The Express.
London, England, 1864-07-09 00:00:00

I'
a

THE-WAR IN

(nom ow annum somwormonr.)

XIDDIZZART. JILT 2.

Although I have before deembed SM.routlize of
this district, when treating nt Tat Derr-
theism a slight sketch may now be
Every Englishman has beard about Fyen during
them Duo German troubles. Moat of us regard
the island with anxiety and fear that Abien's fate
may overtake it. Let my courteous reader turn to
a map ef Denmark. Ile will find how narrow is the
strip of salt water which protects Fyen from inva-
sion. The Little Belt northward of Breeds* be-
comes scarcely better than Alasund as a barrier
against powerful armies. First, there is the Fons-
skov peniosnh, approaching Sleswig very near ;
then Reno Island, with only 600 yards between it
and the main. After this is Koldlog Fjord, that
runs beck for some distance, and further on a
slope of Jutland, coming close to Middelfart-halL
From Snoghoi point the distance is but small to
where I sit writing ; and once more, at Strub, a
bend of the coast brings Fredericia within rifle
range of Fyen. Bat why puzzle you by
such lists of unfamiliar 'names ? Those who
care to study an atlas may easily understand
the position ; others will rather wish for some
arootuat of its pictorial aspect.
Few spots are more lovely than Middelfart and
the neighbourhood in summer time. A wide plain
stretches behind us, sloping up towards the north,
where Kathrinebjerg rises to some height. In front
are green fields and hedge rows, with red-roofed
houses at finoglioi. A blue sheet of water winds
away on either hand, forming the plamentest pos-
sible foreground to a charming view. West of the
town is a wooded promontory that has a network of
footpaths and cart tracks. In our rear is,
another reach of the Belt, with Finn
lying, unfortunately, close to both shores ;
the Piano Kale, a little detached islet, being just,
opposite Holding Fjord. Jutland and Fyeu north-
ward
of this fjord are open and cultivated, whilst
the corner of Skew* to its southern side, as also
Reno and Fyen near Rindepard, are thickly'
planted. A richer piece of scenery in a quiet way
than the sound between here and Fenno presents
need not be desired. Clear waves reflect mama et
stately timber. The margin of mod and pebble is
fringed by bushes and wild flowers. There are
bold sweeps in either coast that shut out the dis-
tant en% and an occasional farm or cottage to show
sign of human life. 'Tie sad that haughty
invaders should claim Slew* as their own, threat-
ening its inhabitants with permanent opaques&
Sadder still that Jutland, brave and loyal, is
doomed to pillage. But if an enemy wit foot MI
Fyen, the fairest portion of Denmark will be at his
mercy !
Among dark foliage and shady nooks, oa the
point opposite Snoghoi, throughout Fceno's length
and breadth are grasps of Danish soldiers. They
watch by batteries that lie hidden in waving
corn. They gather busily round cooking fires
which blase where pis-nicking would be truly de-
lightfuL Village and hamlet for miles are filled
with artillery horses, with tumbrils, and cannon.
This end of Fyen is guarded by General Gerlach's
main body, a force respectable in number if report
can be trusted. Not many are seen together, as,
alas, It is necessary that several places should have
garrisons.. Denmark will protest against her
dismemberment in a fresh sacrifice of gallant
fellows if German troops are thrown across
the Belt She can, I fear, only protest, and
a serious attempt to eater ?yen ern have, it is too
probable, but one result Each man will do his
duty--tbe Danes are not accused of film:hi/woven in
Prussia--end then, as bolero, "weight must tail!"
My deep feeling for unhappy Denmark, my long
stay amongst these worthy good-beerted people,
and a strong belief that England has beeelyileserted
them, do not blind me to the utter inequality of
the struggle. If judged by mere sentiment, a mu-
test of dwarf versos giant should terminate in
favour of virtuous smallness. Political enthusiasts
may hold that—

. . . Fn.:knee SSW iss• bogey
Betrantled trout bliedis No ba us,

Thank Wiwi eft, is ewer wee.
I bate some such conacrownem to sustain ma
Yet we must never forget bow Poland fell ! To
stand unmoved whibt a weak ally is trampled down
would savour of historic fatalism And in this
light I regard Europe's present tone. We bow to
" aooomplished facts," whale viewing their accom-
plishment with indifference, when there is a stand
to be made, a limit to be drawn. At one time. it
was just sod fair to praise Danish courage and
pass gently over its material weakness. Public
opinion was required to amulets the melon ear-
nestness of Denmark, and everything betokened
her upsedy rescue. Now, when King Christian
is abandoned along with his subjects to
destrustion, I would not have Englishensa
entertain a &basin hope that our desertion
may leave Denmark sufficiently powerfuL "We
can die with honour," is what can than one
officee! ►as bald out as his only hope. So at Fyso,
sooth to say, there is little ohaaos of suocens,though
a owhinty of stubborn maisienee. That armistice
in May put a finishing drake to the Danish cause ;
it strimgtbened the enemy, and allowed foreign
sympathy to evaporate. What now mews is a'
simple slaughter of men wbo /mow slot when they
are Matsu.
quiet.' ♦ sentry Sr two an di Mist appear upon
their beAterics. Ammon point straight across at
as, Weever, and liruidelfart is nearly depopulated.

JODDRIZART, JOLT 3.

We Tilted Reno yesterday,* party of five Jog-
fish explorers. It was not difficult le get across, li
thankg to our passes from General Gerlach ; and
the Woad in question is so pretty that, without
warlike powihnitim, a trip thither would amply
"way the teeveller. I have already mentioned the
shares for thekwooded beauty, but many culti-
vated acres are found upon Reno. Oottages with
well stocked tower gardens and large farm-yards
vary its pistaresene appearanos. Outside, or towards
Bleseig, is • shallow stretch of water, the bottom
Also* visible for some way, and a shingly beach that
has fringing thickets of underwood. We saw Fon*
Kale, barren and nntenasted, in mid-ohanael, with
the Belt flowing deeply round it. Then thee was
Holding Fjord, lost to sight before reaching the
town, god tress which grew luxuriantly along the
aleawig mast. Our footsteps were watched by a
Danish- offieer, who most properly asked for our
peas cords. He was satisfied that all was in order,
and boiring politely withdrew. Another turn of
the shore brought us up it narrow path, where pre-
sently could be sees • sentry, his rifle at
the "ready," looking anxiously towards on. A brief
parley convinced him that we were friends, and it
we several minutes later when two Danes, follow-
ing LIB at full speed, made the whole party prisceete.
We were glad to find them ao vigilant, and marched
off laughingly, one soldier in front the other behind.
I observed how cautions these honest lads appeared
lest they should be overpowered. The tallest
amongst us came accidentally very near to our fore-
most captor, who elickoi his look is sip