Jump Ruh tendril.

GERMAN-T.—Only the purport of one portion of the King's speech at the opening of the Prussian Parliament had arrived in London by telegraph at the end of last week. That portion, relating to the German crisis, is important enough to claim entire extract ; and there are other points in the speech, and some features in the ceremony, of specific interest. The session was opened in the White Hall of the Palace. The public were admitted by ticket to a portion of the space that was once occupied by the orchestra, and only so many tickets were issued as would allow an attendance not unpleasantly crowded. The senators had attended di- vine service in the Lutheran Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Church of St. Hedwig, and began to arrive in the Palace at eleven o'clock. Chairs were placed on the side of the hall opposite the throne, but very few of

the Deputies seated themselves before the King's arrival. The Corps Diplomatique attended in large numerical force, and in grand costume. The Bing arrived shortly before noon, followed by the hinces of the Royal House and the Ministers of State : he wore a Colonel's uniform, and carried a helmet, and plume in his hand, till he arrived at the throne, when he covered himself. The Assembly received the King in profound silence, The speech commenced with allusions to the progressive execution of the organic laws which were passed in the last session to the vigorous com- mencement of the great railway constructions of Which the Chambers had enabled the completion; to the progressive movement of trade and com- merce, and the improvement of the postal system.

It then passed to a personal incident., which was made the warrant of its first legislative proposal. "We had already begun to enjoy the return- ing state of security, when an attempted assassination against myself opened for us a glance into that moral abyss on which we are still standing. I do not speak of my life—that is in the hand of the Almighty ; and the danger from which I was miraculously saved procured Ms the satisfaction of re- ceiving innumerable proofs of fidelity and attachment from all parts of the country. But I speak of that profound confusion of all ideas in which alone an attempt at regicide could arise—of that contempt of Divine and human laws which was to he observed in this lamentable event. The Revolutionary press bears no small part of the guilt ; and as it was not possible in the last session of the Chamber to discuss the Provisional Press Law of the 30th of June last, and which has been found ineffective, my Government considered it its duty to publish a further preliminary decree relative to the press, on the authority of the 63d article of the Constitution. This decree' however, was only intended to be a temporary means of remedying evident evils. At the same time, therefore, with this decree the draught of a comprehensive and permanent law for the organization of the press will be laid before you. In discussing it, you will endeavour, in accord with my Government, to re- concile the claims of a reasonable freedom with the conditions necessary to the safety of the state and of society." The preparations for carrying into effect the provisions of the Constitution sate the relations of the Church to the State, continued the speech, "are in uninterrupted progress." Draughts of the education law, and of a law re- gulating the practice of medicine, will be laid before the Chambers. The draught of a penal code, long since prepared, "awaits discussion." An election law for the principalities of Hohenzollern recently annexed to the monarchy is recommended to "immediate consideration": "for you will wish, as well as myself, to see the representatives of that part of the nation as soon as possible among you." The financial statement for 1851 will show, that though the receipts have increased, and the expenses been economized, it haa not been possible with the ordinary revenue to cover the increased outlay of the State occasioned by the convulsions of 1848. "A more than ordinary pressure on the taxation of the country is therefore unavoidable. The measures of the Government I therefore recommend to your most careful consideration."

A full account of the use made of the credit of 18,000,000 thalers, voted for inilitary purposes, will be laid before the Chambers. The dangers which induced them to grant that credit have not yet been removed. "My pacific relations to the Great Powers of Europe have not indeed been interrupted; but, unhappily, it has not been possible to carry into effect my intention to create for the German States a constitution equal to their ne- cessities. I cling to the iclea which was the foundation of my efforts, in firm hope in the future ; but I will only again attempt its realization on new grounds when a decision has been come to on the future organization of the German Bund. I hope that the negotiations on this subject will soon lead to a successful result.

"The peace with Denmark is concluded and ratified ; but it has not been possible as yet to carry it in all points into effect.

"In a neighbouring German state disputes of the most irreconcileable 'character have taken place. An attempt to interfere' made from one side only, threatened to violate the rights of Prussia, and has led to misunder- standings in which we are directly involved. Our representations, founded on the conditions of our geographical and military position, did not meet with proper attention on the part of the Sovereign of the state and his allies. Besides this, concentrations of troops were made close on our frontiers, in places distant from the scene of those embarrassments, by which the security of the monarchy was menaced. Then I could no longer defer what had been long postponed. I have called out the whole warlike power of the land ; and I see with pride and joy that all my people capable of bearing arms have risen like one man and joined themselves to my brave and faithful army. In a short time we Abell stand more strongly armed than at any period of old or modern time. We do not seek war ; we wish to lessen no one's rights, or force our proposals on any one; but we require an organization of collec- tive Germany, consistent with our present position in Germany and in Eu- rope and commensurate with the sum of the rights that God has placed in our hands. We have a good right; that we will defend ; and we will remain in powerful preparation, under our weapons, till we are certain it has obtained recognition. This we owe to Prussia and to Germany. I hope that our rising will be sufficient to assert our right : if this is attained, it is without danger to the peace of Europe, for my people are reasonable in the same degree as they are strong.

"It is for you, gentlemen, to furnish me with the means by which this end is to be secured. I lament the sacrifices which on this account must be imposed on the nation ; but I know, gentlemen, that your zeal will not be behind that of the whole people. You will furnish a proof that our Constitu- tion, to which I inviolably adhere does not impede Prussia in an energetic

tic course of action, but assists it. adhere, as in the exaltation of the moment all parties among the people have disappeared—as the people and the army feel with me and with each other—so will you also, the representatives of this glorious nation, stand firmly by me, and with one mind, in the dangers of the present time. Well, then, let our motto be, 'Unity in fidelity ; trust in God in one spirit—the old spirit of Prussia.' Therewith has God helped us often and far, and will help us still farther. That is my reliance ! "

At the beginning the King read with difficulty, from his shortness of sight ; and his tone was hesitating and cold ; but as he went on his man- ner became animated, his voice loud, his utterance energetic ; and the Chambers answered to his rising spirit with cheers : at the words refer- ring to the summons to the army and the rights of Prussia, the King struck his skirt with his closed hand and used a most pointed emphasis ; and the Chambers broke into several rounds of applause : as he finished, he drew himself up with the defiant air of one waving his sword over his head for a battle-charge. The stiffness of etiquette was thrown off by the whole assemblage ; the shouts were again and again renewed; three cheers were demanded for the Prince of Prussia, whose uncompromising nationalism is deemed a more effective bulwark against foreign aggres- sions than the sentimental patriotism of the Monarch : in a word, the ceremony of opening the session dosed amidst an excitement that was deemed favourable to the war party and ill-boding to the Ministry of Peace. Little additional trustworthy news has been received from Berlin or Vienna this week. The latest accounts from Berlin, dated the 26th, state that the despatches between the Cabinets had again assumed a serious and peremptory tone and they concur with accounts from Par*. which declare that Austria has sent in an ultimatum requiring the imme- diate and total evacuation of Hesse by the Prussians ; that Russia has supported this demand ; and that the Ambassador of Austria, Baron Von. Prokesch Oesten, was already ostentatioualy making preparations for de- parture if his demands should not be conceded on the morning of the fol- lowing day. The Chambers had elected Presidents from the Ministerial and peace party, by considerable majorities. The despatches from Vienna were to be laid before the Chambers in secret sitting.

The Cologne Gazette has published the following characteristic letter from the King of Prussia to General Radowitz : it has provoked an im- merusity of German comment, and is said to have obtained publicity, at the expense of the King's Blender character for prudence, with the vain General's own consent.

" Sane-Souei, Nov. 5, six o'clock evening.

"You have only just left me, my true and dearest friend ; but I seize my pen to send after you a word of grief, of confidence, and of hope. I have signed your dismissal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, God knows it, with a heavy heart ; but as a faithful friend I have been forced to do stilt more : I praised you before my assembled Council for the wish you expressed' to retire from office. This tells the whole tale, and describes my positiotr more clearly than whole volumes could. I thank you with my whole heart for your conduct as a Minister it was a masterly and genial interpretation of my thoughts and say will ; and both my thoughts and my will were strengthened and elevated by your thoughts and your will, for we thought and willed alike. In spite of all our tribulations it was a fine time, a fine moment of my life ; and I shall be thankful for it to the Lord (in whom we both believe and in whom we both hope) so long as I breathe. May our Lord. God guide you, and in His grace soon again bring our paths together. May His peace guard you, encircle you, and inspirit you till we most again. So much on parting from your true friend, FRE.DERIC Wuntem. "To my Minister of State, General Von Radowitz."

At Vienna, public opinion had not been agitated by the speech of the King of Prussia so much as was expected In place of that expected. excitement, however, another had been caused by an alteration in the military oath, which had been newly framed so as to omit reference to the Constitution of March : and there were rumours that the Czar of Russia had demanded an abrogation of some popular portions of the Charter. From Hesse-Cassel there are telegraphic reports of letters dated the 26th, which state that the Prince of Taxis had informed the Prussian commander that the Austrian army must advance, on account of the dearth of provisions and forage which it had created in its quarters ; and had been answered that the Prussian troops would not fall back under any circumstances. The significant fact is added by the correspondent of the Times, that the Prussians are popular because they pay cash, and the Austrians unpopular because they seize everything "and pay with no- thing but bills."

The Duchy of Brunswick has protested against any transit of Austrian troops from the South towards Holstein ; and has formally requested Prussia to assist her in preserving her territory inviolate. Through either Brunswick or Prussia the Austro-Bavarian troops must pass to get to Holstein. By the adhesion of Brunswick to Prussia, therefore, Austria is prevented from any intervention in the Duchies except with the con- sent or in defiance of Prussia.

FRANCE.—The Bureaux of the Legislative Assembly discussed on Wednesday the appointment of a Committee to examine the bill pre- sented last week by the Minister of War for an extraordinary credit of 8,460,000 francs for the levy of 40,000 men to strengthen the army on the North-eastern frontier.

M. Odilon Barrot maintained the ancient policy of France, that an " etat multiple" should ever intervene between France and Russia. If in the struggle which seems imminent, by the combined efforts of Austria and Rus- sia Prussia should fall, France must assume a decided attitude. At present an earnest wish for peace should be expressed. M. Remusat insisted also on the proper neutrality of France, so long as the great influences in Germany should be balanced against each other; and so long as in the dispute neither great power should absorb or annul its rival.. It is certain that the war party in Germany reckons on the sympathy and. assistance of France, and is buoyed up by the hope that she cannot avoid in-

tervening for one side or the other : it is necessary, therefore, not only that France should intend a strict neutrality, but that her intentions should be known.

Count Mole declared that all the great European Powers "possess within themselves more dangerous enemies than those which are about to have re-

course to arms." "There is a general or a social interest in which all Eu- rope participates, to which every mere personal interest must give way."- The Assembly has received from the constitution the right of voting peace- and war : it should throw all its weight into the scale of peace ; but if war • should nevertheless ensue, France must exert all her might to prevent the- war from degenerating into a war of principles, amidst which anarchy alone should raise its fearful standard.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated, that France is probably called on to reestablish peace : the levy is indispensable to give her decision the weight of all her power. A committee was chosen of members almost unanimously in favour of peace. It will most likely recommend the credit, and propose a declara- tion of neutrality by the National Assembly.

Przeetorrr.—The Sardinian Chambers were opened by the King in person on the 23d instant. The passage of his speech referring to the dif- ferences with the Holy See was greatly applauded by the Chambers and the people. "The efforts of my Government have not succeeded hitherto in overcom- ing the difficulties which have arisen with the Court of Rome, in consequence

of certain laws which the powers of the state could not refuse to introduce in the new political and legal organization of the country. The rule of our conduct has constantly been the respect we all profess for the Holy See, conjunction with a firm resolution to uphold the independence of our legisla- tion. Faithful to our duties, and persevering in the exercise of our fights1. we hope that time and the happy influence of religion and civilization will enable us to establish that harmony which is one of the first wants of the so- cial state."

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. —Papers from the Cape colony to the 2d Octo- ber have been received. The further political developments are of great

interest. The last fact of our account was the resignation of their places in the Legidative Council by the four popular members—Sir Andries Stocken-

stroisi Mr. Fairbairn, Mr. 13rand, and Mr. Reitz—on Saturday the 21st Septeinber. On the following Monday, there appeared in the Govern- ment Gazette-a letter by Sir Harry Smith to the, remaining seven-mem- bers of the Ceuncil, referring to the retirement of their colleagues "'when- left in a minority on the question of supplies for the carrying on of go vernment"; deahtring it to be important that the subject which had been 'solar prosecuted should be carried forward and completed without:delay;. and therefore requesting the residuary Legislative Council to "assemble as- a beard of Commissioner's," resume the eansideration of the matters before them, and present to the Governor the result of their deliberations. In thus putting the Council upon tha fresh footing of a Commission, Sir Harry Smith gave the following very military advice-

" I am aware that the several conclusions which had been come to by the Committessof the Legislative Council were not looked upon as irreversible, if afterwards.auffieient.reasons for alteration should appear; but it will be de- sirable, in my opinion, (and certainly most satisfactory to me,) not to depart, unless upon the clearestgrounds, from the views alreadvdiseussed and agree& upon. It will probably occur to you, that to take up the subject at the pre- cise point where it was left when the Committee rose on Friday last, will be the most expedient course that can be adopted."

"When your report, in whatever shape you shall think most convenient, shall be laid before me, I shall cause it to be made public for general in- formation, and shall afterwards transmit it to the Right Honourable the Se- cretary of State, together with such remarks from myself as may seem to me to be reqeired, and all petitions that shall be forwarded to me, wheth.T for or-against the plan which you shall have proposed, in order that her Majes- ty's Government may be in a position to determine upon the course which it Mall be fitting to adopt in regard to the establishment of representative in- stitutions, at the Cape.

The Council was obedient ; and we may dismiss them for the present. turn with the statement that they were still at their uncompleted labour when the -accounts -wore forwarded.

But Sir Harry Smith's decision was very promptly emulated. The Municipal Commissioners of Cape Town met as soon as tho resignation of

- the elective Councillors was known, and passed resolutions expressing "unfeigned satisfaction at the determination of the four unofficial mem- bers, not to enter into the estimates of revenue and expenditure, but to confine themselves exclusively to the duties for which they had been de- legated,—namely, to assist in framing a constitution for this colony" ; and inviting those four gentlemen to meet the Board of Commissioners in their Town-hall on the evening of the 23d, and advise on the next steps. The Board and the four Commissioners accordingly met, in the presence of- an influential assemblage of inhabitants, who gathered unsummoned to watch their steps. In the end, it was resolved unanimously, amidst ae.clarnations from the inhabitants, that Sir Andries Stockenstrom' Bart., Mr: Advocate Brand, Mr. Fairbairn, Mr. Reitz, and Mi. J. H. Wicht, (who had been the fifth on the list of candidates originally returned for members of.Council, but had been passed over by the Government. in fa- vour of Mr. Godlanton,) "be requested to draft such a constitution as they shall deem best calculated to meet the wants and wishes and to re- present all the interests of this colony." The draft so prepared would be laid before the public by the Board. Those gentlemen consented to act as repeated. Mr. Brand then unexpectedly moved,

"ilint Sir A. Stockenstrom and John Fairbairn, Esq., be requested to take the draft constitution, when completed, to England, and to use their best exertionesin order to its being sanctioned ; and that subscriptions be entered into-for the purpose of defraying all necessary expenses." Sir Andries Stockenstrom earnestly sought to decline the honour. As a colonist born, he was entirely at the disposal of his countrymen but he was no statesman, and he felt that it would boa terrible thing if heshould disappoint them by any mismanagement on his part. He therefore urged, that it would be more satisfactory to his own feelings if Mr. Brand, who was much more competent, were deputed in his stead.

The meeting refused to hear his plea and he consented to take service. Mr. Fairbairn also unwillingly consented; though no time was allowed for consideration, and he could. not accede without great inconvenience and saerifine. A subscription-list was instantly opened, which was headed by the whole list of Commissioners, with signatures for 10/. each. The popular Commission began its labours, and prosecuted them with such spirit and perseverance, that on the 27th September their draft constitu- tion VMS completed and laid before a meeting of tho Board. It is well worthy to follow the protest we published last week, in the list of colonial documents to be preserved for reference. "Art. 1. The legislative powers of this settlement shall be vested in the Governor, and a Legislative Council, and a House of Assembly, both of which shall be com- posed of members elected by the inhabitants, and shall be called 'the Parliament of the cape of Good Hope.'

"Art. 2. The Council shall consist of 15 members, chosen for four years, of which no less than six shall forum a quorum. The Assembly shall consist of 46 members, chosen for three years, of which 15 members shall form a quorum.

" Art. 3. The present fiscal divisions of this settlement shall he electoral di- visions, and shall choose for the first Assembly the number of members herein placed against their names, respectively, until further provisions be made by the Parliament,,as follows-Cape Town and Greenpoint, 4; Cape Division, 2; Mahnes- bury, 2; Stellenbosch, 2; Pearl, 2; Worcester, 2; Clanuilliam, 2; Ss ellendarn, 2; Caledon, 2; George, 2; Beaufort, 2.; Eitenhage, 2; Port Elizabeth, 2: Graham's Town, 2; Albany, 2; Port Beaufort, 2; Somerset (East), 2; Cradoek, 2; Graaff- Beinet, 2; Colesberg, 2; Albert, 2; Victoria, 2. "Att. 4. The election-of the members of the Council shall be intrusted to the constituency. of the entire settlement, who shall record their votes in the several electoral divisions in Which they possess, at the time of election, the right of voting for the election of members of the Assembly. " Art. 5. Every male inhabitant of the foliage of twenty-one years, who shall have occupied fixed property for his own use and benefit of the value of 251. for twelve calendar months next preceding the registration and time of votin' within the Units of an electoral division, shall be entitled to vote for members ofg Assembly to represent that division, and for members of Council.

" Art. 6. Every malt inhabitant entitled to vote for members of Assembly shall be eligible for election to a scat in the House of Assembly; and every male inhabitant of the age of thirty years, who shall have resided in the colony during three years preceding the registration and time of voting, and who shall be the proprietor of lauded property, situate within the colony, of the value of not less than 16001., shall be eligible for election to a seat in the Legislative Council. "Art. 7. No person shall be entitled to vote at any electirn of members of either

Howe of Parliament, or to be elected a member thereof, who shall not be either a natural born subject of the Queen, or shall have been naturalized by law passe ll by the Imperial Parliament, or the Parliament of the Cape of Good Hope, or who shall be undergoing punithtnent and restraint tinder a judicial sentence for any crime, or who shall hold any contract under the Government, or u ho shall be in active em- ployment in the civil service of her Majesty's Government ; and any member accept.. rag an office in the service of the Government as above, or entering into any such contract, shall thereby vacate his seat in either House. "Art. ft The Secretary to Government, theAttorney-General, and the Treasurer- General, shall have the privilege of taking part In the discussion of both branches of the Legislature, so far as may be nece,sary for the explanation of any measures proposed by the Clovenunent, but without being entitled to vote. "Art. 9, The House Of Assembly shall choose its own Speaker and appoint its

own officers, and the Legislative Council shall also choose its own Speaker and appoint its own officers;

•• Art. 10. Thereembers of both Houses shall receive a peauniary allowancei.tobe Axed by law, for expenses incurred by attendance.

." Art. 11. The Governor shall call together a Parliament once at least in every, year, so that-a period of twelvecaleudar months shall not intervene between the Hist - sitting of the Parliament in one session, and'the first sitting of thernext session.

• ■ Art. 12. The Governor may introduce bills in either -House of Parliament, or return bills- submitted to him with autentlments, for reconsideration, with the exception of money bills, which shall be introduced first in the Assembly. Any' other bill may originate in either House of Parliament.- "Art. 13. The election of members for-the Legislative Council shalltake place by the person entitled to vote delivering in person to the officer presiding at such elec., ties *Het signed by him; and containing not'utore than tire names, of fifteen persons; and for the Assembly, baaesek -voter giving viva voce, and du publics, to the officer presiding at such election, the names of the person or persons for whom he votes. " Art:14. The Governer shall have the power to dissolve the Parliammat at any time, but he shall not have the power to dissolve one House or Cluussber without at the seine time dissolving the other. "Art. 15'. The Queen and- the two-Chambers of Parliament. shall be supreme within the.colony; as the Queen and the two Houses of Parhameat are supreme in Great Britain, the Guevara-cling immediately in her. own person, or in the person of her representative, the Governor. "Az t. 16. The Legislative Council and House of- Assembly shall respectively-have the power to franie and determine their own rules of order; and all 'voting therein. shall be viva voce, and all subjects and questions be decided by majority of votes,. the respective Speakers or presiding members having a casting-vote m case on any, point the votes shall be equal."

Before putting-the clauses to public vote, Mr. Brand implored his fel- low.colonists to consider the great importance of their being of one mind' and one heart in this matter.

"He would remind them of the example set; by the inhabitants of his late mother-country, sithen in.1848 a quiet and bloodless revolution, took place in Halland. Otr tharlineasion many of the aristocracy and upper classes were averse to the liberal constitution; even the Parliament itself was against it : but when they saw that the nation was- determined to have it, and- that the revolution would not otherwise be effected without bloodshed and confusion, they wisely gave way to the wants and wishes of the people. He recollected their saying that it was high time to bring an offering-to the-altar of patiiot., isni and that- they consented to waive their own opinions, and-even sacrifice their -own feelings, to save their country. He entreated the people of this colony to act in the same generous and patriotiesitririt. Let them walk Us- gether as brethren, and not allow their houseto be divided. Let them con- sider what would be the effect if; through their disunion, a constitution, framed by the officials and nominees of the late Council were forced upon them against their wishes. Let them lay down their differences as an offer- ing upon the altar of their- country's good, and unite-in one noble effort to secure for ever the political freedom of this Community." (Cheers.) Only one amendment was moved—on the 6th clause, that the qualifi- cation for members of the Upper Chamber should' be 1000/. "unencum- bered." It was explained thatthe Commissioners themselves had wished to.have no property qualifications but they had thought it proper to meet, half-way the contrary feeling which they encountered in, the Legislative Council before they left it.. The conciliatory spirit of this explanation was-applauded:; and the- amendment was negatived. The whole of the clauses were separately affirmed. Mr. Maynard, the mover of the amend- - ment, thew declared his cordial agreement. with the general principle& of the-draft, and moved the thanks of the Board of Commissioners to the- Committee : the vote was carried by acclamation; and it-was resolved- that a general meeting of the inhabitants of Cape Town shouldbe called on the following Wednesday (2d October) to take the draft into considers- tio A single copy of the Zuid Afrikaan fthe 3d October reports the meet- ing at the Town-hall on the.24.0etober. The-draft received one slight addition relative to the admission of foreigners to the.suffrage, and t.heiss was passed. with acclamations, An address to-the.Queen was also passed, to accompany-it by the handsof Sir-Andries Stockenstrom and Mr. Brand,. We extract the kernel of the address, the engrossment of which would, be followed orethe same sheet by the authentic copy of' the draft constitu- tion— " But as your Majesty was farther pleased to order-and direct his Excel- lency the Governor, with the-advice and consent of the-present Legislative Council of this settlement., to prescribe in ordinances to be passed by them; and submitted-to your Majesty, the manner and- form, terms and regula- tions, under which persons should be elected to constitute- the said Legis- lative Council and House of Assembly—and as the present Legislative Conn-. cil, from its imperfect constitution and other causes, has entirely lost the. confidence. of your Majesty's faithful people, and has virtually ceased- to, exist; and the colony is thus left without a local legislature—we feel it to be a sacred- duty to your Majesty as our revered and beloved Sovereign, m well as to ourselves and our-posterity, to submit to your Majesty the follow- ing well-considered and freely-approved- articles or heads of a constitution or form- of government for this colony ; for which we-humbly pray your ma- jesty's allowance, and that nothing may be admitted- into the subordinate- arrangements in any sense opposite to or inconsistent with their true mean-. lug and intention."