The right that the Prussian Landtag has to say no to the agreements we make here was emphasized a short time ago by a speaker on the other side, and I believe that no one will seriously dispute this right and appeal to force in the face of it. Every Landtag has this right, however small or large it may be, for we desire to live in a community that is based on law rather than force. However, until now the disagreements of the other Landtags have not been lodged at this rostrum in the same manner as those of the Prussian Landtag; these disagreements, moreover, have arisen from quarters that have surprised me. All of a sudden the advocate of a north German republic becomes enthusiastic about the monarchical Prussian Constitution;
(Amused laughter)
then a Catholic priest, with the guidance of a text from the Bible, placed this same constitution on a plane equal with that of the salvation of his soul and spoke to us in words and tone that betrayed the deepest emotional shock at the thought that even a single article of this constitution could be altered – through legal channels mind you.
[ . . . ]
The proposition was advanced on the other side that the Prussian Constitution for the time being stands above the Constitution of the realm – advanced by deputies who I am aware hold some views in common with me, members of the Prussian House of Deputies, individuals who I believe truly want to see the matter come to pass. Likewise what was agreed upon here between all of the governments of the individual states following a painfully achieved union and what was agreed upon among the freely elected representatives of thirty million Germans has already been cited before the assizes of the Prussian Landtag. Gentlemen, I must tell you that with these things a humiliating feeling came over me that those who have newly joined us will quickly lose the illusion they could have had that a person grows as his goals become greater and that the broader mental horizon which ought to be part of a larger state is able to impart to all its members.
(Bravo!)
The gentlemen who here so unceremoniously announce that the Prussian Landtag will approve or reject the product of our labors in this or that case already had their authority to do so called into question the day before yesterday. But I want to ask you, what would you say if today one of the confederated governments of its own accord declared: “If this or that does not stand in the constitution, then I do not accept it under any circumstances!” What would you say if a class or a caste made this same declaration, if, for instance, a member of the Mecklenburg Ritterschaft stepped forward and said: If our rights are not respected – and they weigh just as heavily on the scales of justice as do those of the Prussian Landtag – then we aren't going along!
(Very good!)
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