"God," said Frederick the Great, "is usually on the side
of the biggestbattalions," and Herr von Bismark is of the same opinion. In a speech on the position of his Government, made when demand- ing a loan, he declared that the opinions supported by a majority of European bayonets usually gained the day. He would uphold the treaty of 1852, not because it was right, but because it was opportune ; for, if abolished, Denmark would have a right to incor- porate Schleswig without interference from Germany. Finally, he asserted, with characteristic impudence, that he wished to conduct the affair with means granted legally by the Howie, but if they re- fused him, he should take the means whereVer he could. The House rejected the loan, but took no further action, and the Prussian troops are in full march for an object the House formally refuses to sanction. The Prussian majority of the Chamber submit to all this ; but they have at last done one able thing. They have pro- posed to increase the pay of the soldiers instead of increasing their term of service, and to give them better food and clothing. This the Crown certainly cannot do, and the offer is, therefore, a bold bid for military support, and has occasioned much criticism in Prussia. It seems to be thought doubtful whether the army, which is badly paid, badly fed, and wretchedly clothed, may not accept the offer.
Previous page
