This order was supposed to indicate, at least, military enthusiasm
; but the proclamation to the people, signed on the 18th inst., is much more conventional. After a fitting tribute to his father, who, "with heroic energy, prompted by Christian self-sacrifice, knew how to fulfil his duties," and whose virtues and victories will remain in grateful remem- brance as long as the German heart shall beat, the Prince proceeds :—" Called to the throne of my fathers, I have assumed the government, looking up to the King of Kings, and have vowed to God that, after the example of my fathers, I will be a just and clement Prince to my people, that I will foster piety and the fear of God, and that I will protect peace, promote the welfare of the country, be a helper of the poor and distressed, and a true guardian of the right." He relies on "the fidelity which my fathers have found to be an indis- soluble bond in all times of difficulty and danger," and derives from it a confidence that Godwin give him wisdom and strength. These are the words of a Prince very conscious of a lofty posi- tion, but not those of a man carried away by elation. There is a sense of responsibility visible in both proclamations, and a certain calm has for the moment settled down on Europe. The war is postponed, say financiers, and diplomatists, though more troubled, half-agree.
