Chapter VIII: The Last Days of Imperial Germany

Prince Max, although inspired by the best intentions and filled with modern and liberal ideas, failed to realize that what was needed was not a change of men, but a change of methods. Radical, fearless and immediate action was necessary, but the government did not perceive that every passing day lessened its chances and possibilities. It relied upon the slow progress of ordinary business routine. It accomplished much, it is true, but it accomplished it too slowly and too late.

Too late the Conservatives in the Prussian Diet abandoned their opposition to a reform of the franchise system. On October 10th, they adopted this resolution:

"In the hour of the Fatherland's greatest distress and with a
realization that we must be equipped for hard battles for the
integrity of the Fatherland's soil, the Conservative Party in
the Diet considers it its duty to lay aside all internal
conflicts. It is also ready to make heavy sacrifices for the
ends in view. It believes now, as ever, that a far-reaching
radicalization of the Prussian Constitution will not further the
welfare of the Prussian people. It is nevertheless prepared to
abandon its opposition to the introduction of equal franchise in
Prussia in accordance with the latest decisions of its friends
in the House of Lords in order to assure the formation of a
harmonious front against the outside world."

This resolution removed the last obstacle to a real reform of the Prussian franchise.

Too late the Federal Council adopted radical amendments to the Imperial Constitution. On October 13th and 16th, it accepted measures repealing Article 21, paragraph 2, which provided that Reichstag members should forfeit their seats if they accepted salaried state or imperial offices, and providing that cabinet members should no longer be required to be members of the Federal Council, but should at all times have the right to demand a hearing before the Reichstag. It also amended Article 2 to read: "The consent of the Federal Council and the Reichstag is required for a declaration of war in the Empire's name, except in a case where imperial territory has already been invaded or its coasts attacked."