The Evening critic., 1882-01-25
! AM THE STATE.
bismarck Sustains His Royal Was
ter's Position.

bismarck sustains His Royal Mas
ter's Position.
A dispatch from Berlin, dated yesterday,
says
"In the Reichstag to-day, during debate
on the budget, discussion arose concerning
the late Imperial rescript. Prince Bismarck
said it did aim to create q new constitution;
the maxim, The King regns but does not
govern did not apply in Germany; the
expression, Ministerial responsibility, was
equally absurd. He declared that the re-
script remained unshaken by the attacks
upon it. He was fully aware of his re
sponsibility in signing it, and that he was
answerable for all the acts of the Sovereign.
1t was to the Sovereign, he said, and not to
parliament, that Germany owed the posi-
tion she enjoyed. Prince Bismarck asked
whether any one could reproach him with
cowardce. There was great uproar on
the Left. Prince Bismarck stepped for
ward and repeated his inquiry saying Is
there one among you who dares to bring
such a charger
.The speech of Prince Bismarck created
great excitement. 1t was an emphatic re-
assertion of the doctrines Of the Imperial
rescript as to the relations between the
Prussian King and the people. A direct
challenge 10 the Rechstag and very az
gressive in tone, it caused Il tremendous up
roar in the house, although otherwise it
made favorable impression. The express
sion which Prince Bismarck pronounced
equally absurd with the King reigns but
does not govern was constitutional abSo-
luton of the ministry which Herr Haenel
had used in attacking the rescript, not
ministerial responsibility as reported in
previous dispatch.
"Prinee Bismarck declared he could only
assume that learned persons who spoke Of
the constitutional supremacy of the house
were afflicted with obscure vision. He re-
gretted they showed so little respect for the
King. Royalty, he said must not be al
| lowed to be weakened by disuse. He re-
minded the deputies that he attended the
| Reichstag merely in the capacity of royal
| Prussian plenipotentiary. In conclusion,
| be said political functionaries during cleo
tions must defend the government
| against the calumnies of its enc
mics, the truth against falsehood
| at the same time, however, with the secret
ballot they could vote as they pleased.
| Herr Haenel denied that he had made any
accusation of eowardice. Prince Bismarck
| rejoned that Herr Haenels statement that
| he sought to escape responsibility by bring
| ing forward the name Of the King was a
charge Of cowardice.
Herr Won Bennigsen deprecated the
tone of the debate, but he admitted that
the contents of the rescript were indisput-
ably constitutional.
"The defense of the rescript which was
made by the members Of the Right during
the debate Is considered very weak.
In the Police Court to-day the case O.
Mrs. Margaret Gaines, oolored, charged
with the murder Of Julia Thompson on The
3lst Of December, 1884, was called and
continued until Friday. Mr.. IL. IL. Wells
| ir apDeared for the defendant
CHARLES A. Cox has sued the District o
Columbia to recover the sum of 81 300
which he claims TO have been improperly
assessed against him for special improve
ments in lots 3, and 8, square $40.
The dog that will follow anybody ain
worth euss.