The Express.
London, England, 1864-06-14 00:00:00

THE WAR IN DENMARK.

(nox on new

COPENHAGEN, Jun 8.

A lovely morning promises to make this day's
excursion most delightful. Already officials in
uniform are passing through the streets on their
way to the terminus of the Copenhagen and Elsi-
nore Railway. Our special train is to start at half-
past eleven, and the King will assuredly be punc-
tual, so I must make the best of my time, and tell
you very briefly of the impression produced here by
a rumour that a prolongation of the armistice has
been decided on. People say—" Give ua either
peace or war ; anything but this uncertain condition,
which is peace for the German and war for us." A
gentleman arrived from Jutland speaks of the
threats which the invaders have there uttered,
that its inhabitants shall be made to suffer in'
earnest if Denmark venture to renew the struggle
"and the Jutlandere," he adds, "care not what
becomes of themselves, beingonly anxious that their
country should obtain an honourable peace, and
fearful of danger to Copenhagen from the combined
Austro-Prussian squadrons." It is strange how di-
rectly English policy has furthered the schemes of
Germany. From a nervous dread of possible conse-
quences we have been anxious to smother the
Danish question, at any cost, instead of looking it
boldly in the face. And again, we call the Danes
obstinate, because they will not part with their
coveted territory to oblige our government
Nothing has changed in the merits of the so-called
" Sleswig-Holstein " question. An act of robbery
watt committed amid general reprobation. Six
weeks passed away, and our indignant feelings
were met, in solemn conference, by the exulting
insolence of the conquerors. Another six weeks of
fruitless discussion brought England from a sym-
pathetic by-stander to a sulky accomplice, and we
suggested a division of Sleswig, in defiance of our
own well ascertained opinion that the Eider was
Denmark's legitimate frontier. I omit all men-
tion of Holstein, as Englishmen were rather hazy
in their ideas about that duchy, although they knew
that its positim was regulated by the treaty of
1852. The Danes say bitterly, when threatened
with a loss of English sympathy if they fight once
more, "Of what good has sympathy been to 12.1
It lured the nation into abandoning Holstein, en-
couraged it to defend Sleswig, proposed a disgrace-
ful compromise to soothe our enemies, and becomes
estranged if we show reasonable spirit" I always
answer such assertions by pointing out that " Eng-
lead, being a constitutional country, must necessarily
act as the majority wills, and that a sympathetic
majority is difficult to obtain. There are distinct
parties in England about this as about other mat-
ters. The section which counselled retreat and
submission in December would now advise Den-
mark to yield Sleswig, Jutland, anything, every-
thing, for peace ; and her friends who applauded a
bold stand at the Dannewirke, would now come, if
they could, and give Germany a lesson." However
these sentiments may be received, all classes appear
gloomy and dissatisfied with a prolongation of the
existing truce, and are naturally impatient to know
the best or the worst at once.

Julia 9.

The station was gaily decorated and the
engine partly bidden beneath evergreens and
flowers. A glittering assemblage of courtiers and
military men mingled upon the platform with
substantial merchants and railway directors, whilst
outside were hundreds of eager spectators. Pre-
sently some carriages trotted up, whose drivers
were in the court livery of scarlet. The royal party
alighted, amid loud cheers, and took their seats in
the train. There was a pause of a minute or so, to
see that all was clear, and we moved away at a
steady pace on our journey. Crowds that stood
and sat among the trees on the ramparts waved
their caps, their handkerchiefs, their parasols as
we passed—bid us, in fact, a hearty adieu. It was
• great day for Elsinore, though nothing to speak
of in the capital, as no large gathering of citizens
had taken place. At various suburban crossings
were groups of idlers, who bowed and curtseyed
with becoming loyalty when they perceived that
his Majesty was in the train. We passed
through a rich thriving country, plenti-
fully wooded, to the junction for Klein-
penborg, and thence by several stations of more
or less importance, to Elsinore. After quittingtbe
Klampeuborg junction our route lay through
districts hitherto untraversed by passenger trains,
for the present trip was intended to open the new
line. The population had turned out ea noses, in
honour of this great event. Some places had a
considerable concourse of people to meet the King,
and all were enthusiastically loyal. An indistinct
murmur of greeting would be followed by vociferous
applause, as.Chriatian IX. leant out either window,
and gracefully acknowledged the presence of his
lieges. There ware blooming young ladies, dressed
in the newest fashion, that stood smiling at the
windows of the station-masters' houses, or appeared
in some garden along the road. Many a cottage had
its wounded soldier, who saluted our train as best
he was able, and lonely peat-cutters, bare-footed
and rough of aspect, ran curiously to stare at the
unusual intruder. A warmer reception than we
received all down the line need not have been
desired, but a climax was reached at our journey's
end. Woods and fields of the richest green had
succeeded one another to right and left. Pic-
turesque lakes and farms and villages were
thickly scattered by the way ; but for scenery, the
choicest bit was when we approached the Sound,
at Humblebek, and drew up for a moineut
opposite Admiral Dockum's fleet. With trees and
water in charming contrast, a narrow strip of sea
and the Swedish shore beyond, the glimpse over
Humblebek was delightful. Then there were many
merchant vessels drifting becalmed between Den-
mark and Sweden, and in the foreground we had
nine war ships anchored in line. They saluted aa
the train rt./aped, and a detachment of marines
cheered lustily. These had beau sent ashore with
a band of music to receive his Majesty. A very
short time brought us from here to Elsinore.
Thousands had collected round the station, and
Dannebrogs without number fluttered in the air.
A company of National Guards was drawn up at
the entrance. The burgomaster and a deputation
of citizens welcomed the King. There was shouting
and jostling, a hot crowded drive to the harbour,
and • formal meeting with the governor of the
castle, famous in Haslet. I noticed that DODO
cheered more heartily than the crew of a Norwegian
barque near which the illustrious visitors passed,
showing a Scandinavian entente cordiale to be in full
force. The banquet nett occupied public
attention. It was given in • fine roan at
the house of the Shooting Club. There were font
tables sereaged lengthways, sad one that orared