KAISERS WRATH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12663, 17 September 1904, Page 2 (Supplement)

KAISERS WRATH.

CONFIDENTIAL RESCRIPT OBTAINS PUBLICITY. Berlin, August 4.—The Socialist organ. Vorwarts publishes a confidential paper written by the Kaiser to the general in command of the army corps stationed at Metz. In what manner the Vorwarts obtained possession of such a document remains a mystery, but it appears there is no reason to doubt its genuineness. The trial of Lieutenant Bilse was the occasion for this Imperial rescript. The Kaiser says he is displeased that, although efforts were made to keep the; proceedings of the trial from the public, the Court permitted the greater part of the case to be tried in public. His Majesty asks the general commanding the Metz army corps to express his serious displeasure at this, and his regret that they were not better able tc safeguard the interests of their class. The publication of this rescript in the Vorwarts now explains what was a mystery at the time—namely, the sudden resignation of the three principal officers who presided ovei Lieutenant Bilse's trial. It will not tend to increase public satisfaction with the procedure of Courts-martial that such a manifest desire exists to try the peccant officers in camera. There exists a general feeling that the more publicity such matters as Lieutenant Bilse sketched in hie book "Aus einer kleinen Garnison" receive „ the befctei for the army.