ciation with them upon this subject. "The allied Monarchs impose upon themselves the greatest sacrifices; nevertheless, they require from Switzerland, only those from which it cannot possibly withdraw itself in a crisis in which its dearest interests are at stake; and to alleviate the burden of putting on foot the forces necessary for the vigorous defence of their frontiers, as well as to insure its success, they propose to keep at the disposal of Switzerland all the assistance which the general operations of the war shall permit them to dedicate to this object. "The Monarchs desire in this manner among this nation (the object of their particular regard and esteem) those sentiments of attachment, confidence, and gratitude to which they believe themselves so justly entitled, sentiments which they would have at heart still to increase and strengthen at the time of a general peace, by paying particular attention to the interests and the safety of Switzerland. "The undersigned renew to his Excellency the President, and to Messrs. the Deputies to the Diet, the assurance of their distinguished consideration. "STRATFORD CANNING, “Krudener, "SCHRAUT, "CHAMBRIE,' "Zurich, May 6, 1815." ANSWER OF THE DIET. "At the moment when a new political convulsion shewed itself in France, Switzerland, struck with the dangers of its situation, took with vigour and celerity the measures of safety which the importance of the circumstances required. The Diet has made known by a proclamation, the object of these armaments; it has avoided all connection with the man who has taken the reins of the French government, and has refused to recognise him. "The Ministers of the Allied Powers justly infer from this conduct, that Switzerland, united in interest and intentions with the other States, must oppose with all its might a power which threatens the peace, the tranquillity, the independence, and the rights of all nations. Such are, in fact, the resolutions of the Diet. "The relations which it maintains with the high allied powers, and even with them alone, leave no doubt respecting its disposition or its designs; it will abide by them with that constancy and fidelity which have been at all times honourable features in the Swiss character. "Twenty-two little republics, united among themselves for their security and the assertion of their independence, must seek their national strength in the principle of their confederation. This is what is prescribed by the nature of things, by the geographical situation, the constitution and the character of the Swiss people. "A consequence of this prineiple is its neutrality recognised in its favour, as the basis of its future relations with all states. It equally results from this principle, that in the great contest which is on the eve of commencing, the part of Switzerland must naturally consist in the vigorous defence of its frontiers. By remaining on this line, it does not estrange itself from the cause of the other powers; on the contrary, it embraces it the more sincerely, and serves it with the more advantage, as this cause becomes immediately its own. Considered in itself, the defence of a frontier 50 leagues in extent, which serves as a point d'appui to the movement of two armies, is a co-operation not only very effectual, but even of the highest importance. Thirty thousand men and more have been put on foot for this purpose. Resolved to maintain this development of force, Switzerland thinks on its side that it may expect from the kindness of the powers, that their armies will respect its territory, till it shall itself call for their aid. Assurances on this head are absolutely necessary to tranquillize the people, and to induce them to bear with courage so great a burthen. The Diet believes that it has answered, by these explanations, the expectations of their Excellencies the Ministers, at the same time that it shews its confidence in the justice and magnanimity of the Monarchs who have but lately taken such an interest in the fate of this country, and thus acquired fresh claims to its gratitude. "If there is now any thing to be done according to the principles above explained, in order to fix in a more precise manner the political relations of the confederation with the allied powers, during the continuance of the present war, and at the same time to agree on the conditions of its system of defence, the Diet is ready to hear these overtures: it has commissioned Messrs. the Burgomaster Wyss, the Avoyer Merlineu, and the Burgomaster Weiland to enter into a negociation with Messrs. the Ministers upon these two points, which are essentially inseparable. But in every case the right is reserved to the Cantons, to take a definitive resolution on this head, and to give these arrangements legal validity by constitutionally confirming them." (Zurich, May 12.) Proclamations of the King of Prussia, on resuming possession of his Polish Provinces. "Inhabitants of the Grand Duchy of Posen,--At the same time that, according to my letters patent of this day's date, I restore to their original state those parts of the late Duchy of Warsaw which belonged originally to Prussia, and now revert to my dominions: I have also had it in view to fix your political relations: you have now also obtained a country, and at the same time a proof of my esteem for your attachment. "You are incorporated with my Monarchy, but without being obliged to renounce your Nationality. You will participate in the Constitution which I intend to give my faithful subjects, and you will have a provisional constitution, like the other provinces of my kingdom. Your religion shall be maintained, and a suitable dotation be assigned to its servants. Your personal rights and your property shall return under the protection of the laws, upon which you will also be called upon in "My Governor, who was born among you, will also reside with you. He will inform me of your wishes and your wants, and you, of the intentions of my Government. Your fellow citizen, my high President, will organize the Grand Duchy according to my instructions, and till the organization is complete, govern in every department. He will on this occasion employ the men of business, found among you, according as they are qualified by their knowledge and your confidence. When the organization is finished, the different branches of administration will be introduced. "It is my firm resolve that the past be consigned to perfect oblivion. My care belongs exclusively to the future, in which I hope to find the means to bring back the country, which has been tried beyond its strength, and is quite exhausted, to the road of prosperity. "Since experience has matured you, I hope that I may depend on your acknowledgements.-Given at Vienna, the 15th of May, 1815. (Signed) "FREDERICK WILLIAM." To the Inhabitants of the City and Territory of Dantzic, the Circle of Culm and Michelan, the Town of Thorn, and its Territory. "By my letters patent of today, I have restored you to your ancient connexions; I have given you back to the country to which you originally belonged, and to which you are indebted for your former prosperity. In this reunion, you will participate in the Constitution which I intend for all my faithful subjects in the Provincial Government of the Province of West Prussia. "This re-union affords you protection and security for your property, the certainty that you will again enjoy yourselves the fruits of your industry, and the prospect of future tranquillity. With paternal care I will exert myself to assist in replacing on a firm foundation your welfare, which has suffered so severely. Exclusively occupied with the future, it is my will that every past error be forgotten. "The circumstances of the moment prevent me from receiving in person the renewed oath of your allegiance, and I have therefore appointed my high President of East Prussia, Von Auerswald, to receive the homage from you, in my name, in the city of Dantzic, and to take the necessary measures to this effect. "Given at Vienna, May 15, 1815. (Signed) "FREDERICK WILLIAM." Treaty of Peace between Saxony and Prussia, concluded at Vienna, on the 18th of May. Article 2. The cessions of Saxony, prescribed by the Congress, are confirmed and settled anew, so that from the Elbe to the Bi shopric of Merseburg, the Bailiwieks of Torgau, Eilenburgh, and Prussian Delitsch, are cut off, with the exception of some reciprocally enclosed districts. The enclaves in the principality of Reuss, which with the circle of Neustadt become Prussian, are, Gefall, Blintendorf, Sparenberg, and Blankenberg. 4. The King of Prussia assumes, on account of his new provinces, the title of Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia, Margrave of both Lusatias, and Count of Henneberg. 5. Within a fortnight after the ratification, Prussia evacuates those parts of Saxony which she does not continue to hold, 6. Both divisions reciprocally renounce all feudal connections or dependence. 7. The deeds, &c. in the Archives with regard to the ceded provinces generally, shall be delivered up within three months: in regard to the divided provinces, the originals shall belong to the larger portions and authentic co'pies shall be given to the others. 8. As to the Saxon army, the officers and foreign soldiers of every rank shall have their choice whether they will enter the Prussian, or remain in the Saxon service: subalterns and privates whose birth-place falls to Prussia enter the Prussian service. 9. The debts of the undivided provinces become a charge on that government to which they are assigned; those of the divided provinces are taken by each proportionally. 10. The engagements entered into by the Central Tax-Committee, on account of the kingdom VOL. LVII. of Saxony, shall be performed by both governments. 11. The Treasury Bills shall also be provided for as a common debt. 13. The King of Prussia pro mises to settle on the most liberal footing, all that relates to the property and interests of the subjects on both sides, especially to the commerce of Leipsic. 14 and 15. A committee, common to both parties, and sitting at Dresden, shall equalize all claims under Austrian mediation. 17. The principles adopted by the Congress of Vienna, with regard to free navigation, shall especially apply to the Elbe, the Elster, and to canals. 19. Prussia furnishes yearly to Saxony, free of export duty, 150,000, or if required, 250,000 quintals of salt, at a price, which without raising the present retail price to Saxon subjects, may secure to the King of Saxony the enjoyment of a salt tax, approaching as near as possible to that which he had before the last war. 20. Grain, timber, lime, and stone, shall be reciprocally free from export duty. 21. No one shall be called to account for any share he may have had in military or political events. 22. The King of Saxony renounces all claims on the Duchy of Warsaw, and has therefore nothing to do with its debts. 23. With regard to the 2,550,000. Polish guilders which the Saxon treasury furnished to that of War saw, means shall be taken for their liquidation, at Warsaw. 2 C Proclamation of the King of Prussia to the Inhabitants of Prussian Saxony. By the patent which I have this day signed, I have united you, inhabitants of Saxony, with my subjects, your neighbours and German countrymen. The general agreement of the powers here assembled at the Congress has assigned to me your country, subjected by the fate of war, by way of indemnity, for the loss which has on one side diminished the circuit of the states guaranteed to me. Now separated, by the course of events, from a house of Princes with whom you have been faithfully connected for centuries, you pass over to another, which is allied to you by the friendly ties of neighbourhood, language, manners, and religion. When you beheld with pain your old connections dissolved, I respected that grief as furnishing an earnest of the German character, and a pledge that you and your children will obey me and my House with equal fidelity. You must be convinced of the necessity of your separation. My old subjects have made great and severe sacrifices. They have gained before the world and posterity a claim that the dangers of the days of Gros Beeren and Dennewitz should ever be far from them in future. They have given proof, that by their valour and fidelity to their King, Germany also has been delivered from the disgrace of servitude. But that they may maintain their own independence and the freedom of Germany, that the fruits of severe toils and bloody victories may not be lost, the duty of looking to their own independent existence, and that of care for the common weal of Germany, equally require that your provinces should be united to my States, and yourselves with my people. Germany has only won what Prussia has earned. This you must be convinced of; and I place confidence in your German and honest minds, that the oath of your fidelity will proceed equally from the feelings of the heart, as when I take you for my people. Through your union with my States, rich resources are opened to your industry. The wounds of war will be healed, when the present danger and the necessity for new efforts in defence of our independence are over. My cares for your welfare shall anxiously meet your own exertions. A beneficent constitution equally dividing the burthens of the State, a moderate government, well weighed laws, a correct and punctual distribution of justice, shall promote your domestic prosperity. Your military youth will faithfully join their brethren in arms. The ministers of religion will in future be the venerable instructors in the religion of your ancestors. Upon your literary establishments, for many years the nurseries of German science and learning, I will bestow especial attention; and when the Prussian throne, after the lapse of a century, has been firmly founded on the virtues of peace and war, and the freedom of our native Germany guarded, then you will participate in the distinguished rank which the Prussian name will hold, and history will also write your names, |