protests of the Luxemburg and Belgian Governments.  We shall try to make good the injustice we have committed as soon as our military goal has been reached. [Applause.] Who like we are fighting for the highest, must only consider how victory can be gained. [Enthusiastic applause in entire house.]

Gentlemen, we are standing shoulder to shoulder with Austria-Hungary.  With reference to England, the declaration which Sir Edward Grey made in the House of Commons yesterday plainly shows our attitude.  We have assured England that as long as she remains neutral our fleet will not attack the northern coast of France and that the territorial integrity and independence of Belgium will not be violated.  This declaration I repeat before the whole world, and I can add that so long as England remains neutral we are prepared in case of reciprocity to refrain from all hostile operations against French merchant vessels. [Applause.]

Gentlemen, so much for the events.  I repeat the words of the Kaiser:  “With a clear conscience Germany goes to the battlefield.” [Enthusiastic approval.] We are fighting for the fruits of our peaceful industry, for the inheritance of a great past, and for our future.

The fifty years of which Moltke spoke, and in which we should stand armed and ready to protect our inheritance and the acquisitions of 1870, have not yet passed.  The hour of trial for the German nation has struck, but we are facing it with confidence. [Stormy approval.]

Our army is in the field, our fleet is ready for battle, and behind it stands the entire German Nation. [Enthusiastic applause from the entire house.] The entire nation! [with a gesture particularly directed toward the Social Democrats.  Renewed applause, in which the Social Democrats also joined.] You, gentlemen, realize your duty in its entirety.  The question needs no further consideration, and I request speedy action. [Enthusiastic applause.]

* * * * *

[01] The Times of London contained on Aug. 12, 1914, the following: 

“The statement made by the German Imperial Chancellor to the Reichstag on Aug. 4, which we published yesterday and reproduce below, lends piquancy to a communication that reached us from an influential quarter in Germany on Aug. 2.  The communication, which we give in its original form, bore the name of a personage holding a prominent position in Germany, and standing in a close personal relationship to the German Emperor.  It was evidently timed for publication on the morning of Aug. 3, the day of Sir Edward Grey’s historic speech in the House of Commons”: 

     Aug. 2, 1914.