A hundred years ago From the 'Spectator,' 10 December 1870—The
new Constitution of Germany has been accep- ted by the Federal Parliament en bloc, and without serious opposition, Count Bismarck having stated that he would resign if it were not accepted . . Herr Delbrtick informed the Ger- man Parliament that the King of Bavaria had assented to the assumption by the King-Presi- dent of the title of Emperor of Germany. King Ludwig, it appears, has written to the. King of Saxony a kind of circular, calling upon him and all German Princes and free towns to urge upon the King of Prussia the acceptance of the Imper- ial title, which, among other things, will render it easier for them to be less than equals of their ruler. The only plea put forward by the King is the interest of German unity; but there can be no doubt tradition has something to do with the revival. It is said King William has accepted, though reluctantly, but will be Emperor and King like his Austrian brother. The affair is im- portant, as marking the completion of the work so long desired, though the work itself will doubtless from time to time require revision.
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