IMPORTANT SPEECH BY PRINCE BISMARCK.

Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 31, 8 February 1888, Page 2

IMPORTANT SPEECH BY PRINCE BISMARCK.

HE DEPRECATES ALAEM. [UNITED PEKBS ASSOCIATION. I (Received February 8, 1 p.m.) Bkelin, 7th February. In the Reichstag last niffht. Prince Bismarck made a long speech dealing with the present European situation. He said the policy of France had been of a p&cifio character since the election of M. SftdiCarnot to the Presidential ohair. He did not apprehend a Russian attack, as he believed that the assurance given by the Czar was absolute. The present situation was not in any way different to that of 1879, and he perceived no oause or pretext for either a Russian or European war. A war with France would not necessitate a Russian one, though the latter might involve the former. Referring to the Alliance, ho said it was not entered into us a menace to the other Powers, but was concluded on the grounds of common interests, and with a view of averting dangers common to the thrcs Powers. When the work of reorganising 1 the Landwehr was completed, Germany could place a million soldiers on each frontier, which no other Power was able to do. Germany would then support the Russian claims for a revival of the latter's influence in Bulgaria in accordance with the Treaty. Germany was anxious for peace, but if attacked the valour of the Tentonio race wonld prove irresistible. The speech caused an immense sensation in the Reichstag, and the Bill dealing with the re-organisation of the Lanwehr was immediately passed and formally referred to the Loan Bill Committee. There wat a large crowd of spectators in the Chamber at the time, and the Chancellor was loudly cheered on the conclusion of his speech. Vienna, 7th February. The ambiguous references made to the Bulgarian Question by Prince Bismarck in his speech last night have caused a feeling of disappointment here.