The Sun.
London, England, 1864-05-21 00:00:00

can war would have been of such an extended dara.

tion, or have been waged with such determined
virulence on one side, and resisted with such
invincible perseverance on the other. Still, when
we look at the secondary details of the war in
the North of Europe, the chief thing that strikes
our notice is the want of consideration that pre-

eminently distinguishes the Prussian troops. Apart
from all disputes as to the right or wrong of the
question, there remains this unquestionable fact to
dwell upon, that the nation now so conspicuous in
the attack is unfortunately equally remarkable for'
rapacity and tyranny, in all smaller details and
minor arrangements. It is not at all consistent with
the style and character of modern warfare to carry
on matters in the manner which the Prussians have
done. From the outset we have been shocked at
their encroachments, and dismayed at their into-

lerance, but lately these ruthless aggressors and
pitiless assailants seem to have surpassed them-
selves. It is a scandal to all Europe to witness

hese shameless proceedings and unprincipled tac•

tics, but it would appear that even these extreme
measures will be suffered to take place, and the viola-
tors of the laws of nations allowed to proceed, and
lay waste all before them. It is perfectly monstrous
to contemplate the plans concocted by the German
States and carried out with such scrupulous observ-
ance, whateser obstacle may be interposed. Thus,
when the united efforts of several nations had ar-
ranged a Conference, the least that was expected
was that the primary rules and regulations should
he observed. Instead of this we find there is not
the slightest attempt to affect any compliance with
demands, obeEence to injunctions, or conformity to
proposals. For any real good that the Danes are
deriving from the long talked of mediation
of the great Powers, it might just as well have been
left alone. Indeed, so far as there can be any
satisfaction derivable from the idea of influence, the
whole plan has turned out a desperate failure. No
one who peruses the statements furnished by the
eye-witnesses of the course of action pursued by the
allied armies can persuade himself that any defer-
ence is being paid to our opinion, or attention given
to the indignant expressions that have emanated
from the people of this country. In the first place,
by some ingenious shaft:Eng and dexterous jugglery,
it was so contrived that the armistice should tarn
out of no effect. After it was an openly acknow-
ledged fact that one of the conditions agreed to at
the Conference was that there should be a cessation
to the grievous impositions enforced from the inha•
bitants of Jutland, it is disgraceful to reflect upon
that the Prussians did actually levy contributions
and exact the fulfilment of their demands. Not
satisfied with this, however, the next step wee to
give up the shallow pretence of adhering to the
engagements altogether. When we consider that
Earl ItussELL informed the House the other even-
ing that the armistice certified that the contribu-
tions demanded from the Jutlanders should cease,
and that the armies of the invaders should pay for
all they required, we must confess to being deceived
and misled by the subsequent conduct of the Prus-
sians. All that Lord ELLWBOROUGH said was
strictly true, both in word and deed,.as relates to
their rapacity and cruelty ; his indignant
protest, his manly scorn, and his honest con-
tempt for such underhand ways and unprincipled

actions, were all put to silence and hushed 'ID on
the plea of a period having arrived to the sufferings
and a stop being put to the ev;!,. So far all
might have been well, but hen we hear of
one thing after another wi',',,eh confirms the fears we
began to entertain re 'ording the nothingness and
unworthiness of t!ee truce, we are tempted to believe
that the allies, have gone from bad to worse, and,
not conient with victims in Denmark, they have
made dupes of the parties who have been assisting
at this Conference. No other interpretation can be
put upon the events that have recently transpired,
and it remains to be seen what next step will be taken
by a nation that eclipses all others by its most
unblushing effrontery, while it sets at nought the
recognised principles that actuate civilised nations,
and refuses to concur in any plan for mitigating
the sufferings of a much-tried people, while resort
is herd to the force of arguments instead of the strife
at arms. When the Prussians go on so far as wan-
tonly to destroy property, and to rifle, rob, and
plunder to enrich their own States, it must be said
that they are going back many generations to the
days of barbaric 'warfare, and are forgetting the
prestige that may have been conferred upon their
nation by the deeds of ancestors more amenable to
the influence of reason, justice,
and humanity. Mr.
WHITESIDE the other night very properly called
the notice of the House to these startling facts, and
asked the attention of the Under-Secretary for
Foreign Affairs to the subject. Mr. LAYARD, in
reply, stated that he had seen the reports alluded
to by the hon. and learned gentleman, but he could
not vouch for their accuracy. He also mentioned
that it had been understood that after the armistice
had been agreed upon the levying of contributions
was to cease. It certainly makes very little diffee
rence what is believed, or how much is expected by
our Ministers, for nothing affects the imperious
nature of their friends in Berlin, or moves their im-
practicable resolutions. The dismay and conster-
nation which must fill the minds of our Ministers
when they behold their allies thus wantonly out-
raging public opinion, and provoking grave cons^
quences, doubtless affords a subject for ridicule to
Count TON BIsMARK and his coadjutors. They
fancy themselve quite free and unfettered to follow
the bent of their inclinations, and enjoy the fruits
of their triumph ; but a different day may
en their path from any that they expect or desire.
dawn
It cannot be that Denmark is to be sacrificed, and
all Europe remain quiescent. History might point
out some striking scenes in her antiquated
scroll;
but there are some nations that will not hear
reason, like the infatuated individuals who are
blind to their own interests and deaf to the teach-
ings of friendly advisers and well-wishers, The