Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1842-12-07
From The ,Neir York -dibiOR.
PRUSSIA

Every friend of representative government and of limited
rule will rejoice the progress which the principles OF such
government making throughout all civilized nations
That of Prussia particular ofoTs noble and hcart-str
ring example which, like mighty pusation will carry its
effects far and wide from the immediate impulse whence
emanates Prussan TeiTeseRfdfIbe dehbefatvc assem-
by for the rs time and carrying Its proceed
ngs in Berlin and what renders the institution
ul in itself well as more impressive the public mind
there, that institution demanded, but vol
unfairly accorded by the King; whose power though abso
fact has been placed 10y himself under the restraints
which his aectonate regards for his people have deemed
necessary udciOus for the promotion of their welfare
and comfort.
To understand this properly, may be well glance
the construction of this Deberaive Council. The King
dom of Prussia union of several smaller States which
have successfully been added the dominion Of the House
Of Brandenbug. In each of these States Saende) the
provincial business has been carried by representative
members but the whole being under the final control Of the
King. The advantage well the popularity of
which should combine the wisdom of the States and
power Of the ruler system OF legislation,
dent cd by the late King of Prussia, and it is carried
into by his wise and benevolent The
provincial governments, being, have said represent
alive, appoint their several committees from their distinct
collective assemblies who to repair to the capital upon
being summoned by the King, and 10 form there dcbe
raive National Council.
Two or three things observable with respect
this institution; fret thas charter OF establishment
hut simply appears present grace not but that being
once introduced will establish itself and the manner of
its origin has all the character OF boon; secondly the
Committees Of States called together. not for the dis
of general matters, propose forward the
legislation OF country, expressly 10 be
suited upon specified subjects In the present those
subjects are, /. The details relative promised reductions
in the Public Taxes; 2. The establishment of a compre
hensive System Of Rail Roads, g. The enactment of law
for the regulation Of Private Rivers By this limitation Of
business there tact assertion Of tine original power Of
the King and thus the way paved for gradual extension
Of the representative privilege whilst avoids the shock Of
what might otherwise amount q political revolution.
II view Of the be correct this Body is
intended be subdivided least for the present. il
essentially a Council Estate, and its powers will
be effective just in proportion approach to unanmi
". II is noble, and It prudent beginning of popular
and constitutional government IT will tend make the
Royal house Of Prussia still deeply rooted in the
hearts Of the people, and powerfully will it strike upon
the1 minds Of those who live adjacent countries, as To
hasten the coming of the tmean inevitable consunma.
uon-when representative governments shall be general,
universal.
The first meeting Of tho New Pmsaisn Assembly took
place Berlin the 18th OCTOBER the members were &C.
yory introduced the Kng the morning; the session
opened by Count Won Arnn, Minister Of the Interior;
and the evening Of the day celebrated in a most mag
mhcen manner, by dinner given by his Majesty to the
members, concluding by their adourning the Queens
drawing Thus happily and wisely has popular 20
ycmmont been introduced in Prussia sagacious monarch
and his ministers will watch TIC "sgn q the times" and
promptly meeting anticipating the desires Of the people,
thereby render more gracious the privileges which would
otherwise be claimed in the progress Of public opinion