bring forward any project through the (p. 220)
medium of the Prussian delegation; and in actual practice it has
not always been deemed necessary to resort to this subterfuge.

[Footnote 319: Arts. 13 and 14. Dodd, Modern
Constitutions, I., 331.]

From all sittings of the Bundesrath the public is rigorously excluded;
and although ordinarily upon the conclusion of a session a statement
regarding the results of the proceedings is given to the press, the
chamber may vote to withhold such information altogether. Business
left unfinished at the close of a session may be resumed upon the
reassembling, precisely as if no lapse of time had occurred. With some
exceptions, a simple majority of the sixty-one votes is adequate for
the adoption of a measure. In the event of a tie, the Prussian
delegation possesses the deciding voice. The principal limitations
upon decisions by simple majority are: (1) any proposal to amend the
constitution may be rejected by as few as fourteen votes, whence it
arises that Prussia has an absolute veto on amendments; and (2) when
there is a division upon proposed legislation relating to military
affairs, the navy, the tariff, and various consumption taxes, the vote
of Prussia prevails if it is cast in favor of maintaining the _status
quo_.[320]

[Footnote 320: Art. 5. Dodd, Modern Constitutions,
I., 328.]

*231. Committees.*--The work of the Bundesrath consists largely in the
preparation of measures for the consideration of the Reichstag, and a
goodly share of its labor is performed in committees. Of permanent
committees there are now twelve--eight provided for within the
constitution itself and four existing by virtue of standing orders.
The committees prescribed by the constitution are those on the army
and fortifications; marine; customs and taxes; commerce; railroads,
posts and telegraphs; judicial affairs; accounts; and foreign
relations. Under certain limitations, each of these committees,
constituted for one year, is chosen by the Bundesrath itself, by
secret ballot, except that the Emperor appoints the members of the
committee on the marine and all but one of the members of the
committee on the army and fortifications.[321] The committees existing
by virtue of standing orders are those on Alsace-Lorraine, railroad
freight rates, standing orders, and the constitution. All committees
consist of seven members, sa