The Sun.
London, England, 1866-10-04 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSD.II, OCTOBER 4, 1866.

As might have been expected the protest of the
King of HANovER has not produced a very favour-
able impression in Prussia, and of course those who
criticise it are eager to declare that it is of no con-
sequence. The Provincial Correspondenz states
that the protest in question will not affect the course
of events. " His MAJESTY," declares that journal,
" would have given a greater proof of his sagacity,
and of his love for his former subjects, if he had
decided upon calming the consciences of the timid
by absolving them from the oath of allegiance to
his person.". Can anything be more absurd
than this ? It is bad enough for the Prus-
sians to insist upon seizing those places with-
out their likewise expecting those who are de-
prived of their rights to acquiesce in the hard mea-
sures dealt out to them. Ilanover has shown a
spirit that is a welcome contrast to the tame man-
ner in which some of the other German States have
conducted matters ; and we suppose on that account
it has drawn down upon it the special wrath of the
magnates of Berlin. The officials in high places
ACM fin lit.Q mti tl eye eaLqsg jaNusw gI I 1.-
LIAM in all directions are doing their utmost to make
the sway of Prussia as unpopular in its working
ay s the least
as it is manifestly unjust it;
',51-it,'-antt-b—ne *that cannot possibly profit them in
the long run ; but such is the arrogance of the
Prussians that they can never show any considera-
tion or generosity to those whom circumstances
have put under their rule. We recognise in the
protest of the King of HasovEu a perfectly just
proceeding, and one that is fully borne out by all
that has occurred since the commencement of the
late war. It is a very dignified expression of feeling
on the part of an injured Sovereign and an op-
pressed people, and as such it will be considered by
all who understand its meaning. Even those who
are deluded into the belief that the changes now
being so extensively made are for the real interest of
Germany must feel the hardships which have been
inflicted on this royal family, and also on the people
who have so long been under their sway ; while
those who fully realise the meaning of the affair
must know that a great wrong has been done, and
a deep injury inflicted for which no compensatory
gain can anywhere be found. It seems quite idle
to entertain a hope that when things settle down a
little the sway of the Prussians
and that they may endeavour to
more to the feelings and wishes of the
naadya pbpteeomploed. themselvesfi
No
modified,
indication whatever has been given that can justify
any one in prophesying such a result as likely to
take place ; and we have only got to look forward
to that series of wrongs and oppressions which
has for so long been a characteristic of Prussian rule.
Another notable instance of the crafty manner in
which the Berlin Government conduetmatters may
be seen in the course pursued respecting
pro-
posed cession of parts of the Duchies of Schthleem
v
ig.
Holstein to their original owners. The Prussian
Chambers were closed before the corni,letion of the
bill enacting the annexation of the Duchies. This
has been taken advantage of to put off the settle-
ment in question, more especially as it is argued on
the ground that the committee on the bill
recorn-
mewled the throwing out of the provision relating
to this cession. Such shameful wavering and uncer-
tainty of conduct is quite out of character when we
remember that the subject is mentioned in the
Treaty lately drawn up. What makes the matter
worse is, that the relinquishment of such small por-
tions of territory cannot possibly affect a nation
which has just acquired so considerable an addition
to her territories ; and, therefore, it must be from
sheer unwillingness to give up anything, and
thorough contempt for public opinion, that the
Government of Berlin conduct themselves thus.
We find that the irritation which has reigned in
Pa-is during the whole course of the German
War has not yet subsided ; and, indeed,
shows no symptoms of doing so. In some
respects, indeed, the feeling of indignation
seems stronger, probably on account of the reckless
Course pursued by the Prussians. The Circular of
the Marquisde
LAVALETTE does not appear to
have occasioned the same satisfaction in his own
country that it did in Prussia. We learn from the
Prussian despatch, in reply to this famous commu-
nication, that the KING has derived great gratifica-
tion from its contents, and that his MAJESTY re-
cognises in it the wisdom of the French EMPEROR,
the prompt and
wthielichmostt:lrieffiai
to whom Europe "is indebted for
satisfactory solution of one
and one which cult of questions,
tened to throw the entire Continent into con-
fusion." This means, we suppose, that Prussia has
been permitted for the pre4eut
carry 94 her