The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1864-03-09
Affairs In Europe.

Our readers have probably noticed in the
papers for some time past accounts Of the
Holstein controversy, which threatens to
involve all Europe in war. The difficulty
IL between Denmark and the Germans of
Austria and Prussia. A writer has en-
deavored to explain the matter to the un
derstanding Of American minds, and we
give his statement Of the position Of az
fairs:
Denmark has 80, 900 square miles, and
population, at the present time, of about
2 100000 people. In other words. it is one
fifth larger in territory than the State of
Ohio, and about equal in population. 1t
lies entirely on the deep ticic.watcr CULTS,
bags and inlets, Of the North and Baltic
seas. 1t is, therefore, easily defended by
England against all Europe, if she chooses
to do so. The Government of Denmark
has been the most dcspotc 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 lib
eral institutions the country has, arc due to
its monarchs, as is the case with Russia
1t IS for doing just that, that the King of
Denmark has now got himself into d.ffcnl.
ty. There is no dispute about religion for
Denmark is of one opinion. With the cy.
ception of very few Catholics and Jews.
Denmark is Lutheran
What is the matter? 1t is this Holstpin.
snaking about cne-fiith Of Denmark in por-
uiation rs Germsn Progiacp, and some of
the prigaeges Of tie aristocracy are guara,-
iced BY the German Dict. Mind, they doo't
mean by liberty in Europe what we near.
These prigiieges, guaranteed by the German
Diet to the Hoistein noblcsse are cot up in
Germany under the idea that ih>r IIols,e;n
brethren are, as they assume, to be deprived
Of some Of their liberties
But what makes he political controrer-
sy? Is not Holstcn part Of Denmark?
Certainly. No part of Denmark is more a
part of it, or owes it allegiance to the King
more than Ilolstein. Holstein has been a
part of Denmark $50 ycars-the Kings of
Denmark being Dukes Of Ilolstein. Tc
simple minded American this is enough
What right has anybody to interfere
What claim can they set up? Why. by
process of legcrdemain, which exists no
where out OF Germany. 1t is simply this:
Though Holstein is absolutely a part of
Denmark, yet Holstein is also a member of
the Germanic Contederatien-Ho lstein was
a German province; as such, is a member
of the German Diet, and the King of Den
mark actually 1otes IN tie German Diet, as
Duke of Holstein. The German Diet, in
its federal relations, is composed of seven
teen classes, each having one vote. The
tenth class rs Helstein, voting by the King
OF Denmark. In the General Council there
are 60 votes, of which three ere cast by
llolstein through the King Of Denmark
Hence, in this view of the case, it is entire
ly reasonable that the German Confedera
ton should hold the King of Denmark re
sponsible for his federal obligations in re-
gard to Hoistein, if there has been any Vi.
olaton Of them.
But how does that consist with, his soyer
eighty over Holstein, an absolute part of
his dominions =? 1t does not consist at all.
The actual collision has occurred thus
The King Of Denmark has ATTEMPTED TO
give pew constitution, or new laws of
some Sort the details of which we do not
know, to his dominioas, Holstein included.
1t is said that these are in conflict with
privileges guaranteed by the German Diet:
therefore, he calls upon the King of D enmark
10 withdraw bis obnoxious institutions the
King of Denmark won't do it. The Ger.
man Diet says, you shall the King says,
we will see about that. Then the Diet
fumes and irets =. calls out it's contingent.
and marches Saxons, Meck!cnbureers and
Hessians on the EIbe.
In the meantime the Great Powers see
there is likely to be large fire there
Austria is President and Prussia Vice Pre-
sidcn, Of the Confederation. So they step
forward and say, "get cut, you small pup
PIES; we great dogs will settle this qnes-
ticn"
Lloao will they settle it? Hol,te'n is an
amphlbous animal. Will they draw it into
the water Or on to the land? They dare
not take llolstein. from Denmark, for that
would be fatal precedent against the mon.
archs. Besides this, England, as has been
supposed, will not be likely to allow Prussia
to go north of the Elbc. Then, again, there
is Sweden and Russia. But what can thew
do With this ranting GERMAN Diet? Prus-
STA Will control the Diet, while England, AS
the ally of both Prussia and Denmark. will
cook up some sort Of compromise, which
Wi! amuse the Germans, and mean moth.
ing in fact.