The Prussian Ghanibers were opened on the 29th ultimo by his Majesty in
person. Enclosed will be found his speech in German and a translation of
the same. The Chambers are only called together to accept the
constitution. They will likely pass it en bloc
and adjourn for three weeks, as an interval of twenty-one days is
required before the second reading can take place.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
King William’s speech at the opening
of the Prussian chambers, April 29, 1867.
Illustrious, noble, and honorable gentlemen of
both houses of the Diet:
A constitution of the North German confederation, by which the united
and vigorous development of the nation appears secure, has issued
from the deliberations of the parliament to which the Prussian
people sent its representatives in conformity with the law approved
by you. I have summoned you around my throne to submit this
constitution to your decision. The task of national unity which the
government commenced, with your co-operation, is now to be concluded
by your assent.
Upon this basis the protection of federal territory, the care of
common rights, and the prosperity of the people will henceforth be
guaranteed by the collective populations of northern Germany and
their governments in firm community. By the introduction of the
federal constitution, the privileges of the representatives oí
individual states will be subject to unavoidable restrictions in all
those departments which will be, in future, subordinate to the
general development. But the people itself will not have to forfeit
any of the rights it has hitherto possessed. It will merely transfer
their maintenance to its representatives in
the more extended commonwealth. The consent of the freely elected
deputies of the entire people will still be requisite to every law
in the North German confederation. Provision has been made by the
federal constitution in all respects that those rights, the exercise
of which the various representations abandon in favor of the new
community of states, shall be transferred in the same extent to the
general parliament. The secure foundation of national independence,
power, and prosperity shall go hand in hand with the development of
German rights and constitutional institutions.
My government entertains the assurance that both houses of the Diet,
correctly appreciating the urgent national necessity of speedily
settling the task before us, will readily afford their assistance to
its completion.
Gentlemen, the newly formed confederation at present only includes
the states of North Germany, but an intimate national community will
always unite them with the South German states. The firm relations
my government concluded for offensive and defensive purposes with
those states as early as last autumn, will have to be transferred to
the enlarged North German commonwealth by special treaties.
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The vivid consciousness of the South German governments and
populations of the dangers of German dissension, and the necessity
of firm national union which constantly finds more decided
expression throughout the whole of Germany, will assist to hasten
the solution of that important task.
The united strength of the nation will be entitled and be competent
to guarantee to Germany the blessings of peace and effectual
protection of her rights and her interests. With this assurance my
government will devote itself to averting any interruption to
European peace by every means compatible with the honor and the
interest of the fatherland.
The German people, however strong its unity, will be able calmly to
face the vicissitudes of the future, if you, gentlemen, will aid in
completing the great work of national union with that patriotism
which has always been displayed in Prussia in serious times.
