SPEECH BY THE KAISER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 180, 31 July 1900, Page 5

SPEECH BY THE KAISER.

FAEEWELLING THE TROOPS,

Under the heading "William Announces That He Will Humble China," the San Francisco "Call" publishes the following despatch from Berlin under date July 3: —"Addressing the detachment of German marines •which sailed from Wilhelmshaven for China yesterday, the Emperor made a re-

miarl^able speech, during1 whidliy lie notified the world of Germany's intention to avenge the mtirder of Baron yon Kettler, the late Minister of Germany to Pekin, and of the missionaries, and-to dictate terms to the Chinese from the palace at Pekin. Accordingl to the "Loltal Anzeiger" His Majesty spoke as follows: — " 'The firebrand of war has been hurled in the midst of the most profound peace. Unhappily this was .to me not unexpected: A crime of unspeakable'insolence, horrifying in its barbarity, has been committed against the person of my trusted representative and has taken him from us. The Ministers of the other Powers hover between life and death, and with them the comrades sent for their protection. It may be while I speak they have already fought their last figKt. ' " 'The German flag has been insulted and the German Empire treated with contempt. This demands exemplary punishment and vengeance. Events have moved with frightful rapidity and have become profoundly grave and still graver. Siiice I called you to arms what I hoped to effect with .the marine infantTy has now become a difficult task which can only Be fulfilled with the help of the serried ranks of all civilised States.

" 'I will not rest until tlie^ German flag, joined to those of the o>{ier Powers, floats triumphantly over China's flag, and until it has been planted on the walls of Pekin to dictate peace to the Chinese. Youvill have to maintain good comradeship with all the other troops that you will come in contact with over yonder. Russian, British and French'all alike are flfhting for one common cause. " 'We must bear in mind too something higher* namely, our religion and the defence of our brothers out there, some of whom stake their lives for the Saviour. The flags which here float above you go under fire for tlie first time. See that you bring them back to me clean and stainless and without a spot. My thanks, my prayers and my solicitude go with you. < "'Think of those who have fought before you and go forth witk the old Brandenburg motto:—

Trust, in God, stand bravely, This the whole of thy honourable duty, For who helned by God dares battle heartily • Is never driven from the world.V

In ihe "Star" 'to-morrow will be found the opening1 chapters of