CASE OF SCHLUBHUT.

The Konigsberg Domain-Board (KRIEGS- UND DOMANEN-KAMMER) had
fallen awry, in various points, of late; several things known to
be out-at-elbows in that Country; the Kammer Raths evidently lax
at their post; for which reason they have been sharply questioned,
and shaken by the collar, so to speak. Nay there is one Rath, a
so-called Nobleman of those parts, by name Schlubhut, who has been
found actually defaulting; peculating from that pious hoard
intended for the Salzburgers: he is proved, and confesses, to have
put into his own scandalous purse no less than 11,000 thalers,
some say 30,000 (almost 5,000 pounds), which belonged to the
Public Treasury and the Salzburg Protestants! These things,
especially this latter unheard-of Schlubhut thing, the Supreme
Court at Berlin (CRIMINAL-COLLEGIUM) have been sitting on, for
some time; and, in regard to Schlubhut, they have brought out a
result, which Friedrich Wilhelm not a little admires at. Schlubhut
clearly guilty of the defamation, say they; but he has moneys,
landed properties: let him refund, principal and interest;
and have, say, three or four years' imprisonment, by way of
memento. "Years' imprisonment? Refund? Is theft in the highest
quarters a thing to be let off for refunding?" growls his Majesty;
and will not confirm this sentence of his Criminal-Collegium;
but leaves it till he get to the spot, and see with his own eyes.
Schlubhut, in arrest or mild confinement all this while, ought to
be bethinking himself more than he is!

Once on the spot, judge if the Konigsberg Domain-Kammer had not a
stiff muster to pass; especially if Schlubhut's drill-exercise was
gentle! Schlubhut, summoned to private interview with his Majesty,