New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-12-05
A NEW COMPLICATION IN EURO
pEAN POLITICS.

The death OF the King, Frederic VII, OF
Denmark, greatly adds to the political compli-
cations of Europe, and may hasten a crisis.
TIE late king had no children, and the throne
consequently had 20 devolvo upon the next oil
kin. in accordance with the law OF succession.
This law, however, ia itself q matter OF contro'
yersy between the Danes on the one hand, and
the Germans Of the Dutchies Of Schleswig and
Holsten on the other, and hence arises. what
Europe has not seen for long time, a case Of
disputed succession.
In Denmark proper, in accordance with the
Ler R,gia promulgated two centuries ago, the
crown Of the monarchy ia transmssible to fe-
males. In Schleswig and IIols'ein, on the con-
trary, in common with the rest of Germany,
the Sale law prevails, according TO which the
crown can only descend to heirs male. Accord
ing 10 the former law, Prince Christian. the
father Of the Princess Of Wales, is the lawful
successor in Denmark proper; according TO the
Sale law, the Prince Of Augustenburg would be
entitled TO succeed in Schleswg and lIolstcin.
In order to prevent the evil Of disputed
succession, Conference Of the Grand Powers
was held in 1852 in London, at which 1t was
agreed by England, France, Russia, Austria,
Prussia and Sweden, that Prince Christian
should succeed in all the Danish Possessions,
but that hereafter the Sale Law should regulate
the succession. In consequence OF the proyi-
sions of this Conference, Prince Christian las
been proclaimed by the Danes not only King Of
Denmark but also Duke of Schleswig Ilolstein
The Germans Of these two Duchies, however
maintain that foreign Powers have no right 10
dispose OF them; that any alteration in the right
of succession TO be valid, requires the assent Of
the Diets Of the two Duchios and of the Federal
Diet Of Germany; that neither Of these two
bodies has given its assent; that, consequently,
the claim OF the Prince OF Augustcnburg to
succeed King Frederic as Duke of Schleswig
and Holstein remains unimpaircd
We learn by the latest advices from Europe,
that the Prince Of Augustenburg has bcenrecog-
nized as Duke Of Schleswig- IIolstcn by the
Duke Of Saxe-Coburg and other German soye-
reigns, though Austria and Prussia have not yet
declared themselves. Amccting of leadingmen
of tho the two Duchics has been held, and called
upon the Prince Of AuguStenburg TO place him
self at the head Of the people. The Prince, in
his turn, has Issued q proclamation to the people
Of the Duchies, declaring his assumption Of the
Government, and pronouncing further Danish
rule as usurpation. IIc appeals TO the German
Federation to protect him in his rights.
The settlement Of the question will now de-
pend upon the decision that may be taken by
the Federal Diet Of Germany. If it supports the
claims Of the Prince Of Augustenburg, and aids
him in taking possession Of the Duchics hostili.
ties with the united Scandinavian kingdoms
appear to be- unavoidable. In such case there
would DO u strong inclination o9 several of the
grand Powers Of Europe to take an active part
in the war;
A curious incident in this new European COM
plcation is the conflict of interests which il is
likely to produce in the Royal family of England
The Princess Of Wales is tho daughter of the
present King Of Denmark. The brother-in-law
Of Queen Victoria, tho Duke of Coburg, leads
tho German party. The Crown Princess of
Prussia must be presumed to lean toward the
same party. In the ordinary course of things
the Prince Of Wales must be expected to take