular loyalty from his
Prussians and Brandenburgers, so, too, are the hereditary rulers of
Bavaria, Saxony, and Würtemberg warranted in expecting a particular
recognition at home, which must necessarily be deducted from the
possible tribute which can be paid the Emperor, who is likewise a
rival King and King of a province which has not always enjoyed the
favorable consideration of South Germans.
It was on this day, May 30, five hundred years before that the
Burgrave Frederick VI of Hohenzollern, the later Elector Frederick
I, entered the fortified place of Brandenburg, on the Havel. In
commemoration of this fact, a fountain and an equestrian statue
of the Elector by Professor Manzel were dedicated. The church of
St. Catherine had likewise been restored and was rededicated on
this day. After the unveiling, the Emperor proceeded to the old
town hall, where he inscribed his name in the city's Golden Book,
and after he had accepted the drink of honor offered him by the
burgomaster, he delivered the following address: