New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-02-06
AUSTRIA AND PRys,A CONFLICT
WITH TIE GERMAN NATION.

The most remarkable feature in the latest ad-
vices from tho European Cor,lncn; Is The haste
with which Austria and Prussia are cndeGyoring
to settle their difference with Denmark. The
rejection Of their ultimatum by Denmark ia fol.
| lowed by n sudden al advance OF thciI troops,
IA though their own existence were at stake.
! The reasons for this extraordinary haste are
clear enough. Austria and Prussia have been
greatly surprised by the conduct of the minor
German States Hitherto these States had uni
formly followed the lead of tho two great Pow
ars. Now they have 80 completely Identified
themselves with the national ASPIRATIONS OF the
German people a 10 threaten Austria and Prus-
sin with much greater danger than the difficulty
with Denmark has cyerdonc. The minor States
desire 10 act IA, the agents Of the German nation,
and thus what has hitherto been mere absir0o-
ion, becomes for the first time in the politics OF
Europe living reality. 1t is this that Austria
and Prussia dread as, in their opinion no les
than in the opinion Of the National German
party. the victory Of the nationality principle in
Germany would seriously interfere with their
present position as Great Powers. Austria, es-
pccaly, in denmcatory notes 10 the minor
German Courts, las contested the competency
OF the Frankfort Diet 10 decide tho succession
question
If European war should grow out of the
difiulfy between Germany and Denmark, III
would be-, on the part Of the German Diet and
Of the German people q war for tho inherent
rights Of people against the pretennOns of
European diplomacy. Austria and Trussia, in
permitting themselves TO be forced 10 ight III
such a war upon the side Of The Germans, would
fight 10 favor Of a principle, which, il carried
out, would lead 10 the sure destruction Of both.
II is natural lhat they should fear such a stale
Of Affairs more than falling DOT with the
Frankfort Diet They think that Denmark may
find powerful friends, but that this is much less
Dsely TO happen with the Federal Diet.
Their plan, as Ear IA vs can infer from the
last sdylces, was 20 bring, in conjunction with
England, such an amount of diplomatic inhu-
once to bear upon Denmark as to induce her TO !
withdraw tho obnoxious constitution, then 10
conclude peace, TO recognize King Christian TX.
as Duke Of Schleswig and Holstein, aud treat
the decision Of tho Federal Diet with sovereign
contempt Tho English Government does not
seem to us altogether opposed to this plan; for,
although we learn By the Arabia's advices that
English artillery has been sent TO Copenhagen,
tho English Cabinet has repeatedly disapprovcd
the Danish Constitution, to which Austria aud
Prussia object and has advised Denmark to TO-
peal it.
Tho important question now nrises--will the
Federal Diet attempt any improvement Of it,
dccrocs IN cnso Austria and Prussia openly re-
fuse TO comply with theml II there were
German Parliament which controlled tho de-
clsion of the Diet, this question would be
promptly decided against the two Great
Powers. Several significant Indications of
the popular seutlmont on this subject
have been recently given. The Chamber
vf Deputies Of Tho Kingdom of Wur.
tomborg, on January so, unanimously passed q
resolution TIM, the Army Of wur,aniberg DO at
once placed GU . war footing. and a osr,aln