The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-07-07

Persecusioa Of the North Schieswig Refugee,
by Prussia.

Persecusiea Of she North schleswig Refugees
by Prussia.
From the London Post, June 20l
We recently published few words telegraphsd TO
from Copenhagen which are calculated to make pain
full impression on the public mind, The Punishment
OF the families OF the North schIeswig refugees has COM
menced We need not stop explain the meaning OF the
communication. II is enough TO say that women and
children are the victims OF this measure Of oppression
Nor We about to refer to considerations of
humanity. Il might be premature TO suggest that
the case should be looked at from eleemosynary
sympathy aows naturally and spontansoasly 10 the
direction indicated. The coduct Of The Prusian govern.
naest wil hare to be examined Ui rerece tntana-
tiona lao. Mercy is not the bond The Poria that
argues wA Bismarck must plead soith her hand on the
The Danish government has rejected the proposal
MADE by Prussia that in the event Of the restoration Of
Northern Schleswg, II should guarantee the national
rights Of the inhabitants Of the province When
the negotiations this abnormal basis opened
showed that such stipulation was nadmissble and IL
is, we understand declined on the ground pointed
out IT. therefore, the proceedings Of which have
received the earliest Information connected with the
decision made known last week, their political sgnif-
must be remarked that while the Prussian government
are carrying out the Luxembourg treaty they evadng
Prague relating to schlesws Nearly year has
elapsed since the agreement was signed. The North
German confederation Ia formed and its constitution s
settled the armies OF Germany TO be commanded by
the King OF Prussia in time OF and only days
ago his Majesty signed customs union with the South
North schleswig have no, been called upon to de-
termine whether they will remain under the Prussan
yoke, return to their allegiance to the Danish
Now, IL Is no secret that although not party to the
treaty Of Prague France very impressively suggested
the insertion of two of its articles, one Of which
forthwith virtually violated and the other is rather
tempuously consigned 10 the limbo of diplomatic pro-
crastinaton The ne OF the Maine Is for all practical
North Schleswig as it might with Iauenburg or Hano-
yer. These Incidents IL they stood alone, would pre-
sent matter for anxious reflection but far from Being
Isolated, they almost lost sight OF in crowd of
hrmatory circumstances
II is incredible that Count Bismarck fails TO see that
Denmark has recovered from the effects Of the blow
which Prussia inflicted upon her at Duppel The Danes
have not "a large landed estate, but what they have
their own. Their title is indsputabe, and they have
appreClabe security to fall back IL may reason
ably be presumed that II any question affecting their in
teres had been discussed at the rueres last week they
The truth doubt is that the question they properly
wish to have resolved not mentioned 10 the pres
ence OF the King OF Prussia; nor If consid-
ought to know how to manage her affairs, and
hitherto she has shaped her course with wonderful
tact and discretion but In this Instance the policy that
displays abusive exercise Of power will hardly
mend itself TO the ordinary judgment Of the world No
one can conceive Denmark has been forgotten or
sacrificed France Is jealous Of her honor, the friend
ship Of Russia Is an abiding possession Those who
seek for the explanation of this high handed coercion
must take comprehensive view of the situation
1t may require statesmanlke provision to appreciate
action that Is apparently provoking puerile
Moreover, should be rec0eced that Prussia has been
checked in her career The rein drawn gently. but
with unmstakable force, and If the feelings which
suppressed and dssembled could be dismissed
ditons comparatively safe at the expense Of Denmark,
the relief Afforded might DO mmeasurably increased by
the revenge 1t included.
II may be hard 10 recognize the completion
Of German unity but with regard North schleswig
a principle Is stake. Nor Is 1t conceivable that
nominal and formal compliance with the terms OF the
treaty would satisfy the conscience Of France. That
possibly, is what Prussia proposes bring about But
the expairiaon Of the families Of the North schleswig
refugees Ia only episode in the drama, which, II
played out to the bttor end may touch the stscepibies
and change the denies Of other and larger nationale'