23 DECEMBER 1876, Page 2

The German Government and the Liberal party have been quarrelling

over the Judicature Bill upon what in this country we should call the " liberty-of-the-subject " clauses. The Liberals desired permission to prosecute officials, like other persons, for misuse of power, without the previous consent of the Administra- tive Board ; to prosecute offenders whom the Public Prosecutor has exonerated ; and to be tried for all Preis offences before a jury. It is characteristic of -the present Government of Germany that it gave way as to the .prosecution of officials, the judge being empowered in future to decide if such prosecution shall be allowed, and about the right of individuals to pursue an accused, lutabsolutely refused to give way about the Press. The quarrel was compromised upon this basis, but the journals are very angry with the Moderates, who, they think, gave way too soon.