29. Essays from "Deutsche Wochenschrift"
The Week of July 11-18, 1888
Emperor Wilhelm began his journey to Russia on July 3rd with a large entourage, arriving in Kiel on Saturday morning to continue his journey by sea on the imperial yacht "Hohenzollern". The Emperor's meeting with the Tsar is to take place at sea on Thursday the 19th. On the same day, the German monarch will arrive in Kronstadt, where he will reside during his stay in Russia.
The character of Emperor Wilhelm is illuminated in an interesting way by a recently published essay by his former tutor Hinzpeter.
The German political association of Saaz held a traveling meeting in Kolleschowitz on the 15th, at which Deputy Krepek gave his report. He strongly criticized the government's financial measures and regretted that nothing was being done to remedy the sad situation of the farmers. On July 9, Representative Steinwender presented his report to his constituents in Bleiberg-Kreuth, where he sharply attacked the government's approach to the liquor tax issue. The annual meeting of the German Association took place in Brno on July 16 under the chairmanship of Promber, a member of the Reichsrat. At this meeting, the association's efforts were described as being guided by the motto: "National, loyal to the state and united"; the Liechtenstein school proposal was rejected in the most decisive manner.
The Serbian crown prince has returned to his homeland. Queen Natalie had to hand over her son at the determined request of the German authorities. Queen Natalie stayed in Vienna from Sunday evening until Tuesday and left from here for Paris.
It is reported from Sofia that Zankoff will soon return to Bulgaria from Constantinople and will offer his hand for an understanding between himself and Stambulov.
On the 12th, Boulanger submitted a new motion in the French Chamber for a revision of the constitution and the dissolution of the Chamber. The manner in which he did so, and the outrageous insults he hurled in the faces of his opponents, caused quite a stir. Finally, the general handed over the letter he had brought with him, stating that he was resigning his seat. The result of Boulanger's appearance was a duel with swords between Floquet and Boulanger, in which the latter was seriously wounded in the neck.
On the 13th, the unveiling of the Gambetta monument took place on Carousel Square. Floquet gave a speech highlighting Gambetta's importance. Freycinet particularly praised the steadfastness that Gambetta maintained at all stages of the war and the dedication with which he devoted himself to the army.
On July 14, the celebration of the 99th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille took place in Paris. President Carnot gave a speech to the assembled maires in which he declared that the destiny of modern France could not be separated from the Republic.
In the English House of Lords, Argyll moved a vote of confidence in the government for its policy towards Ireland. This was passed unanimously.
In the last ten days of July, the celebration of the nine hundredth anniversary of Christianity in Russia takes place in Kiev. A few days ago, a ukase was published by the Tsar, which significantly changes the existing military law. The total period of service will now be ı8 years, five years in the active army and 13 in the reserve. As a result, the Russian army increased from 500,000 to 600,000 men.