At the end of July, a proposal came from the Emperor of Austria which, but for Bismarck’s firmness, might have had very far-reaching results.  The Emperor had visited the King and discussed with him proposals for the reform of the Confederation.  He explained an Austrian plan for the reform which was so much needed, and asked the King if he would join in an assembly of all the German Princes to discuss the plan.  The King for many reasons refused; nevertheless two days afterwards formal invitations were sent out to all the Princes and to the Burgomasters of the free cities, inviting them to a Congress which was to meet at Frankfort.  All the other Princes accepted, and the Congress met on the 15th of August.  The Emperor presided in person, and he hoped to be able to persuade them to adopt his proposals, which would be very favourable for Austria.  It was, however, apparent that without the presence of the King of Prussia the Congress would come to no result; it was therefore determined to send a special deputation to invite him to reconsider his refusal.  The King had the day before moved from Karlsbad to Baden and was therefore in the immediate neighbourhood of Frankfort.  It was very difficult for him not to accept this special invitation.  “How can I refuse,” he said, “when thirty Princes invite me and they send the message by a King!”

Personally he wished to go, though he agreed with Bismarck that it would be wiser to stay away; all his relations pressed him to go.  It would have been pleasant for once to meet in friendly conclave all his fellow Princes.  Bismarck, however, was determined that it should not be.  He also had gone to Baden-Baden; the King consulted him before sending the answer.  After a long and exhausting struggle, Bismarck gained his point and a refusal was sent.  He had threatened to resign if his advice were not taken.  As soon as the letter was sealed and despatched, Bismarck turned to a tray with glasses which stood on the table and smashed them in pieces.  “Are you ill?” asked a friend who was in the room.  “No,” was the answer; “I was, but I am better now.  I felt I must break something.”  So much were his nerves affected by the struggle.

The Congress went on without the representative of Prussia.  The Kings and Princes discussed the proposals in secret session.  They enjoyed this unaccustomed freedom; for the first time they had been able to discuss the affairs of their own country without the intervention of their Ministers.  The Ministers had, of course, come to Frankfort, but they found themselves excluded from all participation in affairs.  With what admiration and jealousy must they have looked on Bismarck, but there was none of them who had done for his Prince what Bismarck had for the King of Prussia.