The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-13

The Danish Question.
WASHINGTON CRY, Dec

WASHINGTON CITY, Dec. Ill, 1880.
To TBK EDITOR OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
SIR-As the following lines are written ia vindi-
cstion Of TRUTH and the honor Of my native country,
distinguished by the independent spirit Of its brave
inhabitants, | hope that you will have the kind
ness TO give them place in your widely circulated
paper
In an article headed "Swedcn in 1850" the
New York Tribune OF yesterday insinuates that
Sweden is made subsevient TO the dictation OF
Russia, with regard TO the Danish question. This
insinuaton | do not hesitate 10 repudiate as alto
sether false, and defy the Tribune TO bring forth
single valid evidence in support of
When the aristocratic party, IN 1873, raised the
standard Of revolt in the duches Of Schleswig
and Hosten, against Denmark, then Sweden ,hn jus
ce 10 its honor TO its true interests and To It's duty
10 the common cause OF scandinavian liberty, de-
clsred itself ready TO support Denmark, and pre-
serve the integrity of the Scandinavian dominions
from the encroachment of the German princes,
because these il was, aud not the people, that long
ed for the separation OF the duchies from Denmark
Sill, IL must be- admitted that many Of those, crazy
m,n who constituted the laughabe German Par
lament at Frankfort, and who dishonored the glo-
rions German nation, were blind enough-as the
New York Titbrus yet is-to view the revolt ut
the Duchies as, democratic movement A
contrary and juster view, was, however, enertiia-
I'd OF this subject by the most sagacious poti
tioians Of Sweden, and by myself, as an article Of
mIne inserted IN your paper in the summer OF lsiS
Agreeable to the declarations Of the Swedish
government, above alluded to. force was assem-
bed in the southern part of Sweden. in order TO be
ready 10 march TO the assistance Of Denmark, IL
such assistance should be found necessary; but
negotiations were opened, which al set resulted IN
truce which left the question unsettled This was
a very false step, end IS TO be attributed 10 the
peaceable character Of the GTniAble but feeble king
Of Sweden, and to the shorlsishtedoess of the pig
my statesmen that constituted his councillors.
There YVES no necessity of concluding trucei
sound policy, at that moment, when The whole OF
Europe in the greatest conformation on account
Of the democratic movements IN the western and
southern parts required that sweden and Dsnmirk
should force the dUchies ~ submission, aud Ger
many 20 non. interference. There was DO force
disposable that ~ that time could have checked the
advance 81 united scandinavian army, even to
the very rates Of Berlin; hut pu-illanmIty got the
better ~ The judgment OF the swedish snd Danish
statesmen, and n truce was concluded, which
opened TO Russia and England an opportunity OF
meddng in an affair which Sweden and Den
maxi ought clone tn have decided. Had Gast,vus
Adophrs or Charles MI ~ that time graced The
Swsdi throne, the dignity aud true Interests Of
the Scandinavian kingdoms would no doubt have
been Rloriously aud tnumphantly sustained; but
the present kings Of those countrifs, though not
without merits and virtues, lack that energy OF
character which was necessary IN order TO meet
the emergency with becoming vigor.
Consequently, " is evident that sweden ~ not
msde subsetvient 60 the dictation OF kus-4 IN this
question, hut that lie government is much 20 be
blamed for having allowed that 81 Russia TO reap
the honor, which within its own reach. 10 win.
dicstne, at the TIT moment, the just cause Ut DeI-
mark
/ remain, With all esteem, sir,
Your obtdent servant
q G. n Swrpr.