New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-02-22
THE WAR EUROPE.

THE WAR IN EUROPE.
| If the Danes, rs is stated in the accounts re-
ceiyed by the Africa, have evacuated the town
of Schleswig and retreated to Flensburg, tteil
power of resistance to the forces Of Austria and
Prussia has been greatly oyeroted. The town
Of Schleswig lies beyond the Dannevirke, the
celebrated line of defense on tho strategic
strength of which the Danes had mainly based
their hope for longer resistance. With The
town of Scbleswig, tho Dannevirke have also
been abandoned, and after four days Of fighting,
Austria and Prussia find themselves virtually L.
possession of one-half of the Duchy of Schleswig.
The capture Of Missunde, where the first en-
gagement in the war took place, by the Prus-
slams, and that Of Friedrichstadt, the strongest
fortress Oh the Elder and the western terminus Of
the Danneyirke, have not yet been announced;
but if the town of Schleswig is in the hands of
the enemy, the question is nc longer whether
Atissunde and Fredriohstadt will fall, bat
whether the troops defending thOse places viii
be allie to escape.
But more discouraging to TIE Danes than the
loss of their strongest defensive line viii be the
news that tie British Government refuses to aid
them. Though Earl Russell may be able TO az
firm that be had never pledged himself to send
assistance to the Danes, it is nevertheless true
that the tone of the English dispatches to the
German Diet, TO Austria and Prussia. and to the
minor German States, has been so.overbearing
and threatening a. to create a general belief in
Europe that England would regard the oceupa-
ton Of Schleswig by Austrian and Prussian
troops as q oasusb bell. England made the great
est efforts to bring about u European coalition,
not only against the demands OF the German
nations but even against tie Austrian and Pru-
sian governments. whose policy is far from hay
ing the approval Of the German people. But
when it was found that Louis Napoleon and the
Emp ror Of Russia could not be persuaded into
such q coalition, the English Government made
haste TO modify It's domincering language, and TO
abandon its belligerent position as it had done
before in its disputes with tho United States and
with Russia.
The most devoted friends whom Denmark
has in Europe are the English Tories. Their
leaders in both Houses Of Parliament, in the
debate on an address TO the Queen, had two
principal charges to bring against Tho Govern
ment; the non-recognition Of the Rebel Con-
federacy, and the non-support OF Denmark.
They rad previously acknowledged that their
interest in the success of the American Rebellion
was based on their desire to witness the over
throw of American Democracy; and the interest
which the Democracy Of Europe begin to show
in tho claims for independence made. by the
Duchies Of sehlesSig and HSls.ein. has inten-
SIZED the sympathies OF the Tories with Den
max. For that Government, while in other
repects il has mado great progress toward
Democratic Institutions, contends in the Schles-
wig-iiolstein question against principle, which
ple--has been recognized By the entire Democ-
racy of Europe.
Louis Napoleon has, on a public occasion,
declared in favor Of non-interyention, and in
England the majority of the press have advo-
Gated the same policy. Ii that policy is adhered
o. the defeat OF the Danes Is certain. Unaided
by any Great Power, they cannot continue their
opposition TO the advance Of the Austrians and
Prussians for any length of time
But one great question remains to be solved.
Austria and Prussia seem still to be willing to
-estore the two Duehies TO the King of Denmark
{ ne viii concede To them separate admins.
ration, and will give guarantees to the other
German States for tho execution OF these con.
'esSions. Such course would excite degree
of hostility between the Governments Of Austria
md Prussia on the one hand and the German
people on the other, such as has never been felt
before. This antagonism is for thu present the
most danSerouselcment in the existing European
ess-.fS,as.1e1HEHExsn19
Tie N. Y. Times, if we have clearly sppre-