"The climate of Prussia is healthy, the average temperature varying in different parts from forty-three degrees to fifty degrees. The soil is generally fertile, though there are some sandy plains, and desolate, hilly regions. The agriculture, fostered by the government, is of the highest efficiency. All kinds of grain are produced in abundance, and largely exported. Two hundred million pounds of sugar were made from beets ten years ago. Thirty million tons of coal were mined last year, and the country is rich in minerals. In its agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, Prussia is remarkably prosperous. The country has a complete network of railroads, about seven thousand miles in all.
"Berlin has a population of seven hundred and two thousand, and is the fifth city of Europe. Next to it is Breslau, with one hundred and seventy-two thousand. Cologne has one hundred and twenty-five thousand; Königsberg, one hundred and six thousand. All the others have less than a hundred thousand. New York has a larger German population than any German city except Berlin.
"The money of Prussia is in thalers, silver, or new _grosschen_ and _pfennings_. A thaler is about seventy cents of our money. Thirty new grosschen, of two and one third cents each, make a thaler, and twelve pfennings make a new grosschen.
"And now, young gentleman, I will close with a brief statement in regard to the Germanic Confederation, which is a union of states for certain purposes, similar to that of the United States. In modern times the two most powerful members have been Austria and Prussia; but the events of 1866 broke up the confederation, and caused the expulsion of Austria, leaving Prussia as the ruling power. The North German Confederation, consisting of twenty states, was then formed under the leadership of Prussia. The six remaining states, the principal of which are Bavaria, Baden, and Würtemberg, cannot be said to be united. Prussia had ratified treaties with the three states mentioned, by which each of the contracting powers guarantees the integrity of the others' territory. In other words, in case of war, each is to assist the others; but it is stipulated that Prussia is to have the command of the armies.