Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-04-14
The Austro-Prussian Difficulty.

1t really looks as if the Austro- PruSSian dis
pute were about to eventuate in war.
The real Importance of such a conflict, we
apprehend, is not whether Austria can whip
Prussia, or Uice UerSd-but whether the conflict
is not going to result in such complications as
will compromise the tranquility of the sur
rounding nations. All Germany, it is certain,
will be dragged Into it, TOlens UolenS, with a
fair chance that Italy also will be involved
Whether France would, if she could, be pas
siye spectator, is doubtful, to say the least of
it. In any event, it is clear the whole CONT
nent is once more on the threshold of stirring
events. 1t looks as if another general up
heaval all round were close at hand.
We do not know that there is anything in the
question Immediately at issue to challenge
American sympathy, one way or another -
Austria and Prussia, the two big German
powers, joined hands the other day, to wrest
the Duchies of Schleswg -Holstein from plucky
little Denmark. Prussia now wants to bag the
spOilS entire but Austria, unwilling to be
cheated ont of her share, is going to maintain
her claim by the sword. 1t is thus, to all in-
tents and purposes, mere squabble between
two robbers, and so far as the moral of the
thing is concerned, it makes but little differ
ence which wins.
The Charleston Nelcs is correct, we fancy, in
the opinion that these Duchies are only the Os-
tenSible ground OF strife the real quarrel be-
tweenthe two rival powers being of much older
date. Its origin may be traced in the follow
ing interesting historic sketch by that journal
Carlyle, in his six volumes of Friedrich" gives
minnie insight into the rise and progress of this
International hate aud rivalry The great Frederick
built up Prussia at the expense Of Austria. little
over one hundred years ago Prussia had no voice in
the politics Of Europe. To all intents and purposes
she was mere province Of the German Empire
whereas Austria for many centuries has been at the
head of Germany, and the EmperOrs usually were
elected from the House Of Hapsburg The brilliant
victories of Frederick at once assigned Prussia a
Mace in the foremost rank Of European States
THE German Empire was dissolved by Napoleon
in 1906, and when its several component States
threw off the French yoke, and re-assered their in
dependence in 1888 they formed what has ever since
been known as the German Diet or Confederation
Austria again having the Hegemony-this seemed
matter OF course inasmuch as Austria with her
| non German possessions in Hungary MoldaYia and
Italy) had population equalling, If not exceeding
/ that Of the whole Of Germany. But while large
populations and extensive territorial possessions are
naturally source of strength they form, IN this IN
| stance, great element Of weakness, owing to the
geographical situation Of the component parts, and
| the chronological differences of its peoples. The
gmPle consists Of provinces in Germany ana
ltAlS, OF Hungary, MOldsyia, and Iransylvanla,
~ VI. Donslna and hOraYia-representlng nauonah-
SSt. wusY ainering in race, language, rehglon,
aS S anu character. To frame government Just
anu % % these varied and opposing interests
mas zen 'ns VAN endesyOr Of the cabinet ministers
at vienna during the half century past Austria,
moreover mas but a very small maritime harder
Surrounded on all sides by powerful nations sbe is
under the necessity of guarding h. a,r+asi-a from
tier thus requiring an immense sian S;1ss 800 ,bjs
the more, the outlying provinces he's 49, 49, 49,
marked for loyalty to their Hapsburo soora;ns
and every war in which Austria has bsan S,.-sai
since 1915 in the interest of her German 80
sons has lessened her influence in the Germsp -
Prussia, also, has two or three provinces NOT in
cluded in the German Diet (her share Of the part.
ton of Polandl but far the greater part Of Prussia
is German, and is perhaps more homogeneous in the
several characteristics that 60 to constitute peo.
pie than any other European State Of her size. The
great Frederick, on coming to the throne, formed
the necleus Of q splendid army, which be increased
year after year. and rendered more efficient, tall at
last Prussia became one vast military camp and
this Characteristic has been 30 strongly Impressed
upon the country, and incorporated in her entire