New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-01-26
Tnsx PROSPECT or A EUROPEAN



The aspect of European politics is becoming
more and moro warlikc, aud the opinion that
war is inevitable seems 10 be universal. From
all parts of the European continent il is re-
ported that the excitement Is on the increase,
and it is reasonably expected that the first shot
IN Schleswig would be the signal for popular
risings in Hungary, Venetia. the Danubian
Prncipolitics, and probably some other places,
while, ut the same time, it might give an en-
tirely new aspect TO the Polish insuuection.
No Governments VI Europe are more anxious
to avert, il possible, the impending war than
Austria aud Prussia. Both look upon the man
iestatons of the National will OF Germany
with the greatest alarm; for the same spirit
which united the Germans of all parties in the
determination to aid the people of the two
Duchie- of Scheswig- Holstein in their struggle
against the Danes also demands with no less
unenimity. the establishment of a National
German Parliament, with the view Of gradually
forcing both Austria and Prussia to subordinate
themselves 20 the sovereignty Of tho German
Nation. If the German Nation, in their war
for scbleswig- iIolstcin against the Danes,
should carry their point, and establish
their independence, IL would DO the
first triumph OF the German National
ity after long period of humiliation;
and, flushed with victory, Tho people would re-
sumo their struggle for the consummstiou of a
union of all the German States with greater im-
pctuosty and bodness than before The Gov
ernments of Austria and Prussia can feel no
sympathy with tendencies. the realization of
which would naturally deprive them of the rank
OF European Great Powers. II is, therefore, not
surprising that they sympathize much more with
The Government of Denmark than with the pe0-
pie Of the two Duohi.s. They would not heSi-
tate to openly make common cause with the
King of Denmark if they were not afraid that
such an attempt, in the present state Of the
German mind would be political suicide. They
deem il necessary 10 assume sympathy with
the national cause, and thus forestall the ma
tional party.
The twoGoyernments. have. therefore, agreed
to the following plan. They will use their in
Denmark by the Federal Diet a. the Duke Of
Schleswig-H olsten, in accordance with the Lon
don treaty of 1852. But, al the same time the
king is TO give guarantees, that the perpetual
union of the two Duohe-, and their present re-
lation 10 the German Diet remain intact. Thus
the German character OF the two Duchies would
be- preserved and in the King Of Dcnmar., the
two Great Powers Of Germany would Ice suro To
have In the Diet ~ ali times faithful ally
against the unitary tendencies OF the German
people The views Of Austria and Prussia are,
Of course supported BY the King OF Holland,
who rs Grand Duke Of Lu,emburg If member
of the Federal Diet, and has the same reasons
Tor opposing the national aspirations OF the Ger
man people, a. the Princes Of AustriH. Prussia
and Denmark.
The final decision a. to what attitude the
German States are TO assume with regard TO the
Schleswig- lIolsten question belongs legally to
the Federal Diet of Frankfort. Hitherto, Aus
tria and Prusss, when united. have almost
uniformly succeeded in coercng tho minor
Powers into compliance With their diciatiOn.
They have attempted The same coercion in the
schleswig- IIolstein question, and have succeeded
in making all impression upon some Of the
minor courts, for instance thas Of Hanover.
But they see with profound modification that
that The majority Of The minor States appear TO
remain mterriGed by their threats, aud u take
sides with the nation. IL is evident. therefore,,
thst the sessions Of the Federal Diet have thus
become of importance for MI I.uropc.
In order 10 understand the vote of tbs Di-
tnot, a few words on rs composition are ncccs-
sary. Federal affairs. like the IIolsiein qucs-
ton. ere decided b. the "Miu0r Council,
which consist. Of II votes. Austria, Prussia,
Bavaria, Sayony, 'ianoycr, Wudembcr2, lloI-
land Uuxemburg and Lolnbure). Ilolsloin
Cvith Lapenbprg) Baden, Ilesse-Cssscl. Iles,e-
Dsrmsiadt cart one vote each; che 18th vote Is
oat by the gaud-ducal and ducal houses OF Save;
the 18th BY Brunswick and Na--au; the IAN
BY the two Mecklenburgs; the 18Th by Olden-
burg, Anhalt and the two pdncipalitios OF
Swanburg; the iGth by al the other small
princes conformity; The I7I b. ,Ee four free
cities.
The first important question which m, Diet /
hal to decide Vas, whether he Diet should de-
cree an occupation" OF Hostein or "Fcderal
execution" The most determined among the
sympathizcrs with the cause of the two Duclles,
and especially Bavaria, insisted upoN an "occu- !
PATTON because, if the Prince Of Ausui'en- /,
burg was the legitimate Duke, there was no
reason for any sort If execution. Austria and