for ourselves and all future generations the place which God has
given us.

From the proofs which have been given you, you will see how my
Government, and especially my Chancellor, strove up to the last
moment to avert the worst. We grasp the sword in compulsory
self-defense, with clean hands and a clean conscience.

To the peoples and races of the German Empire my call goes forth to
defend with all their strength and in brotherly co-operation with
our ally that which we have created by peaceful labor. After the
example of our fathers, firmly and faithfully, sincerely and with
chivalry, humbly before God and battling joyfully before the enemy,
let us place our trust in the eternal Omnipotence, and may He
strengthen our defense and bring it to a good end!

To you, honored sirs, the whole German people, assembled about its
Princes and its leaders, look this day. Make your decision
unanimously and quickly. That is my heartfelt wish.

Gentlemen (addressing the Deputies directly): You have read what I
said to my people the other day from the balcony of my castle. I
repeat now that I no longer know any parties. I know only Germans.
And in order to testify that you are firmly resolved without
distinction of party to stand by my side through danger and death,
I call upon the leaders of the different parties in this House to
come forward and lay their hands in mine as a pledge.


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