20 APRIL 1867, Page 2

The German Constitution is

Bismarck announced that he could not accept an amendment limiting the continuance of the Military Budget to 1st Januiry, 1872, but it was carried, nevertheless, and on 17th inst. the Count announced that the Federal Government accepted the Constitution as amended. Immediately after the King closed the session in a lofty speech, in which he heartily praised the " patriotic earnest- ness" of the members. The attributes of the Federal authority were " sufficient," the individual States " retain their freedom in all departments wherein variety and development are admissible and salutary. The Constitution brought the hopes of our South German brethren nearer to their fulfilment. The time has arrived when our German Fatherland is able to uphold its peace, its rights, and its dignity by its own collective strength. The national self-consciousness, which has found elevated expression in the Parliament, has met with a powerful echo from all quarters of Germany. None the less, however, are all the governments and peoples of Germany unanimous that the regained power of the nation has, above all, to uphold its significance by rendering secure the blessings of peace." The speech was heartily cheered, and is considered in Germany to mean that the Fatherland is strong enough to do as it likes.