The Sun.
London, England, 1866-08-06 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 1866.

Those who wish to peruse a specimen of self-
sufficiency and arrogance will do well to pay par-
ticular attention to the speech that the King of
PRUSSIA delivered at the opening of the Prussian
Chambers yesterday. Of course every one ex-
pected that there would be a great deal of gratifica-
tion expressed at the recent events that have taken
place in the Prussian campaign, but only those
initiated with the secrets of the Berlin Cabinet
could have thought that there would be quite such
an exhibition of effrontery. All that has occurred
during the last few years suddenly assumes a
coleur de rose, and all the follies, shortcomings,
and offences of his Government are henceforth to
be looked upon as successes, and regarded with
homage. It is an ingenious dodge on his part to
make the most of his situation, and to take advan-
tage of the eclat which just now surrounds the
Prussian arms ; but when we look upon his words
and analyse them, we cannot but see the superficial
character of his congratulations. If there is one
thing more than another which is reprehensible in
this address, it is the very unbecoming manner in
which constant reference is made to the blessings
that Providence has vouchsafed to Prussia. It is
quite irreverent to talk after this fashion, and as
for the meaning of it despoilers of States, and
tyrants, and oppressors all over the world have
quite as much right to declare that it is by the
favour of Heaven that they have gained their
cherished objects as King WILLIAM can have for
asserting that it is by the direct interposi-
tion of Providence that ho has outraged the laws of
nations and indulged in every selfish and grasping
motive that suggested itself to him. It is difficult,
however, to feel much regret for the Prussians
notwithstanding their position, because they have
brought upon themselves the loss of freedom, and
the domestic oppression to which they will be sub-
ject when the KING has brought his glorious war to
a termination by his honourable peace. They were
willing and delighted even that the Danes should
be despoiled, and now they rejoice at the subversion
of Austrian authority and the overthrow of the ,
finances of the Minor States. This feeling will
grow upon them until they are restrained by no
scruples of Conscience and no considerations of
justice.

The KING has already taken the first step
of the way he means to tread, and has actually
requested the Deputies to grant an indemnity
to his Government, for which application
will be duly made, for having carried on the ad-
ministration without a law regulating the Budget.
It was further intimated by the KING that speed
would be necessary for this purpose in order that
they might the better enter into the new regulations
that would be rendered necessary in consequence
of the frontiers of the State being extended, and
the " establishment of a united Federal army under
the leadership of Prussia." This last passage
sounds very significant, and confirms the impres-
sions that some have already entertained as to the
sinister intentions of Prussia in monopolising power
and possessions to herself. It is really absurd to
notice the manner in which the KING confesses things
in his desire to make it appear that he is organising
a grand scheme of national regeneration, and in his
determination that there shall be no doubt as to the
partYrussia is to play in it. Thus we see that, with-