The Sun.
London, England, 1863-10-17 00:00:00

which would be the best thing that could happen
for Prussia and Germany—not to govern at all.
Count Eulenburg's views of the duties of the civil
servancs of a constitutional Sovereign are curious
enough. When the King has pointed out and
definitely laid down the constitutional paths to
be trodden by himself, and his officials with
him, all must obey; and those holding offices
07 political importance are bound, not only to
render obedience, but active support. The idea
is that the Crown is the living central point of the
Prussian Constitution—that it is for the King to
ordain, and the Parliament to register, his ordi-
nances. This was laid down ex cathedra in the
lately published programme of the Ministerial party.
The King, it was said, had confessed that the utmost
unity prevailed between the Crown and its coun-
sellors, and that, therefore, to look to a change of
Ministers for a solution of the existing crisis would
be of no avail. Royalty—" a strong royalty"—could
alone bring the present confusion to a closeand guard
and strengthen Prussia's position in Germany. But
if he King be, as his so.called "friends" in effect
affirm, the only Power in the State, why has Cham-
ber after Chamber been dissolved to procure if pos-
sible the concurrence of the representatives of the
people in the measures which his Majesty deems
necessary for the salvation of the country ? The
present appeal " to the patriotism of the electors and
the judgment of the elected" has, we are assured,
been made under a conscientious observance of the
Constitution ;" but in the same breath the Prussian
people are warned " not to slight the inevitable
consequences of a haughty re-election." What the
King and his Ministers understand by a Constitu-
tion seems to be nearly this—that the Sovereign
shall govern, but that he shall govern under certain
conditions settled by himself. The Liberal party,
on the other hand, contend that a Constitutional
Government, under which the people are taxed
withoat the consent of their representatives, and
under which the Ministers of the Crown are not
responsible to the nation, is a delusion and a sham,
and they have determined to substitute their own
real theory of the Constitution for the theory of
Divine right upon which William I. has been advised
to rely. The elections in which this question between
the King and the nation is to be decided are fixed to
take place on the 28th inst., but neither in Berlin
nor in the provinces are there any symptoms of
feverish anxiety as to the result. The absence
of political agitation shows, in fact, that
the Liberal party are conscious of their strength,
and confident of success. Nor is it expected that
the character of the Opposition in the new Cham-
ber will be much changed. In some places men of
more advanced opinions may be returned, replacing,
probably, a few of Count Schwerin's friends; but,
upon the whole, it appears that the people will be
satisfied with confirming the resolution they have
more than once announced, by sending back their
former representatives; and, as they are still desir-
ous to avoid a direct collision with the Crown, this
Is, perhaps, the wisest course they could take, inas-
much as it will leave the way open for the King to
escape by dismissing his unpopular Ministers, and
choosing for their successors statesmen who can
command the confidence of the majority of the
Chamber. It will also be the most emphatic answer
that an insulted nation can return to the appeal of
a Government which inspires neither respect nor
fear. Hitherto the Opposition has been distin-
guished by firmness, unanimity, and moderation ;
and there is no reason for deviating from the con-
duct which has extorted the admiration of Parlia-
mentary veterans, and done more for the political
education of Prussia than could ever have been
effected by louder, but not more sincere, demonstra-
tions of patriotism.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

.4)-

LIVERPOOL—FRIDAY,
At this day's market there was a fair attendance both
of millers and dealers, but the demand for wheat was ra-
ther limited, at about the prices current on Tuesday. Oats
and oatmeal command more attention, and incline upwards.
Flour very steady, but in small request. Indian corn very
firm, at the advanced rates of Tuesday. Barley, beans,
and peas steady.

WAKEFIELD—FRIDAY.
A short quantity of wheat came to hand to-day, and all
descriptions met a slow demand at last Friday's rates. Fine
barley was in fair demand. Other articles were difficult to
quit.

Averages for the week :
Wheat 1,194 qrs., at . 40s 10d
Rye —.— —s Od
Oats
Beans
Peas
....
8ar1ey..„,....1,440