Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-02-15
THE pRINCE's LOOK.
CONTINUED.

CONVERSATION ABOUT 4 PRINCES LIFE.
The introduction to the story, which we es-
pecially wish to relate, has proved indeed
somewhat longer than the story itself. 1t is
always the way, when one knows better how
totalk than to narrate. The reader must make
ali allowances.
1t is well known that Duke Louis, immedi. .
ately upon his succession, introduced many
important changes both in the administration,
as we'll as among the occupants of the highest
places of the court. For show, the aggran-
dizement Of his dignity, he cared little. In
exorable towards the negligent or the default
ting, he was more strict towards the higher
officers than the lower ones. He insisted that
the humblest citizen should be treated with
courtesy, and was ever ready to commend the
mcritorious.
1t is inconceivable what life suddenly inspi-
red the whole course of affairs. Before year
had passed, a new spirit, new tone pervaded
the State. The higher officers, from the Pres
jdent of the privy-council down to the lowest
clerk, being personally responsible for their
suhordinates, watched over the activity of the
rest with the greatest care.
..Wcll," said the duke one day, in cheer
full humor to his friend ; SWELL dear Leinau,
our affairs go on we'll. l see it everywhere in
the looks of the people; they are contented
with us. / am glad, tor / am respected for
my own sake. From the spirit perrading the
land, the man is known who prcsGes over the
whole. You do mere, and ought to do more
than but my merit is, to have placed you at
The head of affairs, or, if You will not allow il
10 be merit, L will call it my fortune. What
pleases me most is, that have reformed the
court. and that all intrigue and miserable
eye-service have ceased and l am convinced
that every one does his duty because he loves
st., and not because he wishes to carry favor
with me-"
90, my good prince and do you really be-
hot - caiS fba
'.CertainIy."
"And am convinced of the contrary" said
the baron. elm country like ours, where
the prince has full liberty TO do anything,
good or bad, where no law restrains him, be-
cause he is himself the law, there is no real
safety for the life or property of the individu-
al, because all are in the power of him who has
the power. 1t would be strange, in this state
OF things, il the pareSt and best man among US,
could not be branded as a downright criminal
by single look from you. The character OF
the prince is most unsafe constitution for the
people. 1t is the constitution of the Asiatics.
The best man in your dukedom has as little
security for his property and honor as for the
permancncy of your virtue.''
'Then we are as badly of as the Turks 20
$50 think, and, indeed, we are worse off,
for here liberty and life may be invaded under
legal forms, but in Turkey only by brute force.
With us, the law, so far from being a shield
for the rights of all, is spy glass for the eyes
of officials to examine the rights of the indi-
yidual, and it magnifieS or diminishes, accord
ingiy as one holds it. Indeed, it may at any
time act as burning glass. What is law,
right or safety among US 20
81 do not understand you, Leinau.'
eBecause you are too noble to understand
what is base But it is your unhappy lot to
be prince, and as prince, you can neither
come to know those about you, nor obtain a
inst L. Iolor of hono ptn
tyrants, not because they wish to be so, but
because their people will to be slaves. The
more serious your defects, the more carefully
will they gild them over. A prince seldom
has a true iriend.''
''But have you, baron"
eyes, but you are an exception among
princes.''
CHOW don't be so set. You are little out
OF humor to-day. Let us take ride TO Fried
ensheim.''
81 am in an excellent humor. But it were
worth the trial to ascertain which of US were
wrong in this ease.''
"How shall we make the trial ?''
"Choose one OF the worthiest men in the
iukedom. Seem TO be angry with him, at
least discontented, reserved towards him.
Ihen see how every one will fall upon the nn-
happy man, like the innocent upon the guilty,
ana all to please you. See if the honor or
property of the noblest in tho land are safe.
when you wish to ruin him. Choose, for ex-
ample, the Registrar Helmold, right honest
man, of whom not a soul now complains. His
salary is small and yet he has never solicited
any augmentation of it., although he does all
the drudgery for the State secretary, who is
content to let him do it, although he has a
large salary and is rich besides.n
'indeed," said the duke, sI have often
,nought OF doing something for the faithful
"eimoid. he has three or fou. children and