The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-12-20
The North German Confederation.


FroD, the Tribune
Preparations for constituting the North Ger
man Confederation have been carried on with
great activity since the return of Count bismark
TO Berlin. On Saturday, December Is, repre-
sentatves of the several Governments met in
Berlin, in order TO mature the propositions to
be submitted on the part Of the Governments to
the first North German Parliament, which will
assemble on The lst OF February. If it be kept
in mind that of the 20 22O .862 inhabitants of the
Confederation, no less than 23,59O, ,5i3 belong
to Prussia, it will be evident that the confer
cnCes in Berlin have more the appearance of q
meeting OF vassals of Prussia, than of peers.
In cases of disagreement, it may be presumed
that the remonstranCes of the allied Govern
mCnts Will be very modest, for they all know
that they are not only powerless with regard to
Prussia, but that the Parliament which Will soon
assemble Will strongly declare itself in favor of
consolidation OF the Confederation into one
state, ana a consequent weakening of the
powers OF the minor Governments.
The latest reports from Germany INDICATE that
Prussia viii carry through with promptnPss and
energy the consolidation of the army OF the Con-
federation, and of its diplomatic representation.
The soldiers Of the minor Governments will, in
fact, at once be Incorporated with the Prusslan
army and be placed under the command of
Prussan Generals. This virtually completes the
absorption of the minor States by Prussia, and
the latter Government can well afford to display
in points OF lesser Importance an apparent
hbCrahty towards the minor princes.
The elections for the Parliament have not vet
been held, but If is already safe to say chat the
Parliament will be nearly a unit in sus tanning
the great transformation which has taken place
IL the federal relations OF the German States,
and in urging on the Government OF Prussia to
complete the work OF national unity. In fact,
If there should be any differ in the German
policy between Count Bsmark and the Parlja.
ment, 1t will be in the greater eaGerness of the
latter to include as soon as possible the Ger
man States and Provinces which are still eX-
cluded from the Confederation. AS the Legis.
iature OF Baden has with almost entire unani-
nifty resolved to apply Tor admission into the
Confederation, and as France and Austria must
be expected to make TO such an admission the
most deter mined opposition, the discussions on
this subject bid fair to be Of great interest
The new North German Confederation is, IN
point of population, the fifth State of Europe
being only exceeded by Russia, winch, In its
European domnions, has a population of
6l,OOO0OG; by France with 37,472,732 inhabi.
tants; Austria, with 80, 572, 600; and Great Bri.
iaiD with 2032l ,079 But Of IFS four superiors
in point OF population, Austria and Great Britain
have even now less influence in the councils of
European politics than Prussia; and while they
remain stationary, and are disturbed by violent
agitation and even fears of disintegratiOn, Prus-
sa is irresistibly pressing forward. Her army
is so powerful that it has even compelled the
Government Of France TO attem pit an entire re-
organization Ofi.s military force, at the risk OF
creating general discomfort of the people.
Unless OYerpowered by grand combinations OF
other European powers, Germany IS now sure
10 advance, with fair prospect of becoming
soon, next to Russia the leading power in Con-
iinental Europe.