News from Switzerland

Friedrich Engels (1848-12-03)

News from Bern
*Bern*, 29 November. At yesterday’s sitting of the Council of States, the law concerning the centralisation of the postal services from 1 January 1849 in the hands of the federal authority, already adopted by the National Council, was debated and adopted unchanged. The agenda included the decision on the federal seat. Since, however, the National Council was simultaneously dealing with this decision and had already taken the initiative, the sitting was adjourned until four o’clock. At four o’clock the Council proceeded to the vote. In the first vote Bern received 21, Zürich 13, Luzern 3 votes, an absolute majority for Bern. Bern is thus definitively the seat of the Swiss federal authorities.

This morning the two councils met for the swearing-in of Federal Councillor Franscini. Franscini delivered a lengthy speech in Italian, which was received with general acclaim. Thereupon the Federal Assembly adjourned sine die, leaving it to the Federal Council to reconvene it at the appropriate moment.

The Federal Council has apportioned the various departments among itself as follows: Furrer, as President, Foreign Affairs and general direction of federal policy; Druey, Justice and Police; Ochsenbein, War; Franscini, Internal Affairs; Munzinger, Finance; Frei-Herose, Trade and Road Tolls (péages); Näff, Postal Services and Public Works.

The two last Bern elections for the National Council have turned out liberal; in the Central Plateau Weingart, in Emmental District Governor Karrer has been elected.

I hardly need say that the people of Bern are rejoicing at their elevation to Swiss capital. Last night there were torchlight processions and serenades in abundance. To which was added the inevitable cannonade; the ringing of bells seems to be left to the “Reichsgewalt”. In front of the Erlacherhof, naturally, a considerable serenade was performed; the Federal Council has its seat there, and Steiger and Furrer delivered speeches.

I have just heard that Luvini has fought a duel with Colonel Benz on account of the provocative remarks made by the latter during the Ticino debate. It appears that nobody was wounded; however, I cannot yet say anything definite about this.