The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-07-03

BERLIN. June 3, 1919.

is the establishment of the supremacy OF the house
of Hohenzollem over the dynasties of the other
German States, is approaching its consummatioa.
The imperial diadem. which had been rendered TO
Frederick William by the National Assembly, was
refused by him. because Prussia disdained to accept
the crown of the German empire out of the hands
Ct that Assembly. The realization Of tina, great
project, the supremacy of Prussia IN Germany, has,
nevertheless, ever since been the leading object OF
the whole policy Of this cabinet. Prussia, alter
fruitless diplomatic negotiations, and after, In van
summoning the central power 10 resign, has now
boldly stepped forward, and assumed the govern
ment of Germany. II has sent troops TO the Rhine,
and TO the Western States II is about to suppress
revolution in that part of the country by armed m
tervention. 1t is about TO conclude peace with
Denmark and It has already taken position at
the head of Germany, in the direction OF the dlplo-
matte affairs between the latter and foreign powers
Nor is this all The coup d<tat which prepared
YOU for, in my last despatch, has taken place.
Prussia, though without the concurrence of the
other German States, and in concert only with
Saxony and Hanover, has Published the draft OF
constitution for Germany, which excludes Austria,
and all those States that refuse To JOIN the conede
ration under the supremacy of Prussia and reserves
she final settlement of the relations of the conede-
ration with such States for special treaties The
constitution, agreed upon between Prussia,
Saxony, and Hanover, appeared several days ago
the official government paper. II Is preceded by
ca rcular of the Prussian ministry TO all the States
Of Germany, soliciting their entrance into the union,
and their acceptance OF the constitution, the
only means Of saving Germany from revolution and
civil war. The constitution Is to be revised
nv the first German diet which is to assemble.
The diet is to consist Of upper and lower
house the sanae and the house Representatives.
The number of the members Of the senate will be
l67, provided all German States, with the excep-
ton OF Austria, enter the union. OF these, 40
members are to be sent by Prussia. The men,
bers of the upper house are to be chosen for a
period Of six years they are TO be elected, one
half by the government, and the other by the
legislature of the State. Every German who has
zion of all civil rights, is eligible as member of
abe Senate. The form Of election for the House
Of Representatives is indirect. The primitive vo-
ters are to choose the electors, who are to elect
who has attained his twenty-fith. year, and pays
taxes 10 the State, is a primitive voter. The
primitive voters are to be divided INTO three
classes-those who pay the. highest, the low
choose an equal number Of electors. The lowest
class, though the most numerous, Will not elect
more than the others. The members of the lower
house are to be chosen Tor period OF four years.
The Diet is TO assemble once every year The
time and place of its meeting is to be appointed by
ihe head of the empire The government of the
president at its head. The dignity OF president of
The council is to be united with the crown of Prls
STA. In the council, Prussia and Bavaria are to
have one vote each, and all the other States to-
representatives of foreign powers, and appoints en-
bassadors and other diplomatic agents. He de-
clares war, makes peace, and concludes treaties
lie has the command OF the military power, and
maintains the peace in the States. For the pur-
pose Of deciding questions and differences which
may arise between the States, or the government
and people Of one State, high court Of appeal for
the whole empire is TO be established. Personal
liberty Is guaranteed. All privileges OF rank are
abolished. All public Offices are equally access-
bic TO all competent persons. Habltauons are sa
cred; searches Of domicles are only allowable in
tne legally defined cases and forms. Freedom Of
emigration is not restricted, nor are emigration
lees TO be demanded. The liberty Of the press Is
guaranteed Freedom of religious faith is assured.
All Germans have right TO assemble peaceably
and unarmed, without any previous permission on
abe part OF the authorizes. Public meetings are
10 be prohibited II they endaager public safety and
order. Such liz sketch OF the principal features
OF the constitution which has bsen issued by the
cabinet here, and which IL is determined, IN union
with Saxony and Hanover, to carry into effect in
despite Of the revolution on the Rhine, in Baden
and Bavaria, and In despite OF the general feeling
against Prussian supremacy throughout Germany.
But 100000 bayoneis may 90 Tar IN overcoming
practical difficulties, even II the present moment
were not one OF universal anj unprecedented con-
fusion in this country and on this continent.
Germany, IN ITS present state OF dlsunion between
the northern and southern States, between the go
yernments and the people, between the larger states
which propagate absolutlsm, and the smaller prin-
sipalities which support democracy, may be an
easy prey to Prussian diplomacy And unlcss the
cause OF revolution be triumphant in western Ger
many, Prussian supremacy Will become a fat dc-
Gorplt. Up to the present moment the adhs OF
none Of the % States which have recognized the
constitution issued by the National Assembly has
been gwen. The States OF Mecklenburg-S,reliz
and notwithstanding have, however, already sig-
nifed their. intention 10 enter the confederation.
and IL is stated that others are abou, give their
aoquescence. The decision Of Bavaria is not yet
known. j have letters before Inc from Munich,
mp to the latest date. IL was the general impression
hiatt ha
the constitution, except under certain conditions
The feeling OF the people throughout Bavaria was
decidedly against the acceptance OF the constltu-
lion. A declaration had been gwen IN the cham
her by the ministry, 10 the effect that the syarian
government had not yet broken of negotiations
with Prussia. Measures for the suppression of the
insurrection in the Palatlnate were being carried
on. Disalicction among the military was stated TO
be increasing.
The union which has jus, been established under
ihe supremacy OF prues.. d~-- --', - toll
the ministerial decree accompanying The consti-
sutvn, suIvIr, u, tho cid t.emanic confederation.
which has existed since 1915. IL l. a curious fact
then, that besides that confederation and the Z,-
yutir, or customs'nnion, we now have ia Germany
another union, and another government and
constitution, besides, again, the central power
and the constitution issued by the National
Assembly. This complicated state OF things,
ct course, cannot last for any length OF time
and II remains now to be seen whether the genius
sf revolution, or that Of the PWssian cabinet. will
finally restore order.
was issued by the government several days ago.
N rs, IN all main points similar 90 the law tor the
Lower House a the German Diet. The classes !
which pay the lowest tax, but which are the most
numerous-amounting TO over onc-hali the number !
OF the whole population OF Pmssia-are only 10 |
choose third ot all the electors for the second |
ehamber. Besides this law, the government here, |
m concert with Saxony and Hanover. has, within |
abe last few days, issue the project OF a law icr
the establishment OF Court Of Confederation. !
which IL 10 take the place Of the High lmperal
Court for Germany, until the latter be deiiniilvey
appointed The seat OF this court Is TO be a.
Erfurt
The National Assembly h.. resolved - remove
brem Frankfort TO Stutgsrdi. Ter the purpose oi
placing itsef under the protection OF the most |
powerful OF the States which have recognised the
ecrman consttsiion In the capital OF Wurlefn. !
burg, II will be safe tor the first continue ia de-
hberatlons. According to thc latest accounts from !