Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1864-02-26
AFFAIRSIxrIrRnrE.

Our readers have probably noticed in III
papers for some time past accounts Of tn
Molstein controversy, which threatens to in
volve all Europe in war. The difficulty
between Denmark and the Germans Of Au;
iria and Prussia. A writer has endeavore,
to explain the matter TO the understanding 0
American minds, and we give his statemen
Of the position Of affairs:
Denmark has 1000 square miles, and
population, at the present time, of abou
2,4cO, 600 people. In other words, it is on
fifth larger in territory than the State o
Ohio, and about equal in population. 1t ie
entirely on the deep tide water, CULTS, bay.
and inlcts, Of the North and Baltic Seas
1t is, therefore, easily defended by England
against all Europe, il she chooses to do so
The Government of Denmark has been tht
most despotic in Europe, but it should be
mentioned to the credit Of its Kings, that
they have been two centuries trying to make
it better, and whatever liberal institutions
the country has, are due to its monarchs as
is the case with Russia. II is for doing just
that, that the King Of Denmark has now got
himself into difficulty. There is no dispute
about religion, for Denmark is Of one opinion.
With the exception of very few Catholics
and Jews, Denmark is Lutheran.
What is the matter? 1t is this lfolstein,
making about one. fifth Of Denmark in popu-
lation isu German Proriace, and some eth
privileges ct tile dristocracy are guorasteea
By the German Diet. Mind they don't mean
by liberty in Europe, what we mean. These
pririteges, guaranteed by the German Diet to
the Holstein noblesse, are got up in Germany
under the idea that their lIolstein brethren
are. as they assume, to be deprived Of some
Of their liberties
But what makes the political controversy !?
Is not Hoistein part Of Denmark Ger
tanlr. No part Of Denmark is more part
of it, or owes its allegiance to the King more
than lIolsten. lIolstein has been part of
Denmark $50 years-the Kings Of Denmark
being Dukes Of iIolstein. 10 simple mind.
cd American this is enough. What right
has anybody to interfereg What claim can
they set up? Why, by process of ieger-
deiaain, which exists nowhere out of Ger
,aany. IT is simply this Though Holstein
is absolutely part of Denmark, yet Holstein
is also a member of the Germanic Conte7er-
alton -lIolstcin was German province; as
such. is member Of the German Diet, and
the King OF Denmark actually rotes in the
German Diet, as Duke Of Holstein. The
German Diet, in its federal relations, is COM
posed of seventeen classes-each having one
vote. The tentta class is ITolstein, voting by
the King Of Denmark. In the General Coun- /
Gil there are 60 votes, of " tich three are cast
BY Holstein through the King of Denmark.
Hence, in this view of the Case, it is entirely |
reasonable that the German Confederation .
should hold the King of Denmark responsi- !
blc for his federal Obligations in regard to .
liolstein, If there has been any violation of
them.
But how does that consist with his sover.
eignty over lolSten, as an absolute part of
us doMlEsonS J. Ii does not consist at all
The actual collision has occurred thus: The
A'ng OF Denmark t.as attempted TO give a
new constitution, or rev laws Of some sort,
nc details OF which We do not know, to his
iomlnions, lolstein included 1t is said that
lhese are in conflict with privileges guaran-
Ieeu by the German Diet; therefore, calls
upon the King Of Denmark to withdraw his
esnoA'sus institutions the King of Den
"sark wont do it. The German Diet says,
You shall; the King says, We will see about
that. Then the Diet fumes and frets-calls .
out its contingent, and marches Saxons,
Mccklenburghers and Hessans on the Elbe.
In the meantime the Great Powers sec
there is likely to be a lare fire there. Aus
'ria is President and Prussia Vice President
" the Confederation. So they step forward
and say, get out, you small puppies; We
great dogs will settle this question"
New will they settle il? Holstein is an
amphbious animal VIII they draw it into
the water or on TO the land. They dare no,
take llolstein from Denmark, for that would
be fatal precedent against the monarchs-
BESIDES this, England, as has been supposed,
would not be likely to allow Prussia to go
north of the Elbe. Then, again, there is
Sweden and Russia. But what can they do
with this ranting German Diet? Prussia
will control the Dict, while England, as the
ally OF both Prussia and Denmark, will cook
up some sort Of a compromise, which will
nnusc the Germans, and mean nothing in
fact