GERMANY'S ARMY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 76, 31 March 1913, Page 5

GERMANY'S ARMY.

HUGE INCREASES. I NINE MILLIONS A YEAR. PRESENT VOTE OF £52,000,000 GREAT ATRFLEET PROPOSED. BUILDING UP THE WAR-CHEST. ISSUE OF PAPER MONEY. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) BERLIN, March 29. The preamble of the Army Bill states that owing to the war in the Balkans, the ratio of power in Europe has been shifted.

The strength of the army has not kept pace with the growth of population.

"Universal service,' , it is stated, "is the trustiest foundation of Germany's strength."

A permanent recurring expenditure of £9.500,000 yearly is proposed. As the sources of taxation open to the Imperial Government do not suffice for its burdeijg. a considerable portion must be shifted on to the Federal Stages.

The bill provides for a non-recurring expenditure of £o2.;>00,000. The warchest will be increased from £6,000.000 to £18.000.000.

A defence levy of one-half per cent will be imposed on property valued at above £500. and of 2 per cent on incomes above £2.500. The capital of joint stock and limited companies will be assessed for taxation after their liabilities have been deducted.

The extra annual expenditure of EfI.ijOO.OOO will he met by increasing the matrieular (federal) contributions by 141 d per capita above the present rate of Bd.

It is proposed to issue notes for five marks and ten marks.