The vivid consciousness of the South German governments and populations of the dangers of German dissension, and the necessity of firm national union which constantly finds more decided expression throughout the whole of Germany, will assist to hasten the solution of that important task. The united strength of the nation will be entitled and be competent to guarantee to Germany the blessings of peace and effectual protection of her rights and her interests. With this assurance my government will devote itself to averting any interruption to European peace by every means compatible with the honor and the interest of the fatherland. The German people, however strong its unity, will be able calmly to face the vicissitudes of the future, if you, gentlemen, will aid in completing the great work of national union with that patriotism which has always been displayed in Prussia in serious times. No. 2.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Bancroft. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, May 20, 1867. SIR: The only important unsettled question between the United States and Prussia is that relating to the claim of the latter to military service from citizens of the United States born in that country, who may have left Prussia without performing the service there required. The document* herewith communicated contains the most recent correspondence upon the subject. You will notice in the latter pages of the document the proposal made by Count Bismarck for a compromise of the matter and my responses thereto. It is very desirable that this question should be equitably and definitely adjusted. If Prussia should take that course, probably other German states and possibly the governments of other countries would imitate her example. This would be a great relief to a large number of worthy citizens and to the government, which is bound to advocate their rights and promote their interests. I am, sir, your obedient servant, * * * Berlin, July 1, 1867. * * * * * SIR: The "upper house," on the 24th ultimo, agreed unanimously to the present draft of the constitution. At 3 p. m. on the same day the Prussian Landtag was closed. Chevalier Von der Heydt, minister of finance, read a royal message from the King. I enclose herewith a copy of the speech in German. The constitution has been promulgated in all the states of the Bund. On and after to-day it will come into force throughout the northern states. * * * I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. JOHN C. WRIGHT. *The document referred to is Senate Ex. Doc. No. 4, 1st sess. 40th Congress. [Translation.] Illustrious, noble, and honorable gentlemen of both houses of the Landtag: His Majesty the King has devolved upon me the duty to close, in his illustrious name, the sitting of both houses of the Landtag of the kingdom. The government of his Majesty acknowledges with lively thanks that the House of Lords with unanimity, the House of Delegates with a vastly preponderating majority, shared in assent to the constitution of the North German Union. In the readiness with which the two houses, by relinquishing a portion of their ancient privileges, overcame antagonistic opinions, the government of his Majesty respects a fresh proof of that German good sense and patriotic self-sacrifice which are an inheritance of the Prussian people, and on which Prussia's appeal for Germany is founded. Through the consent of the Prussian agricultural representation to the building up of the North German Union, every condition preliminary to the establishment of the constitution is attained in Prussia. The recognition of the constitutional union will, without delay and at the same time, ensue in all the united states. Therewith, the national development of Germany over new grounds is prepared in bringing about the fruits all the energies of patriotism must combine. The Prussian people, however, should regard the newly constituted Germany with the more satisfaction, because from her came that shapeliness which in Prussia fosters, in every respect, community of interest between prince and people. While northern Germany could only form a narrow strip of associated states, the national intercommunion, now secured to the extent of the German territory, as well as the domestic habits of the German people and the Zollverein, indicate the surest grounds for the development of the German unity, at a future day, in harmony with the conditions of the North German Union. Thanks to the moderation and love of peace of all the powers, it has so fallen out that the pacific development of the European relations has been secured from disturbance; the friendliness and the confidential intercourse between his Majesty the King and the more powerful of the monarchs of neighboring states give lasting assurances of the duration and sure pledge of a peace fraught with blessings. The wish and the endeavor of his Majesty's government will ever be directed to maintaining the importance and power of the recently established state organizations, and the security of the blessings of peace. In the name of his Majesty the King, I declare that the sitting of both houses of the Landtag are closed. No. 13.] Mr. Seward to Mr. Bancroft. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, August 22, 1867. SIR: You are familiar with the never-ending dispute between this government and those European governments which claim to exact military service from persons born within their allegiance, but who have become naturalized citizens of the United States. The question is one which seems to have been ripening for very serious discussion when the breaking out of the civil war in this country obliged us to forego every form of debate which was likely to produce hostility or even irritation abroad. It is in our intercourse with Prussia that the question produces the most serious inconveniences. Soon after the close of our civil war Count Bismarck made some offers to the United States, which were conceived in a spirit of great liberality. Your predecessor, the lamented Mr. Wright, was hopeful that through the negotiation thus opened the two governments might arrive at a satisfactory conclusion of the question. It soon became apparent, however, that the United States could not surrender the principle of the absolute right of expatriation, while on the other hand Prussia was not prepared to acknowledge the principle in its full extent. The present attitude of Prussia is one of strength and repose, as is also that of the United States. Prussia might now even derive strength from a concession of the democratic principle upon which we insist. I will thank you to look over the records of your legation so as to review your early impressions upon the subject, and thus form for me an opinion whether the discussion can now be reopened with a prospect of success. In that case you will bring the question in the proper way to the attention of Count Bismarck. Mr. Yeaman, our indefatigable minister at Copenhagen, has just published there an argument upon the subject. It has so much merit that I have instructed him to send you a copy *thereof. I am, sir, your obedient servant, GEORGE BANCROFT, Esq., &c., &c., &c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 2.] Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Seward. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: Yesterday, a little before 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Count Bismarck called for me and took me to the King's country residence at Babelsberg, this side of Potsdam, where I was to be received in a private audience. As soon as we entered the palace the count presented me to the King, to whom I delivered my letter of credence from the President in the simplest manner and without any speech. The King at once opened a conversation and remained conversing with me, expressing of himself his satisfaction at the perfectly friendly relations which had ever existed between the two countries, and making inquiries respecting the President. Afterwards he spoke of several of my predecessors, asking about them or their families, even as far back as the time of Mr. Wheaton and Mr. Donelson. Dinner was soon served, and the place assigned me at the table was next to the King. The party was of twelve. The conversation was certainly marked by respect for the sovereign, but was wholly free from the stiffness of formality, and conversation was as easy and unrestrained as at the house of a country gentleman. After dinner the King again came to me, and his words and his manner expressed everything that could be wished, alike in the way of regard for my country and of courtesy to me as its representative. On returning to the railroad station it appeared that the King was also on his way to Berlin. He beckoned to me to enter his private car and to take the seat nearest to him, and conversed all the way to the city, so that during the day I was in his company for about three hours. This reception, while it was very agreeable to me personally, pleased me more as an evidence of the ever-increasing consideration for the government of the United States. It is seen that in the event of a war in Europe the assertion of the rights of neutrals would devolve very much on the United States. At the same time I report to you with confidence that, while France is continuing to arm and Prussia holds itself ready to call out six hundred thousand men at the shortest notice, there is no present danger of a war between France and Prussia. This government pursues its course toward German unity without jealousy and without fear or present apprehension, and though no one can foretell into what relations the uncertain policy of other powers may drift, it plainly appears that the government of France is now as little disposed to war as that of this country. The meeting of the Emperors of France and Austria at Salzburg has passed *For this argument see despatch of August 5th, No. 86, from United States minister to Denmark. away without any important result whatever. Instead of forwarding an alliance between the two powers, it has made such an alliance more difficult than ever, for in German Austria it has roused a distrust that cannot be disregarded by the Austrian government, which now seeks a reconciliation and harmony between itself and every branch of its people. It is also a matter of public importance that Count Bismarck enjoys robust health and goes through his enormous labors with ease and cheerfulness. His popularity is at this time very great, and no one doubts that in the elections to the new Parliament a great majority will be composed of his supporters. The circular from the department on the subject of uniform was duly received, and I have conformed to it exactly, wearing in my audience with the King precisely the same dress which I should have worn on an invitation from the President. No. 3.] Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Seward. LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR: Your despatch, No. 13, of August 27th, has been received. The subject of the relation of naturalized Prussians to the government of Prussia had, under your instructions, already engaged my attention, and I have lost no time in opening a conversation on the subject with the department of foreign affairs, and my representations have been received in the most friendly spirit. An interview will soon be had with a member of the government, with whom the matter is to be thoroughly discussed before its final presentation in writing for a decision. I thank you very much for the confidence which you and the President repose in me in the management of this troublesome question. The offer of adjustment formerly made by Count Bismarck however liberal it may have been justly considered at the time it was proposed, is not so tranquilizing as the agreement to which I hope to arrive. I shall carefully govern myself in the negotiation by the substance of your instructions, and hope soon to be able to report to you favorable progress. For the present your instructions are sufficient for my guidance. I remain, sir, yours, sincerely, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. GEO. BANCROFT. Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Seward. No. 4.] : LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, SIR This day has been one of greatest interest in the history of Germany, being marked by the organization of the first imperial Diet assembled under the new constitution of North Germany. The protestant members of the Parliament met in advance, for religious service, in the King's chapel. The King, the Crown prince and princess, and other members of the royal family, the chiefs of the diplomatic corps, and the great officers of the State and of the army were present, and were all seated on the floor of the chapel. The glitter of official uniforms was as great as I ever saw, there being but one person in plain clothes among all those who were invited to attend. The services were appropriate, and implied the assurance that the movement towards union, as yet incomplete, has proceeded thus far with the favor of Providence. The Catholic members of the Diet held their services apart. After these exercises were over the Diet repaired to the White Hall, remaining standing. The King, as he entered and took his seat, was heartily cheered. The proceedings were in conformity to the usage of constitutional governments. The president minister put into the King's hands the speech which he was to read, when the King rising from his throne, put on his helmet, and read the speech in a clear and simple manner, without emphasis or display, or any attempt at theatrical effect. At the close of the speech, and as the King withdrew, he was again warmly cheered. I. enclose an official copy of the speech. The points in it to which I would especially direct your attention are the second paragraph, which implies that there is a German nation including the South German provinces, as well as the North; that the measures thus far taken for the commercial union with the German states is but a step," though an important one, and that the German "feeling" has been an instrument of happy political activity. It also merits the remark that the constitution is described as a work of peace, of which the advantages are to be enjoyed in peace. 66 I remain, sir, yours, sincerely, Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. GEO. BANCROFT. [Translation.] Illustrious, noble, and honored gentlemen of the Reichstag of the North German Union : From the resolution of the first Reichstag of the North German Union, I could express the confidence that the popular representatives of the single states of the Union would not withhold their constitutional recognition of what had been done by the Reichstag in common with the governments. It is a matter of great satisfaction to me that I was not mistaken in my confidence. The constitution of the North German Union has, in all the states of the Union, in a constitutional manner gone into law. The council of the Union has commenced action, and I am therefore enabled to-day, with joyous confidence in my and my high confederates' behalf, to greet the first Reichstag assembled under the constitution of the Union. For the regulation of the national relations of the Union to the South German states, an important step was achieved immediately upon the promulgation of the constitution of the Union. The German sentiment of the united governments has created for the Zollverein a new basis, adapted to the altered relations, and has secured its continuance. The convention entered into for that purpose, which has been approved by the council of the Union, will be laid before you. The estimate of expenses for the Union will form a prominent subject for your consideration. A careful restriction of the expenses to the necessary wants will make it possible to supply almost three-fourths of the former from the independent receipts of the Union, and a cautious estimate of these receipts will guarantee that the contributions from the single states, provided for in the budget, will be amply sufficient to cover the common expenses. Outlines of laws have been and will be laid before the council of the Union, having for object to make such regulations concerning the different jurisdictions of the law-making power of the Union as the moment requires and the time permits. A law on the right of free emigration is to develop further the common citizenship established by the constitution. A law on the obligation to military service is to make this common citizenship effective to the army, and at the same time to supersede the regulations which are provided in the constitution in part independently and partly depending upon laws to be prescribed by Prussia to govern the obligation of service. A law concerning the passport system is intended to remove all obsolete restraints on communication, and to establish a foundation for an alliance suited to the national interest, between the Union and the South German states. The regulations in regard to measures and weights are to equalize the system of weights |