The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-11-07
The German Empire.

the same over which Charlemagne was
crowned Emperor at Rome, on Christmas
day, in the year 800. That had success
sion Of emperors down to 1906. The
present German Empire dates from April
l6, 1871, that being the date Of the
present constitution. The Empire cm-
braces twenty-six States, calling Alsace
and Lorraine one. The Kingdoms of
Prussia, Bavaria, Wurtemburgand Saxony,
are the four largest of tho federated pow
ers.
Every man in Germany must by law
serve in the regular army from his
twentieth to bis twenty eighth year, and no
substitution is allowed. After quitting the
regular army he enters the Landwehr for
another five years, where he is liable to be
called into active service at any time.
After leaving the LandWehr, be is enrolled
in the Laudsturm until he is fifty years Of
age. This body is only called upon for
service within the frontiers in case of in
vasion So that it may be said that the
whole population Of Germany is trained to
arms, and ready for warfare at a moments
notice. In Prussia, in 1866, the whole
regular army and the first levy of the
Landwehr were brought together ready to
march upon Austria, in less than fourteen
days, and in the war with France the mass
OF the troops was brought to the Rhine in
twelve days. There is no such army in
the world. Prussia alone could in two
weeks put 200, 900 men 10 the field fully
appointed for an active campaign.
More than 100000 or one-half the
population Of Prussia follow agricultural
pursuits, and more than ne.ffth of all
the people are owners of real estate, which
would make almost every head of family
landowner. Indeed, nearly all the land
of the kingdom is cut up into small estates
and it is found that / 10000 landowners
have about 81 acres each. This subdi-
vision Of land has great influence on the
character of the people an interest in the
soil by the people is the sure guarantee Of
an interest in the Government and laws.
The consolidation of German unity
means peace among the European powers.
Peace means the allaying of suspicion, the
reduction Of armies, the tightening Of the
taxes, the increase of labor, the cheaper
ing Of bread, advancement in education,
and in all the arts of peace good will aud
concord among all the great powers.
If this be true, the moral consequences
Of the German victories will be SO far
greater than the material. All the nations
of Europe ara assured of the peaceful poll.
cy Of Germany, and they breathe moro
freely.
But German unity seems incomplete.
Look at the map and see how little sea
coast and how few ports this great power
has, and see how much exposed to attack
by foreign powers she is through Denmark
This little kingdom would complete her
defence, round out her territory, and sup
ply her deficiency of sea coast and ports
And why win it not be good thing fol
both parties? Denmark is too feeble &c
resist the invasion Of a great power. She
has heretofore been used as football be.
tween France and England. In the union
she might retain, as Bavaria has done, hei
government, her king, and her indepen,
dence, and she will have the whole mighty
power of the German Empire as her shield
against foreign invasion. There is nc
doubt that Prince Bismarck, having taken
the fair provinces Of Alsaee and Lorraine
on the southwest border, is now preparing
to round out the magnificent proportions
Of the Empire by adding the sea-girl
islands Of Denmark rs her northern bul.
warks. 1t lis the opinion of many admirers
of France, that after she has recovered
from her national losses in the last war,
she will again be able to cope with Ger
many, and to take the revenge she is
nursing. In the first place the physique
and education of the German troops is far
in advance of that of France again, Ger
many holds tho keys to France in the
fortresses of Strasburg and Metz. The
area of Germany is 2l2,0O0 square miles,
with population of Al 900, 900 Of inhabit.
ants. The area of France is 202, 200
square miles, with population Of 36,000,.
900. France is not increasingin popula-
ton, while in Germany it is steadily
increasing. With all these disadvantages
it is almost certain that the military
prestige of France in Europe, is gone
forever.
| The great difficulties now lying in the
way of the German Empire are:
The growth of Republican principles,
and the evils resulting from an immense
standing army.
The growth of Republican principles in
Germany will, before long, cause disafIec-
ton, unless the Government is liberal and
Democratic to their liking. Association
with America is 50 intimate, and the gen
eral character and intelligence Of the Ger
mans is such, that they know and appre-
eiate the just principles Of a free govern
meut, and they--particularly the great
body Of the common people--are deter
mined to have them. The clubs arc just
so many political organizations for the
discussion and dissemination Of these prin-
ciples. Such principles once rooted in the
miud Of an educated, thinking people