CONFEDERATIONS. 213 The congress of Vienna made a declaration in 1815 (March New constitution 2O)» respecting the affairs of Switzerland, one oflSl5< part of which was the introduction of Geneva, Neufchatel (a Prussian principality at that time), and Valais (Wallis), into the confederation, and this received the consent of the confederates. The neutralization of Switzerland with part of Savoy, followed as an act of the same powers. (Nov. 20, 1815.) The federal compact between the sovereign can- tons of Switzerland, now twenty-two in number, had been concluded on the i6th of Aug., 1815. This is a reactionary 1 instrument. It fixes the rate of troops and taxes for federal purposes, gives every canton the right to demand defense against internal and external force, provides for the settle- ment of disputes between the cantons, prohibits them from making treaties which are to the prejudice of other cantons or of the league, puts an end to all dependent territory, and exclusive possession of rights by a class of citizens, continues the old plan of having a vorort, and a tagsatzung or diet, to be composed of ambassadors, meeting regularly in the chief town of the vorort on the first Monday in July, with the bur- gomaster or schultheiss of the presiding canton for their fore- man. This diet declares war, concludes peace, and makes all treaties with foreign powers ; but for the validity of these acts, three-fourths of the votes of the cantons are necessary. In other matters of business an absolute majority decides. Military capitulations, and conventions concerning affairs of police or public economy, may be made by single cantons, provided they oppose no federal principles, nor existing league, nor cantonal rights ; and they must also be made known to the diet. Ambassadors from the league may be sent to foreign powers when their appointment is thought necessary. In extraordinary cases the vorort may be invested with especial powers, and a committee can be appointed, composed cf the officer of the vorort who is entrusted with the management of the federal affairs, in conjunction with other representatives of the confederation. In both cases two-thirds are necessary to give validity to any resolution.