The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-08

thss could have been anticipated. II Is pretty
clear that the final issue has been taken the ques
of the recognized Diet or whether Prussia shoad
retain any share in the working administration OF
Germany. This point, ut al events, Is weighty
enough to justify the breach that . said to have
taken place. and to revive the general interest in
the proximats fortune Of the confederation. The
traditional claims and inherited prmacy Of Austria
have already retained for the house Of Hapsburg
place in Germany neither due to the civilization,
the social advancement, or even the military
strength Of her dominons. We can 6nd plenty 0
faults in the recent history Of Prussia, have the
last three years increased the common opinion Of the
practical talent and legislative capacity to be found
among her ideaogues. But il would be impossible
more thoroughly to cripple and paralysc whatever
there is hopeful and promising in Germany, than by
agreeing to terms which would have prostrated the
philosophy, the education, tho protestantisrn, and
the industry Of the Northern States before the bar
barous feudalism, the rough soldiery, the corrupt
diplomacy, and the slavish catholicism of Austria.
II was Baron Manteuifels fortune to step into
office at the time when Europe would have welcomed
almost any Avatar, no matter how worthless and
unattraetve, which, by ayerting 4 continental war;
could have saved the funds from falling, and post
poned the actual appearance OF Russian armies on
German soil. This cardinal service procured him
liberation that he would Otherwise never have re-
eeiyed; but in proportion the imminencc OF
crisis diminished, his untness for position at the
head Of parliamentary government has become III
creasmgy apparent Inc ehlld OF the old bureau
aetual baDe to Prussia by enieeblng and emascu-
latng the ability Of her statesmen for independent
acton--he detested the whole parliamentary system,
with it, forms. and compromises, and necessities,
for evadng intrgues or conciliating partisans.
Above all, he supported by the clique which
exists at the back of every royal and dueal throne
in Germany, and nowhere in Il more disagreeabe
form than tat Berlin. This c0tgte OF the mpoverish-
cd nobility have tried, in virtue Of their birth, their
social Influence and gid eXclusiycness, to main
tain position which they had neither the wealth
nor the capacity to turn to any useful purposes. In
Prussia this clique defeated every popular minister
from Stein to Badowitz. In liesse in Baden, in
Bavaria less than Gas we have lately noiced) in
Turin, they were sure 10 have some dlscontended
faction q the royal family at their head to propa-
gate back stairs conspiracy, and stand between the
throne and its responsible advisers. Every friend
Of open and constitutional government must rejoice
at blow inflicted on the champion and tayorites Of
such an odious clique
We take thus much notice Of Baron Manteufers
fall FIR more from conviction of the class-resst
that must have been surmountei TO effect it,
than from any immediate prospects OF maniier and
more honorable system in the foreign policy Of rus-
sia. No national politician can attach moro value
to the sudden changes in King Frederic W liams
temper than TO the whlms which led Madame de
Pompadour TO turn over her favor TO Nlachault or
a Maurepas. The king who, in March, 1878, bid
his troop. retire before a vanquished nsurrecio n
who proclaimed "that Prussia had merged into
Germany, who pledged his royal word tor the
maintenance Of tie Erfurt Union, and seized the
moment Of its formal remuneration TO Vapor IN sent-
mental toasts to the past and present of Prussia
such prince has ceased 10 form any serious.eement
in the calculations Of statesmen. The most that can
be hoped il that henceforth he should give over
governing. and be content TO reign by grace of
arm stronger, and some head steadcr, than his
own. In this case, with all respec. for General
RadowitZs character, are not sorry to hear that
his direct restoration to Office is not considered pro-
bable. What the King Of Prussia needs is not a
minister who viii coax him into dignity, nor even
one who viii sympathize with the undoubtedly anna
bic features OF his charactcr-but ono who will re-
strain and master him, as, in short, the Duke OF Wei
lington mastered George ". Nj. Bodelsehwingh's
return TO office is the most probable, and will be the
most Fortunate result of Baron Manteuffeps resig-
nation NJ. Bodeschwingh enjoys the qualification
Of being personally esteemed by the whole constitu-
tional party, while his pre-reyohtionary experience
Of Office invests him with a governmental authority
which could not claim even for General RADIO
WITT or Baron Fincke.