The Sun.
London, England, 1866-09-11 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY, SEPT. 11, 1866.

Ratifications of the Treaties of Alliance are now
being rapidly exchanged, but the unfortunate little
kingdom of Saxony has not received intelligence of
what is to be its position in the North German
Confederation ; and we hear that Prussia insists on
Konigstein being evacuated before she enters into
negociatioias upon this subject. In consequence of
this arbitrary determination it is expected that the
Saxon troops will shortly leave the fortress. There
is nothing for us to be surprised at in this, for it is
quite of a piece with all the other acts of the
Berlin Government; but nevertheless it is a very
hard and harsh proceeding, and one, also, that is
not at all in accordance with the terms of the
treaty which was to preserve the integrity of Saxony.
The Upper House has passed the annexation Bill
by a large majority, but in the Chamber of Depu-
ties affairs are not going on so smoothly as was at
first anticipated. The committee on the Loan Bill
det:Tmined to recommend the rejection of the loan
of sixty millions, which the Government asked for,
and the adoption of the bill as the committee had
amended it, and authorising the issue of Treasury
Bonds to the value of thirty million thalers, repayable
in one year. The Minister of Finance had actually the
impertinence to declare that this amendment was
unacceptable, and that the Government attached no
importance to the resolution of the committee, hoping
for a more favourable result from a full house. This
is certainly playing at legislation in conducting the
business of the country in a most barefaced manner.
We always expected that this would be the end of
all we heard of the complete unity which was to
reign between the Government and the Chambers.
The fact is that the only way in which there can be
anything like harmony will be for the deputies
to allow the Ministers their own way in everything.
If any change is proposed in their schemes, or any
alteration suggested, there is immediately a hubbub
raised, and the representatives are treated with per-
fect contempt, and told to take the consequences.
Surely we may gain some idea from this of the man-
ner in which those States which have just been
annexed are likely to be treated. The mention that
is so repeatedly made of " unity," and all that kind
of thing, will soon be found to be a mere empty
form, and, in fact, mere phraseology. It will be the
old story of oppression and tyranny in their worst
form, and most extravagant characteristics, and so
it will shortly be seen by
,those who rave at Prus-
sian magnanimity. The -future course of the Prus-
sian Government with respect to North Schleswig
materially attracts a large share of public attention
at present, and people are beginning to get anxious
about the manner in which that part of the treaty
will be carried out which declares that, if the people
of these districts declare by a freer vote
that they desire to be united to Den-
'nark, they shall be ceded accordingly. Of
course there is no valid reason why this
cession should take place, and the more so that
the late war bore • ore no relation to the Duchies them-
selves, but was rather entered into fur the sake of
decidinr, which
of the two great German Powers
should acquire ascendancy in Germany. We doubt
very much, however, if Count BismAncK will keep
to his word in this respee,. Nothing is more likely,
indeed, than that he may turn round and declare
that circumstances have- arisen which render it im-
possible to carry out the original intention There is
a I ways great danger of a promise being broken when
one party to the agreement is stronger than the other,
and when this preponderating influence possesses no
ideas of honour, and no notion of keeping good
faith, unless it happens to suit his purpose. We feel
quite convinced of one thing, and that is, that
Count _BISMARCK is quite opposed to the plebiscite
altogether, and is sure to find some excuse or other
for not carrying out the matter when it comes to
the point. A very significant telegram from Berlin
announced that numerous petitions had arrived there
which protested against the retrocession of any part
of Schleswig to Denmark. That this is true we do