In the National Assembly at Berlin, on the 30th October,
the fourth article of the Constitution was discussed. The Central Committee had proposed that it should stand thus- " All Prussians are equal before the law. There do not exist in the state either distinctions of rank, or privileges of rank, or any special nobility. Public func- tions are equally open to all those who are qualified for them."
Schneider proposed, as an amendment, to add—" The nobility, with all its titles and distinctions, is abolished." An exciting discussion occurred; in the course of which Jacoby exclaimed, "Waste not many words upon this nobility; it is a dead body, and it is a matter of indifference what epi- taph you inscribe upon its tomb." The amendment was rejected. In the afternoon sitting, however, it was proposed to replace the original clause as it stood before the Committee amended it; the effect of which was to affirm the sense of Schneider's amendment. This course was adopted by a "considerable majority," and the fourth article was passed in this shape-
" All Prussians are equal before the law. There neither exist distinctions of rank nor privileges of rank in the state. The nobility is abolished." The result was esurprise; and is regarded as a blow aimed personally at the King, who has aispleased every party in the Assembly.
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