Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-05-10
FOREIGN NEWS.
Bismarck's Policy-The Hamburg Bill


BERLIN, May Sth.-The Official Gazette
publishes a dispatch from Bismarck to the
Prussian Representatives to the Federal
States, dealing with the Altoona and st. Paul
question. He states that the Committee of the
Bundesrath have unanimously resolved to re-
port to the Council only upon the technical
side of the question, and to keep altogether
out of consideration the constitutional aspect
of the case. He lays stress upon the neces-
sity of avoiding, as far as possible, for the
sake of concord, any Interpretation of the
constitutional rights involved. Bismarck
points out that it is the indisputable right of
Prussia to divide any portion of her own ter
ritory from the Hamburg Free Port District,
and maintains that the proposed severance of
st. Paul has not been urged in the interest of
Prussia, as it is of advantage to Altoona that
ST. Paul should remain outside of the Zoll-
verein, but that it was rather in the interests
of Hamburg that the new customs line
was proposed. The Bundesrath can de-
eide upon the customs line without enter
ing into an examination of the con-
stitutional bearing of the question, which
would be likely to produce con-
fiict of opinion. Those Governments which
consider that by the severance of st. Paul
from the Hamburg District the Constitution
of the Empire would be violated, can vote
against the proposal but il that case Bis
marcl1 would not advise the Emperor to re.
nounce his right to uphold demand which
is undoubtedly no infraction of the Constitu-
ton. Bismarck urges the necessity of main
tanning an unimpaired concord between the
| Governments, and expresses hope that the
respective proposals of Prussia and Hamburg
may be settled by mutual arrangement and
| without resorting TO q decision by majorities
and minorities. Prussia will willingly take
into consideration any proposal which would
in its effect be in accordance with the Consti-
tuition, provided the Federal Government
would make unanimous endeavor to oppose
with one accord the attempt of certain men,
bers of the Reichstag to limit the authority
of the Bundesrath.
BERLIN, May Sth-The Reichstag to-day
discussed the second reading of the Elbe Nav
| igation Act, involving the severance of Altoona
and st. Paul from the free port territory of
! Wnrtemberg. The Committee of the House
assent to the bill, with the proviso that the
change of customs in the frontier stations on
the Elbe shall only be enacted by special
| laws. Bismarck said this proviso was an at
| tempt at pressure, to which the Government
could not submit. The Imperial Constitu-
ton was on the side of the Government, and
OVERRIDE the provincial law, which estab-
lished the customs frontier on the Elbe. The
| free port rights of Hamburg could not be
withdrawn without Hamburg's consent, but
the Federal Council had the right to fix the
boundary of the free port territory. He re-
| GREETED to say that particularism had APP
peared with renewed strength. Constitutional
! disputes had been kindled for the first time in
the Federal Council. He then referred to
the opposition of the Catholic Center. From
them he had expected support. Hence the
concessions which were about to be submitted
to the Prussian Diet. The opposition parties
should beware of the consequences of their
conduct. 1t was dangerous to sow discord be-
tween the Federal Governments. "Only one
thing" he said, retains me in office, namely,
the will of the Emperor. When l see the OBJ
stacles 1 have to contend with, feel strong
desire for rest in retirement. If you consider
the power of the Center unconquerable, l
should advise you, on my retirement, to Sc
lect Ministry representing both the Center
and Conservative. | am tired to death when
| see my efforts constantly thwarted by the
Liberals, who will not yield on the smallest
point when the continued existence of the
Empire is at stake"
Herr Winhordst replied to Bismarck. He
said the Center did not oppose the Govern
ment from party motives. Bismarck alone
can restore peace to the Church. If he does
1t, he will obtain much which at present is
unobtainable.
SpeCuidtlon as 10 .GiaustOnes Govern
ment.
NEW YORK, May Sth.-A London special
says !: Mr.. Gladstone, amid the pressing du-
ties of organizing the administration, deter
mining its policy, and settling the business of
the coming session, is finding time to institute
minute inquiry into the national
finances. Each Minister is expected to mas
ter the condition of his own department
before next Wednesday, when the Cabinet
meets to decide its course and provide
legislative outline for the Queens speech.
1t is understood that Burials bill has been
determined upon, but it is doubtful whether
any other measure except the necessary finan-
cisl and administrative bills will be under
taken at the present session. Lord Selbourne
is unlikely to adopt Lord Cairns land scheme
without notifications.
A profound sensation was created by Mr..
Fawcett's definite statement of the financial
deficit in India, which heretofore has been
only vaguely indicated. Mr.. Fawcett, while
abstaining from any accusation against the
late Government distinctly asserts that an
error amounting to $1,000 600 ISIS, 700 000)
in the Indian budget was known to Lord
Cranbrook the day after the Government had
announced surplus in the House of Com
mons. and declined on that ground to relieve
India of the charges of the Afghan war. Mr..
Gladstone last November iatimased his suS
picion thst the figures then published were
incorrect. Mr.. Fawcett and other Indian
authorities also reiterated their doubts. Lord