The Sun.
London, England, 1867-04-18 00:00:00

rather than to think upon the latter incidents of the
sittings. It is inconsistent with his declaration that
he would resign his post if the Government were
defeated to come forward and state that the vote
of the Parliament should be agreed to, but it is not
likely that any one placed much faith in the asser-
tion. The usual paraphernalia that attends these
public ceremonies in Prussia were met with. The
speech of King WILLIAM was long, and entered
into the consideration of a good many
subjects, but nothing new was observable.
We wish that we could notice the absence of those
appeals to Heaven which have so often hitherto been
censured in the official statements and royal mani-
festoes in Berlin, but it really looks as if the worse
the policy pursued was the better claim they had on
Divine protection ; and it is almost profane to find
one in so exalted a position assuring his hearers that
those acts have been wrought by the special grace
of GOD, which have called forth the indignation
of honest men, and given rise to so much scorn and
contumely among all who value independence and
respect justice. If the Prussians approve of this
sort of thing, all we can say is, that they are
to be pitied for their ignorance, and condemned for
their want of reverence. According to this doctrine,
all successful adventurers and fortunate speculators,
whether with their own property or that of others,
may thus excuse and palliate their conduct, and
throw the responsibility of their actions on a higher
power, while they take very good care to keep all
the profit to themselves. Nothing can succeed,
however, in making the Prussians exhibit moderation
in their acts or modesty in their language, and there-
fore all that is to be done is to observe how far they
wander from the paths of propriety, and proceed to
justify themselves with unblushing effrontery and
amazing coolness.
The KING commences by congratulating the
members of the North German Confedera-
tion at the satisfactory termination of their
"important labours." It would almost seem as
if the passage which refers to the manner in
which the work was carried on was composed be-
fore the momentous division on the army question,
and it was deemed inadvisable to alter it, for the
" common objects" of the Government and the
Deputies, to complete the work speedily and satis-
factorily, were not much kept in view during the
recent struggles and divisions. It may be all for
the best, however, that the KING and his' satellite"
should have found out that they were not quite in-
fallible before all the preliminary arrangements
were carried out ; it may teach them wisdom and'
induce them to pay a little more deference for the
wishes of others for the future. Were not the
consequences so serious it would be amusing
to notice the expressions of the KING
relating to the " Individual States." They have, we
learn, " retained their freedom of action in all de-
partments wherein variety and development are
admissible and salutary." We know now at any
rate within what narrow limits are confined the
said variety and development, and it contrasts ill
with the prophecies concerning the progress of Ger-
many which have been so rife, from Count Bis-
MARCK downviards. The sacrifices which have
been made have been effected for the
sake of Germany ; but who can say what
Prussia has done that is worthy of being
dignified by the name of sacrifice. She has
made about as much sacrifice as Germany has re-
quired, of course, but it would not do for her not
to affect a virtue whether she has it or not. Really,
a stranger might be justified in thinking that the
Royal speech celebrated the victory of the people
and nations that had assailed their rights, instead of
being the triumphant declaration on the part of a
country that had monopolised power to itself,
and appropriated the possessions of its smaller
neighbours without scruple or compunc-
tion. " The time has arrived when all
German Fatherland is able to uphold its place, its
rights, and its dignity by its own collective strength.
The national self-consciousness, which has found
elevated expression in the Parliament, has met with
a powerful echo from all quarters of Germany."
This sounds very grand, but it is quite another
thing to define its meaning. There were none for
to interfere with Germany but Prussia, and how the
triumph of that Power over the rights of others can
constitute a cause for national thanksgivings might
well puzzle the most astute of German philosophers
to define. About the same meaning attaches itself
to the phrase " regained power," which appears
further on. As usual, the King expresses his trust
that Providence will perfect the work thus begun
through succeeding generations, and so ends the
discourse delivered on the momentous occasion.
If there are any patriotic Germans who believe that
the Fatherland will be benefited by those changes,
they are very much to be pitied, because disap-
pointment complete and overwhelming awaits
them, and the far-sighted may well exclaim when
they hear the German people's expressions, made by
the King and ratified by his Ministers, Timea
danaos et dona ferentes, for what State, large or
small, was ever yet connected in intimate relations
with Prussia that did not bitterly regret the day
that led to such engagements.