Debate on the Hereditary Imperial Dignity in the Frankfurt National Assembly
A dispatch from Frankfurt recounts the parliamentary session of 23 January 1849 concerning the office of the future head of state. The National Assembly rejected both a hereditary title and fixed terms of office for the time being, pending clarification of Austria's constitutional relationship with Germany.
Full transcription
Germany.
B. W. Frankfurt, 23 Jan. 5 o'clock in the evening. I have just come from parliament, where I witnessed one of the most memorable sessions. The hereditary imperial dignity in Germany in favour of Prussia was first contested with great success by Professor Edel of Würzburg. In particular, his impassioned words for Austria appealed to all hearts that did not feel specifically Prussian, and the Tyroleans in particular owe him a debt of gratitude, as he admirably emphasized the cordial accord between Tyrol and Bavaria. The subsequent speaker, Grumbrecht of Hanover, could not erase the impression of this speech, despite giving free rein to his wrath against Professor Edel and Beda Weber. The closure of the debate was immediately moved and accepted. Now, amidst the keenest attention of the assembly, a spirited but fierce struggle ensued over the preliminary question of whether the vote should begin with the heredity of the head of state or, conversely, with a one-year term of office. In this lay also the fate of heredity. The assembly decided against President Simson by 270 votes to 216 in favour of beginning the vote with the question of heredity. The result made an immense impression on all Prussians. Thereupon, the heredity of the future German head of state was defeated by 263 votes to 211, the life-term by 413 to 39, the 12-year term by 442 to 14, the 6-year term by 264 to 196, and the 3-year term by 305 to 120 votes. All other motions, including that for 1 year, were withdrawn. Put into words, the result meant: “We wish to decide nothing at all about this until Austria's position towards Germany is decided.” Quod felix faustumque sit!
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Cite & share
"Debate on the Hereditary Imperial Dignity in the Frankfurt National Assembly." Der Bote für Tirol, 31 January 1849. https://digital.tessmann.it/tessmannDigital/Zeitungsarchiv/Seite/Zeitung/47/1/31.01.1849/152715/4. https://www.meran-archive.com/en/artikel/1849-01-31-debatte-ueber-die-erbliche-kaiserwuerde-in-der-frankfurter-nationalversammlung