The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-02-01
GERMAN RECONSTRUCTION
Bases of the Constitution of the New
Northern Con fed erAtlOm.

The precise text of the Constitution for the
North German Confederation, approved by the
Prussan Government and now under eXamina-
tion by the Conference OF Deputies in Berlin,
has not yet been published. The following is
believed to be a more correct, as Is also more
detailed, summary than has yet appeared
The draft consists of thirteen sections,
divided INTO slXty-nine or seventy paragraphs.
The first division sets forth what is to be con-
sdered federal territory; the second contains
definitions of the legislative power in the con-
federation; the third treats OF the federal coun-
cll; section four settles the position OF the
presiding power; section five treats OF the
parliament; sections six 10 ten of the compe-
tence appertaining TO the legislative power;
the eleventh contains the important clauses as
10 the federal army; and section twelve refers
to the settlement of differences between mem
bers of the confederation The last section
holds forth prospect of the regulation of rela-
tions with the South German States.
The federal territory embraces the States of
the Governments known to belong to the North
German Confederation, with those parts of
Hesse lying north OF the Main. Subjects Of any
OF these States are to have equal rights with
natives in all other federal States.
The federal Legislature consists of the Federal
Council and the Parliament, having under its
Jurisdiction, as common affairs of the North
German Confederation, customs, commercial
legislation, coinage, weights and measures,
banks, regulations as to native rights, and right
of settlement, etc, patents for inventions, pro-
lection of German trade, railway, postal and
telegraph systems, river Navigation, the COue OF
civil process, laws relating to bills of exchange
and commerce.
The Prussian Crown occupies the presidency,
which represents the confederation abroad
besides upon war and peace concludes treaties
and appoints ambassadors. A Federal Chan
cellor, appointed by the presiding power, takes
the chair at the Federal Council. The Council
and the Parliament meet yearly. The Parlia-
ment is chosen by general direct election, and
pOss sesses the right of initiative within the com
petence of Federal legislation; 1t votes by ma
ioritV. It's members may not be prosecuted for
statements made IN their quality OF representa-
tives Officials in the service in one of the
Federal States are ineligible. The members dc
not receive any pecuniary allowance. The
Federal presiding power has to see to the eXecu
ton of the federal laws, and may compel retrac
tory members by execution TO fulfil their dudes
The States OF the Confederation form one
customs territory, but the Hanse Towns are
permitted to remain outside the customs line al
free ports. Legislation as to the collective Gus
toms system lies within the province OF thu
Confederation; the revenue from the custom
goes into the Federal Treasury, and, togethe
with the returns from the postal and telegraph
systems, will be applied to meet common eS
penAes. 30 far as possible in the interest OF IN
defense OF the country or of general tratnc' Tn
railway system will be subject to Federal legls
lation, and the postal and telegraph systems D.
organized as homogeneous means OF inter
course throughout the entire territory OF tn
North German Confederation. Officials bin
themselves IN their Oaths of service 10 Obedienc
tOWarde the presiding officer. The chief admin