our and greatness of their position, and the honour and happiness of
the Fatherland, no less than themselves.

The German citizen is in the fortunate position of regarding the old
dynasties with warm sympathy. They have grown up with his fondest
reminiscences, a large number of them have become good and trustworthy,
fellow-workers in the State and in science, and promote the education
of the people. He will be indulgent when he sees individuals among them
still prejudiced in their judgment by feeble adherence to the old
traditions of their order; he will smile when they turn a longing look
on the times that are gone, when their privileges were numerous and
undisputed; and he will perhaps investigate, with more acuteness and
learning than themselves, wherever, in the past of their race, real
capacity and common sense has appeared. But he will be the inexorable
opponent of all those political and social privileges by which they lay
claim to a separate position among the people, not because he envies
these things, or wishes to put himself in their place, but because he
sees with regret that their impartiality of judgment, and sometimes
their firmness of character are diminished by it, and because, through
some of these obsolete traditions, like their court privileges, our
Princes are in danger of falling into the narrowmindedness of German
Junkers.

In the two centuries from 1648 to 1848, the wonderful restoration of
the German nation was accomplished. After an unexampled destruction,
its character rose again in faith, science, and political enthusiasm.
It is now engaged in energetic endeavours to form for itself the
highest of earthly possessions,--a State.

It is a great pleasure to live in such a time. A hearty warmth, and a
feeling of youthful vigour fill hundreds of thousands. It has become a
pleasure to be a German; and before long it may be considered by
foreign nations also to be a high honour.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: At the time of Frederic II. it varied in amount; a large
property had to supply a whole horse (there were half and quarter horse
imposts), or pay 18 to 24 thalers; in the Electorate it amounted to the
high sum of 40 thalers.]

[Footnote 2: The strength of the militia under Frederic I. was,
according to Fassmann, i. p. 720, up to 60,000.]

[Footnote 3: The system of allotting to each regiment its recruiting
district.]

[Footnote 4: Fassmann, "Life of Frederic William I.;" and Von Loen,