He had always pointed out, even when he was at Frankfort, that Bavaria was a natural ally of Prussia.

In a great war the considerable army of Bavaria would not be unimportant.
At the beginning of April Bismarck instructed Savigny, his envoy at the Diet, to propose the consideration of a reform in the Constitution.

The proposal he made was quite unexpected.

No details were mentioned as to changes in the relations of the Princes, but a Parliament elected by universal suffrage and direct elections was to be chosen, to help in the management of common German affairs.

It is impossible to exaggerate the bewilderment and astonishment with which this proposal was greeted.