LAW of the Emperor of Germany, respecting the Constitution of the Empire.—Berlin, April 16, 1871.
(Translation.)
We, William, by the Grace of God, German Emperor, King of Prussia, &c., do hereby order, in the name of the German Empire, by and with the consent of the Council of the Confederation and of the Imperial Diet, as follows:—
§ 1. In the place of the Constitution of the German Confederation, agreed to between the North German Confederation, and the Grand Duchies of Baden and Hesse, as well as of the Treaties of November 23 and 25, 1870, concluded with the Kingdoms of Bavaria and Wurtemburg respecting the adhesion to that Constitution, is substituted the annexed,
Constitution for the German Empire.[1]
§ 2. The stipulations in Article LXXX of the Constitution of the German Confederation mentioned in §1; under III § 8 of the Treaty with Bavaria of November 23, 1870; in Article II, No. 6 of the Treaty with Wurtemburg of November 25, 1870, respecting the introduction into those States of the laws issued in the North German Confederation, remain in force.
The laws specified there are laws of the Empire. Where the North German Confederation, its Constitution, territories, members or states, birthright, constitutional organs, subjects, officials, flag, &c., are spoken of therein, the German Empire and its corresponding relations are to be understood.
The same is valid for those laws enacted in the North German Confederation, which may hereafter be introduced into one of the said States.
§ 3. The arrangements in the protocol adopted at Versailles on the 15th November, 1870; in the transaction at Berlin on the 25th November, 1870; in the final Protocol of November 23, 1870; as well as under IV of the Treaty with Bavaria of November 23, 1870, are not affected by this law.
Given under our own Imperial signature, and sealed with our Imperial seal.
Done at Berlin, the 16th of April, 1871.
(L.S.) WILLIAM.
Prince v. Bismarck.
- ↑ See page 58.
