New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-08-06
THR PEACE CONFERENCE OF
VIENNA.

TuR PEACE CONFERENCE OF
VIENNA.
The London Conference for settling tho
Danish question has been followed by the Peace
Conference of Vienna, which held il first sitting
on the Goth Of July In tho proceedings of the
London Conference there was very little on which
the friends Of liberal political principles could
look with anything like satisfaction. True. IT
was an attempt TO avert war by peacesble arbi-
trston; true, France endeavored to obtain
partial recognition Of principle.
which is every year securing more
certainly place among tho fundamental
doctrines of democracy-the principle OF tho
right of every nationality to self-govenmepti
true, concessions made to this principle by
every Power represented at the Conference,
proved that imperoeptibly tho spirit Of the times
is pressing onward, and the wheel Of progress
cannot be turned back. Still. tho aim which
every Power had in view was 30 openly selfish.
or SO strongly liable to suspicion, that tho Pro-
gressive party in Europe and their friends In
this country had little cause TO regret the utter
faiiure Of the Conference.
The Peace Conference Of Vienna will show
an even greater hostility to liberal principles.
II will be plot between three European
monarohies TO curb the spirit Of the DcmOc.
racy of Germany and Denmark. Bismark, the
willy Premier Of Prussia aud tho leading spirit
in this whole war, has never concealed his in.
tention TO break the strength Of tho Democratic
party OF both Denmark and Prussia, and he has
so far shown by his conduct that he has never
for q moment lost sight Of this plan. As success,
exceeding probably his own expectations. has
thus far attended his daring schemes, it Is
reasonable 10 expect that st final treaty he
will not abandon them.
II is not likely that the peace negotiations
will consume much time. The King of Den
mark has already fulfilled that condition to
which Prussia aud Austria attach the greatest
Importance He has removed the Liberal Min
stry and replaced it by one consisting Of rsac-
tionists. This has reooncled to him Prussia
and Austria, and ho will find them ready TO
yield on many other points. AS few more
days will probably apprse US Of tho result Of
the Conference, it would DO useless TO speculate
now. II il, however, safe to predict that tho
entry Of all Denmark into the German Confed-
Grafton will not be decided upon, and IL is al
most certain that Denmark will agree TO the in
dependence Of the German ducbcs Of Sohles-
wig, Holstein. and Lauenburg
1t is a well-knOwn fact that Bismark has
made the utmost efforts TO obtain. as one Of tho
results Of this war, the territorial aggrandize-
ment of Prussia. These efforts have hitherto
been thwsrted by the co'lnter-moves Of other
European Powers; and it is very doubtful
whether, in this particular point, he will be sue
cessful. Perhaps, 70 revenge himself for this
defeat, he treats the authority of the German
Diet with studied contempt. The Duciy Of
Holstein il mostly occupied by Federal
troops, and under the administration Of
Federal Commissioners. Bismark has just
ordered the entry Of Prussian troops into the
city Of Rcndsburg, which was held by 5000
Federal troops The Federal Diet has again
contented itself with a cowardly protest against
this new act Of dcspotic violence. but the Log
islatures Of some Of the minor States will I'M
doubtedly take up the gauntlet which Is 30 def
antly thrown down BY Bismark. Already
the two Chambers of the Kingdom Of Wurtem-
berg have unanimously requested their Govern
ment, in conjunction with other German States,
to oppose this violence with the necessary
means.
The feeling in all the minor States Of Ger
many against Prussia is intense. The moment
the Sohlcswig- Holstein question is definitely
settled, and no danger OF foreign war shall
longer repress the reiormatory movements
among the German people, the agitation for the
establishment Of National Unity Of Germany
will recommence with greater vigor than ever.
This question will very soon become one Of the
most difficult complications in European affairs,
and circumstances may easily arise which will
concentrate upon it the eyes Of the civilized
world Woe to Prussia aud Austria, at least to
their present rulers if Germany should find a
Prince ike Victor Emanuel, who would have
the courage to place himself at the head of the
national movement.