The popular mind
was so penetrated by this unrest, and the revolutionary leaders were so
substantial in character, that resistance was folly, and the monarchs
yielded, waiting the time when some change would enable them to divide
the revolutionists and turn them against each other. They allowed and
even encouraged the formation at Frankfort of a provisional Parliament,
called the Fore-Parliament, which looked toward a permanent central
Government at that place for united Germany. Of this body Dr. Neumann
was a member. It was a fine field for the display of his free and
liberal instincts, and we cannot conceive of his passing through its
debates without making large drafts upon his exhaustless fund of humor
and sarcasm. It would be strange, indeed, if he could witness the dawn
of that freedom which he loved without showing signs of exultation,
accompanied with occasional taunts at the regime which was passing away
and seemed already beyond recovery.
But, although a regular Parliament followed--although a quasi emperor
was elected in the person of the Archduke John of Austria, and
his way, as he proceeded to Frankfort, was a perfect triumphal
procession--although he selected his ministers, set them to work, and
Parliament was progressing with its constitution, and this continued for
almost a year, still, that which the shrewd ministers of some of the
sovereigns had doubtless foreseen and waited for, came.
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