Kaiser Calls Times Critical.

New York Times 100 years ago today, March 2, 1913:
General Levy on Property and Taxation of Princes Planned.
    BERLIN, March 1.— Emperor William is credited with this remark in connection with the proposed increase in the peace footing of the German Army:
    "The year 1813 was a sacrifice! Let 1913 also be so for every one, for the time is scarcely less critical than 1813."
    The first cost of Germany's increased armaments, according to a semi-official announcement to-day, is to be covered by an unprecedented general levy on property. German subjects throughout the empire are to be called on to contribute a lump sum in proportion to their possessions.
    The reigning houses, according to an unofficial report, are to be asked to sacrifice their present freedom from taxation. but persons possessing less than $7,500 or $12,500, according to the decision of Parliament when it deals with the subject, are to be exempt from the levy.
    The proposal of a general levy is regarded as making the German Army increase as much a national sacrifice as is the French extension of active service in the army from two to three years.
    Other taxation is contemplated to cover the regular annual charges brought about by the increase of the forces.
    Emperor William is reported as favoring both the general levy and the taxation of the Princes.