The Express.
London, England, 1864-02-29 00:00:00

[stamped, id. Additional.)

THE DANISH WAR.

(nom ova Racist cosiosroanzier.)
SONDERBORO. Fa 19.
The outposts at Dybbtil were relieved this morn-
ing,
and for several hours a stream of infantry
poured through the streets towards the bridge of
boats. No drums, and scarcely a bugle, can be
found in a Danish column. On they tramp with
an appearance of earnest business about them,
with faces almost gloomy in their stern, heavy ex-
pression, and showing none of that martial gaiety
so characteristic of the French soldiery—a mass of
strong, broad-chested men, not very tall, though
quite big enough, in coats of every possible shade,
and with caps of different sorts and sizes. This
is a Danish regiment on active service, and they
look just the thing for real work. Not much to
be feared, perhaps, from their swiftness of foot,
but very little likely under any circumstances to
test that quality in flight. The hardships of war
Lave reduced these gallant fellows to great eccen-
tricities of clothing. Some wear huge comforters
aad blankets, others march in wooden shoes, whilst
immense_ gloves of no Reza-
'eider , and 3uiai3iacfcs Paled` to' %rang',
with their reserve .stock of similarly practical I
garments.

Having met .c .very pLeasant company in

brother conewponeentafor two Copenhagen and an
English journal, I went wider their guidance to
General Sliatictima'a headquarters. Ws found the
staircase. crowded by driven from South Sleswig,
who were to be sent home, seam number of carts
used is Abe retreat from the Draniewerkedalsot
now required. Thew poor eoantry folk ant far
from autism for Germarr• rule. They come below
thevrank tote affected by ptafeseers and students
of Kiel or elsewhere. Thoegk not taring to fight
for Desk& sovereignty over their State, they would
never have risen, either now nr in 184 d, if left to
then:melees. It wee a party from Holstein that
made the revolution sixteen years ago, and if Sles-
wig should declare against Eirigetnistian at thr pre-
sent tinle, we know what a wonderful " propaganda "is
a force 'of a hundred thousand men, to the heads
of skilful Austrian officers especially. A large
number of Germanised, it would be incorrect to style
them German soldiers, whose homes en the Eider
were under the enemy's protection, marched quietly
into this position with their Danish emarades. Oa
the retreat it was easy to have fallen back a little
and heed taken. That se few, comparatively
speaking, availed themselves of such a chance is
the best proof, if any- were wanting, that among
all clams, except the gentry, in Sleswig a degree of
contentment revelled which make! this allied in-
vasion the grossest of impositions. There is some-
, thing quite comic, were it not distressing and well-
founded, in the disgust with which their possible
conquest by Germany is regarded =icing the people
of Als, whom Prussia is so desirous to save from
union with Denmark.
During General De bra's absence, to explain'
his evacuation of the Dannewerke, the command
has devolved upon General Litttichars, a favourite
with thtermy, from his wellAnoriva. disposition to
flglit every inch 41 ground' Uri *litter what the
odds. We were kept waiting a short time in a
room filled with clerks and aides-de-camp, until a
shuffling of wooden shoes outside told that the
peasants before named were hurriedly making way
for some great personage. In another minute the
door flew open, and all rose to their feet, as with a
bright haughty glance he stepped among
us, a man of about fifty, with yellow mons-
tachioe, thin hair, and a high narrow
forehead, looking a smart and perhaps
severe but most energetic commander. His tall
figure, drawn to its full height, and the becoming
uniform which he wore, may have given General
Lilttichan a younger aspect than his years will
warrant, but of the character written upon his face
there can be no mistake. This army is fortunate
in having such a chief, even for a few weeks. It
is, however, the common belief that De Mesa will
return before long. So old and distinguished an
officer may prefer to retire from a post in which he
cannot hope for a chance of winning back his
former popularity ; and if such should prove to be
the result, there is no likelihood of any further
change in the command. Having received a bow
from the busy general, which was all that
useless civilians could expect, we were handed
over to his secretary, who gave us the
necessary passes for visiting every Danish position,
and accordingly I sought the earliest opportunity of
exercising this power. There is a snug harbour
here, formed by the entrance of that important
strip of water the Alasund. A vessel can lie secure
from all winds, but will find very scanty means of
discharging cargo. They are moored in several
tiers, with of course an immense amount of shouting
and hauling upon each change of berth. One de-
cided advantage is the absence of tide, which leaves
a ship to ride as quietly as if she were in dock.
Nothing could be more lively than is at this
moment the open space behind the old palace of
Souderborg. First, they have a battery of field-
pieces in reserve. Then a troop of cavalry,
or au artillery team, is usually waiting to cross
the bridge. Soldiers and sailors lounge about off
duty, messengers run hither and thither, staff
officers push their way through the crowd, and a
few bewildered inhabitants stare at the bustling
strangers who have turned this quaint little town
into a camp before the natives had quite realised
that war was declared.

Though I have spoken of but a single bridge,
there are in fact two, very close together : one the
original structure, with its regular pontoons and
toll-house ; the other a temporary addition to the
means of passage, which was certainly needed under
existing circumstances. The second bridge is ex.
trendy solid, being supported by a row of twenty
and thirty ton fishing smacks anchored bead and
stern. These craft are mostly occupied, as usual,
by the owners and their families, whose constant
work it is to keep the cables taut and the roadway
clean. Every rope where it touches the water is fringed
with ice, and several inches of snow are upon the
decks of these bridge boats, so that one did not
envy the guardians their task of keeping things in
order. Very little did they seem to care, it must
be admitted, for either toe or snow, chaffing the
ruseees-by unmercifully, and having an excellent
smell of cooking steaming up their batches. A
tete-du-pont is being hastily constructed on the
Sleewig side, the toll-house pierced for musketry,
and other preparations made in case of the worst.
A fine pared road leads up to the famous position
of Dybbol, the scene of Danish victories in former
days, and destined by all appearances to witness
another bloody struggle between the brave but un-
fortunate Danes and their overwhelming German

[TWOPENCE

invaders. If a nation ever stood gallantly up to
defend its soil in a just canoe and against fearful
odds, that nation is Denmark as represented by
the army of General LUttic.han.
To understand the strength and the weakness of
Dybbol in a military point of view, it must be
known that the Island of Als, or in German maps
Alsen, is to the modern Danes what Anglesey was
to the Druids of old. Driven by their victorious
enemies from the rest of fileserig, the troops of
Christian IX. have retreated to an island with
about the same protection from water for most of
its length as is afforded to Anglesey by the Menai
Straits. At a point, however, opposite Sonderborg
the Alasund is only one hundred and sixty yards
across ; and here is the terrible drawback
of the position. To reach the narrow part of
these straits an enemy must first get possession
of the peninsula which makes so near an approach
towards uniting Ala to the mainland. The penin-
sula rises into a bill at one mile from the shore.
On this hill is Dybbol windmill, and whilst the
Danes hold their forts around the mill, no attack
can be made upon Sonderborg. That a desperate
resistance would be offered to any attempt of the
ltilesmens iiitiardpiarter s eertalii; but they hate
such numbers as will perhaps bear down all opposi-
tion. We scarcely know whether to wish for an
attack or not. The soldiers are anxious to try
conclusions with a hated enemy, but if they should
be beaten no hops would remain of saving Son-
derborg—at least such is the general opinion.

THE POPE AND THE ARCHBISHOP OF

LYONS.

The Muniteur of yesterday contains the following
announcement in large :—"Tbe newspapers
have published a letter addressed to his clergy ou
the 4th of February, by Cardinal de Bonald, Arch-
bishop of Lyorui, reporting the wards uttered by
the Holy bather upon receiving the suns of the
diocese of Lyons, who had gone to Rome in order
to obtain the preservation of the old liturgy of the
Lyonnese church, which it was proposed to modify.
The language attributed to the Sovereign Pontiff,
and the terms is which hit Holiness was said to •
have complairoed of the internation of the Emperor's
government, eppeared very euraordiemry. We learn .
that tho Ambassador of France gt the Holy See
bas expressed to Cardinal Antonelli the painful
astonishment which the perusal'of this document
had caused his. His Eminence, sifter having taken
the orders of the, Pons on this subject, replied to
IL de Pertiges, " that his Holiness bad been struck
with amazement Visit Meanie des mesa) when Car-
dinal de Bonald 's letter 'was placed before bin
that be considered this publication was deplorable ;
and that the indiscretion which did not respect
even the four Walls of the Sovereign Pontiffs cabi-
net was of a kind to deprive him of all liberty of
spirit when be convened with the faithful • that
moreover hit Holiness had requested the Secretary
of State to convey to Mgr. de Bonald the expres-
sion of his annoyance on the subject of this publi-
cation, and that Cardinal Antonelli was preparing
to immediately execute the orders of the Holy
Father."

The Nonidevtadiland Gazette, in one of its
*Aida, after manieg in review the *mama of Eoglaod
from the origin of theDeenemessale muillist to the pummel
day, COMM to the ociediesion that if Germany coutianed to
show that she ie finely resolved to reject all foreign inter.
volition in • questioa which concerns the Costederation
alone, Ragland would take care to abstain from any active
iatervention. Unfortunately," adds that journal, "the
attitude of Germany and of her people is for from inspiring
respect abroad."

A pamphlet, published at Cassel by the Juris-
coasolist Wippermao, adduces arguments to prove that,
according to Medlin:sal and historical right, the duchy of
Lanseburg ought to devolve oa the Greed Duke of Sane
Weimar.

Despatches were sent on S.turday from the Colo-
eiel-onSon to the Governor of Canada.

CLERICAL SUBSCRIPTION. Lorl Amberley's
article oo this subject, published in the /forth British Re-
view; for November, 18b3, has beer separately published by
Mears. lighoomton mad Doggies, with a preface by the
author.

ROYAL Lreserzy Irrsp.—At the anniversary
is 8L James's-hall, this year, his Royal Highness
the Primes et Wales will preitile.

ROYAL ACADIXY or M caw. —A grant of 500/.
per seem will be proposed to parlismeot t6i. enema, that
amount baying been raoommeoded by the Lords of the Trea-
sury, is reply to lAN niernorisl presented to theta from •
large body of professors and amateurs.

PRuPoSED STATUE TO SIR ROWLAND RILL.—
The Mayor of Birmingham has called a meeting for Friday
nazt, to consider the propenty of publicly recognising the
eraineat services of Sir Rowland Hill by the emotion of a
statue in the new Eschaege-buildinp in that town. The
requisition to the Mayor is signed by some of the principal
1110141111•14 and manufacturers, and the bog sad honourable
commence which Sir Ron lead's family have nod with Bir-
mingham is such as to leave little doubt but that the pro-
jee to do him boson will meet with a reepoose.
PROPOSEDNay ROAD PROM SOUTH NIIINOTOW
TO Beutiorn.—Amompt the mangrove soltemai,dileas
.of
which have bees deposited for the ensuing genies
swot for coosidentios, we have noticed cue that is firell7,
if carried out, to improve aid heinesee the offeldisetaral
character of the west sod of Leaden. It is • dings for •
new road, or rather boulevard, to nand the district of
Belgravia and the Cromwell-read and South Keseingtoa
districts. It is by so means • mew idea, as, if we mistake
'sot, it was approved of some years anggoo by the late lamented
Proms Conan, who saw the ezpedweey of a direct ecen-
manication between the above-awned districts It is peo-,
posed to form • boulevard upwards of DO fest wide sad
more than half a mile long. commencing at the east sad of
Poet-street, Belgravespeare, by • headnome apneas*
through as archway, and thesis is • straight lime tea pain
facing the ti Museum, in the Crenwellnad. The
rood is to be lined with handsome attached and detached
mansion as each side. It will be an immense improvement
to the whole of the surrounding district, and nun ems-
mend very general assent. The scheme has cooreerdial ap-
proval, and we shall be glad to lied the prenseare nabled
In.pazinmeat to can oat the aadariakink—Bailder.
THE WOWat. AND COLLECTION OF F. Luc BRIDELL.
—On Friday and Saturday lest the remaining week' and col-
lection of Mr. F. Lee HAW, donned. comprising • •••4•0
of skeane, chiefly made during • tour in Northern Italy,
a few finished pictures, drawien in watercolours, and
capital oopies of oelebroted pictures, were disposed of at
the rooms of Christie, Manna, and Woods; also • few
works in oils and waternlours, by anoint aid gaolers
master; floe engravimp after Turner, books of prints, an
old Fresh missal, armour and arms, porcelain tad
Wedgwood wan, cronsestal objects, old tapestry and
embroidery, artistic nosesories, ornamental furniture, &e,
the whole the property of the F. Ise Beide% aad sold
fee the neat of his widow. The amount realized es -
ceeded 2,3251. The Bridell Gallery, co listing of • series of
the finest pictures of Mr. Bridal, and considered the master-
pens at that great end lamented artist, from the Beres
Mount colleens at Weathaniptoe, was entsequeelv dis-
posed of by the game ametioneera, sod reeliard 3,328!.
SOUTH MIDDLES= VOLrItTEEIA CORPS.—On Fri-
day night, at Beinfeet-boas, Fulham, is promos of
Viscount Resnik Wiesen loggers, 111. r., Colonel
Browelow Knox, 11. P., and a numerous and teatime's's
auditory, Tobin's comedy of the Honeymoon, and Morton's
force al A Register Piz, were performed an excellent style.
The Chief performers were the Hos. Mr. Ae, Colo el
Mosey, Captain Knox, Captain Disney Rnec, Mean.
Gllbert, Weal, Surlieg, Herbert, Morrison, R. Jae?, ice.
Toss AGAPENONI AGAI2I.—A publication ap-
peals to be issued weekly from the Agaprinoss or Abode
of Love, near Taunton. The following are copes of the
two first numbers of the pablicatios :—" The beaidisg of
the Fuel Treason (Rev. rill. 71.-1 declare that thed is ea
a throne of judgment, and that the Lamb that was elan
is in the midst of it. I declare, too, that He has His throne
of judgment is Brother Prime, the was whose same is The
Brno. —Br. biome& The Appenione. 17th Jaa„.180.."
"The Rowdies of the Second Trumpet (Rev. vim
decline that the Gospel church has fallen away from Christ,
and is eat from Rigs by its rejection of His Spirit iv Brother
Priem 1 declare, too, that there is no way by which it
can Tenn to Him hut by its sokeowledgroent of the Holy
Ghost in Brother Friss se its Resurrection sod its Life.
Br. Togo= The Apposes*, 24th Jaa., 1864."