The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1864-04-09

As the Spring opens, the horizon Of Europe
darkens. The invasion of Jutland by the Ger
man Confederates presents the Danish question
In q more threatening phase. This peninsula is
q portion of the old realm of Denmark. The
Germans, having occupied both Schleswig and
Holstein, with the exception of the island of
Alsen, are now pushing the war into a territory
to which they have no claim, and menace the
little kingdom with ~subjugation. Against this
movement France and England protest they fear
that ii the Germans succeed in conquering Jut-
land, the peninsula will be held by the invaders
on account of Its commanding p~ositiOn.f Eng
land, especially, breads the increase of the Ger
man power In the Baltic, and cannot quietly look
on while such q base for commercial and naval
development is wrested from the Danish King.
Napoleon's coveted opportunity has arrived. He
could not prudently interfere IN q quarrel be-
tween the Federal Diet and the King of Denmark
over the Duchies while IL was notorious that the
people Of those Duchies were in full sympathy
with the German Confederation but he can,
with reason, offer TO prevent the extinguishment
Of the old scandinavian Kingdom, and be as
Cred of the support of the French nation Re
cent adyices state that the remonstrance addressed
by the Emperor to Prussia is less warlike in tone
than Earl Russells protest, but there is a general
conviction that the milder document means action
and q prevailing doubt as to the loud talk of
England signifying anything more than the blus-
ter of diplomacy. The difference between the
two Western Powers is, that Napoleon generally
talks most pacifcally when he is about to strike,
while Earl Russell frequently threatens, and re-
treats when the question is referred to the arbi-
trament of the sword. Besides, 1t is the convic-
ton of Europe that England desires peace, for
the sake of commercial gain, and Napoleon needs
war to sustain himself and execute his ambitious
designs. The remoustrance sent from Paris TO
Berlin indicates that Napoleon will take the mi
tiatiye IN sustaining Denmark against German
encroachments. Such q contest will crafty the
French army and enlist the sympathies of a ma
jority of the nation. Since BulOw's massacre of
the French fugitives from Waterloo the French
and Prussians have not met on the battlefield,
and tradition has kept alive the desire to punish
the foe who so terribly abused their advantage in
1915. Ever since the fall of the first Napoleon
there has been a keen rivalry between the mill
tary systems favored at Berlin and Paris, a lively
discussion of the comparative merits OF the Prus-
sian and French troops, and a thinly disguised
desire To test these questions in actual conflict.
The military pride of Prussia will not permit her
10 acknowledge the superiority of France in the
field, though the latter has greater resources for
war. Backed by Austria and all the minor
States of Germany, it is not surprising that the
court of Berlin adheres to the design of invad-
ing Jutland, Notwithstanding the warning re-
ceived from Paris.
Events and athnities are rapidly ranging the
Powers of Europe in hostile camps. If Napoleon
moves an army to the Rhine and gives the signal,
the tremendous shock will follow. France, Eng
land, Italy, Denmark and Sweden will be opposed
10 Austria, Prussia, the minor States ofsiermany
and, ultimately, Russia for we do not suppose
The central Powers of Europe would invite this
conflict without some assurance of the support OF
the Car War will rage from the Baltic to the
.AdrIatic, and from the Danube to The Rhine.
The Italians will attempt to add Venetia to their
kingdom and give abundant employment 10 the
Austrian army IN that quarter. The English
will probably go directly to the relief of Dem
mark and operate against the German forces in
Jutland for in that quarte- the English heet
could render most service, and their commercial
interests be most obviously served by sustaining
the Danes. England must look after the shop.
There also, the ships and soldiers of Sweden would
be available against the Germans, unless the Rus
slams should give the countrymen of the great
Gustayus emf loyment nearer home. The advance
uf n French army from the Rhine toward the
historic fields of Germany would compel the
concentration of the hosts of central Europe
and there would occur the battles destined to
have decisive influence upon the fortunes of the
war. France has not now the advantage of the
first Napoleon's genius for command. and the
conditions of the conflict would be more equal.
Unless some military genius be developed ~ the
war, there is not likely to be either a Jena or an
Austerlitz for either belligerent.
We watch the progress of warlike indications
IN Europe with anxious eyes, chiefly because of
the important influence a general conflict on that
continent must exercise upon American affairs.
War in Europe signifies 10 US Exemption from
foreign interference on this continent, increased
immigration, increased influx of capital for in
gestment, and the rapid revival of our ommerce.
Our sky b~rightens as that of the Old World be-
comes overcast by thunder clouds, and we become
strong and confident of triumph as those who
Knocked us In the hour of our calamity and Ia
bored for our destruction see the storm about to