Bismarck and the foundation of the German empire . is colleagues without informing him ; moreover,important projects of law had been devised withouthis knowledge. He therefore drew the attention ofthe Emperor to the principle of the German andPrussian Constitutions. By the German Constitution,as we have seen, the Chancellor was responsible forall acts of the Ministers and Secretaries of State, whoheld ofifice as his deputies and subordinates. Hetherefore claimed that he could require to be con-sulted on every matter of any importance which con-cerned any of these departments. The same rightas
Bismarck and the foundation of the German empire . is colleagues without informing him ; moreover,important projects of law had been devised withouthis knowledge. He therefore drew the attention ofthe Emperor to the principle of the German andPrussian Constitutions. By the German Constitution,as we have seen, the Chancellor was responsible forall acts of the Ministers and Secretaries of State, whoheld ofifice as his deputies and subordinates. Hetherefore claimed that he could require to be con-sulted on every matter of any importance which con-cerned any of these departments. The same rightas regards Prussian affairs had been explicitly securedto the Minister-President by a Cabinet order of 1852,which was passed in order to give to the President thatcomplete control which was necessary if he was tobe responsible for the whole policy of the Govern-ment. The Emperor answered by a command thathe shoulddraw up anew order reversing this Bismarck refused to do ; the Emperor repeatedhis instructions, It was a fundamental point on. 1898] Retirement and Death. 455 which no compromise was possible; the Emperorproposed to take away from the Chancellor thatsupreme position he had so long enjoyed ; to recallinto his own hands that immediate control over alldepartments which in old days the Kings of Prussiahad exercised and, as Bismarck said, to be his ownPrime Minister. In this degradation of his positionBismarck would not acquiesce; he had no alternativebut to resign. The final separation between these two men, eachso self-willed and confident in his own strength, wasnot to be completed by ceremonious discussions onconstitutional forms. It was during an audience atthe castle, that the Emperor had explained his views,Bismarck his objections ; the Emperor insisted thathis will must be carried out, if not by Bismarck, thenby another. Then I am to understand, yourMajesty, said Bismarck, speaking in English ; thatI am in your way? Yes, was the answer. Thiswas enough ; he
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectbismarckottofrstvon1
