WILD SCENES REPORTED

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2415, 22 March 1915, Page 5

WILD SCENES REPORTED

IN THE REICHSTAG ATTACK BY SOCIALISTS * 1 (Rec. March 21, 5.5 p.m.) Berlin, March 20. There were wild scenes in the Reichstag during the second reading debate on the Budget. Dr. Ledebour, the Socialist, protested against the military trying to Germanise portions of Belgium, and was horrified to learn that the Germans intend to destroy three Russian villages for every German village burned. Dr. Liebknecht interposed: "This is barbarianism." A general disturbance followed, with cries of "Treason." Dr., Ledebour continued: "Thisstrikes the Poles and Lithuanians, whose cooperation we want." _ Members sprang up in their seats excitedly, calling out, "Order"; and cries of "Shame!" Dr. Delbrueck said tlw scene was unworthy of the present situation. Dr. Bassermann argued that reprisals were necessary to stop Russia's inhuman warfare. Dr. Scheidmann explained, on behalf of the Socialists, that Dr. Ledebour was only invited to speak on the language question, the remainder of his remarks were made on his own responsibility. Dr. Delbrueck declared that Dr. Ledebonr's critioism was unconstitutional, insulting, and directed against the most honoured army leaders. The war had set aside everything dividing them in peace time. This was a duty, and was an imperishable success affording the enemy a new proof of Germany's economic and mora] invincibility. Other speakers, ill eulogising the navy, hoped the intensity of the submarine operations would be continually increased, and the navy would go forward until victory was gained. Dr. Nacken, reporting on tile Estimates, said the financial situation was as bright as at the beginning of the war. All obligations' would be fulfilled, however long the war. Dr. Helfßricb said the result of the loan was splendid, and totalled 350 million sterling, greatly surpassing the success of the first loan. With both leans Germany exceeded England by four to five thousand million marks, proving the unbreakable economic and financial strength, and the determination of Germany to hold out to the end.