We record with a certain interest the passing on Thursday
of a Civil Code applicable to the whole of Germany. It will take effect from January 1st, 1900, from which date the entire Empire will enjoy the same criminal and civil system of law. That is a long step taken towards unification, a much longer step than we have yet taken in Great Britain, but total unification is still very far off. Not to mention the loyalty still felt towards the smaller dynasties, some of which, like that of Mecklenburg, are of great antiquity, all Germans outside Old Prussia dislike the special character which the Hohenzollerns have succeeded in impressing upon their people. If Prussians were as agreeable as they are efficient, particularism would not last five years, but as it is, it survives much bad government and some ridicule. The Prussian Civil servant is upright, efficient, and entirely well meaning, but the most patient of dogs will fret under the comb, and the comb is never out of the Prussian's hand.
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