Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-12-02

- "hS SSHs W iuuulC VI tuC COuIiciJ
and answer was that the duke had died
of apoplexy. The steward trembled in
every limb, for apoplexy was thing he
did not at all like. He hastened TO the
baron and said: His grace the duke is
dead" But the word spoplexy did not
pass his lips.
What! how?" exclaimed the baron.
'His grace was ever sudden in his
movements"
''But how was il? Was it sickness,
or some accident?"
"TIis majesty, it appears. has been
pleased accidentally-to-to die"
"Bravo!" cried the colonel, aad drew
on his travelling clothes, ahd hnstened
to the palace in the stewards carriage.
CONVERSATION ABOUT PRINCES LIFE.
The introduction to the story, which
we especially wish 10 relate, has proved
indeed somewhat longer than the sto-
ry itself. 1t is always the way, when
one knows better how TO talk that to mar
rate. The reader must make all allow
| ances.
1t is well known that Duke Louis, i'm
mediately upon his succession, introduc-
ed many important changes, both in the
administration, as well among the occu.
pants OF the highest places of the court.
For show or the aggrandizement of his
dignity, he cared little. IneIorable
towards the negligent or the defaultiug.
he was more strict towards the higher off,
GERS than the lower ones. He insisted that
the humblest citizen should be treated
with courtesy, and was ever ready to
commend the meritous.
1t is inconceivable what life suddenly
inspired the whole course of affairs
Before year had passed, a new spirit,
new tone prevaded the state. The
higher officers, from the president of the
Privy council down TO the lowest clerk,
being personally responsible for their
subordinatcs, watched over The activity
OF The rest with the greatest care.
"Well," said the duke one day, in
cheerful humor, to his friend; "well,
dear Leinau, our affairs go on well. 1
see it everywhere in the looks of the
people; they are contented with us. 1
am glad; for l am respected for my own
sake. From the spirit pervading the
land, the man is known who presides
over the whole. You do more, and
ought 10 do more than l; but my merit
is, to have placed you at the head of af
fairs. or If yon will allow it to be merit,
l will call it my fortune. What pleases
me most is, that 1 have reformed the
court, and that all intrigue and misera-
bic eye service has ceased; and am
convinced that every one does his duty
because he loves it, and not because he
wishes to curry favor with me-"
20, my good prince! and do you re-
ally believe that it is so?" said the presi-
dent.
Certainly"
"And l am convinced of the contrary,
said the baron. In a country like ours,
where the prince has full liberty TO do
any thing, good or bad, where no law
restrains him, because he is himself the |
law. there is no real safety for the life OF
property of the individual, because all |
are in the power of him who has the
power. 1t would be strange in this state
Of things. if the purest and best man
among US coald not be branded as
downright criminal By single look from
you. The character of the prince i.
most unsafe constitution of the Asiatics.
The best man in your dukedom has as
little security for his property and honor
a, for the permanency of your virtue.
Then We are as badly off as the
Turks?"
80 l think; and indeed We are worse
off; for here liberty and life may bs in.
vaded under legal forms. bu. in Turkey
only by brute force. With US the law,
so far from being shield for the rights
of all, is spy glass for the eyes of Off
cisls TO examine the rights of the indi-
ridusl, and it magni6es or diminishes,
accordingly q, one hold, it. Indeed. it
may al any time act as burning glass.
What is law, right or safety among us?'
81 do not understand you, Leinau."
because you are too noble 10 un ler
stand what is base. But it is your un-
happy lot to be prince, and as prince.
you can neither come TO know those
about you. nor obtain just knowledge
Of Yourself Princes become tyrants no!
because they wish to be SO, but because
their people will to be slaves. The more
serioas your defects. the more carefully
will they gild them over. A prince sell
dom has true friend"
sBut l have you, baron
Eyes, but you are an exception among /;
princes"
"Now don't be so set. You are
little out of humor TO day. Let us take
I ride to Frienensheim.
81 am in an excellent humor. But it {
we're worth the trial to ascertain whish !