The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-09-30


frssen element ia fully able to bear him, he
launches forth boldly aud swiftly across the smooth
| expanse. The war with Denmark was the first
| hestrating steps on the road upon which Bis
| marck has since led his country TO victory and
| greatness. Denmark was little, in0fIensiye coun-
try but 1t possessed In the Bay OF Kiel the harbor
that Prussia needed and consequently nad to be Sc
cured at all hazards. The death Of Frederick VII.
gave the signal OF aggression change In the con-
| stution OF the Danish monarchy furnished the pre-
text and the combined Prussan ana Austrian troops
received orders TO march and to cross the Elder the
little stream that from remotest antiquity has marked
the frontier between Germany ana Denmark, as the
legend above the gate OF Rensburg proclaimed
'Hto ct terminus uapertt Romanorum." Would
Europe suffer this war Of conquests That was the
momentous question Christian TX. had after the
death OF Frederick VII. assembled the Danish throne
In accordance with the provisions OF treaty which
had received the sanction OF the European Powers.
The integrity OF the Danish monarchy had become
stenet (dogma) Ia European international law, and
1t might well be doubted whether Europe would
stand tamey by and suffer Prussia to carry on war
OF conquest against neighb0rinR State which
was too small to threaten the independence OF
any other Power, but whose independence was OF
certain importance, because 1t commanded the
Bets. But the venture succeeded; mutual Jealousies
made the great Powers keep aloof and the conse-
quence was that Denmark succumbed in the un
equal contest, and had to yield up three duchies,
with their numerous deep fords, most Of which
were well adapted for naval ports.
Bismarck had made sure that the ice could bear
and henceiorward he led Prussia forth the beaten
track with calm assurance. IL having appeared
that solemn treaties could either be evaded or ig-
nored the subversion ofthe London treaty was soon
followed by that OF Vienna.
The war In 1864 against Denmark was succeeded
by the Austrian war Of 1866, which overthrow the
German Confederation and made Prussia de racto
the master OF the whole OF Germany which again
after due preparation, led In 1870 TO the war with
France war which, although begun for the main
tenance OF Prussian supremacy in Germany, VIII,
according 10 It's present development. result in the
aggand cement OF Prussia at tile expense OF France,
and in due time In the dissolution OF Austria, and
perhaps In many other great complications In the
European community OF States.
Ia spite OF al tue sympathy which this county en-
and pity SO freely bestowed on the UNHAPPY En-.
peror, one cannot refrain from recognizing In his
untoward rate the hand OF a Nemesis. he, more
more than any other man, was bound by the NapO-
leonic traditions to succor' Denmark when 1t was
attacked IN 1854, but jealousy Of England, under
whose auspices the treaty OF London was signed,
deprived Denmark OF his aid and interference and
he stood passivey by while the foundation was laid
the quarrel began between Prussia and Austria
about the two conquered duches, Scheswig and
Holstein, he again stood aloOf and neglected TO
although he succeeded IN inserting in the peace OF
Prague a clause TO the advantage OF Denmark-the
Since done aught to render it Of n1 nra csSel
Importance TWICE has ne committed the
and Woerth and Forbach, Gravelotte and
Sedan hay, have been the penalties OF his supine
OF the Rhine would have sufllced in 1884
to have stayed the advance OF the Prussians, and
1870 al se
to check the triumphal march Of King William and
Bismarck, and whereas In 1864 France was
yet the first Power in Europe, and Napoleon til
most influential pOtentate the Prussian legOns nave
now with blood obIerated the ancient military
prestige OF France and King William stands now on
agreater height than ever ud the Emperor Nap0-
leon.
But the greater the results Prussia has attained by
her victories, and the quicker she has overthrown
her formidable antagonist, the more credltable ap-
pears the resistance which Denmark made in that
contest which formed the Introduction to all
the subsequent events. Austria succumDed in
few weeks: France has in q similar space
OF time been brought to the verge of despair While
the little Denmark Tor more than six moaths main
tanned an unequal war with two powerful nations.
It is true the Germans employed but small part OF
the power at their command and the naval superb
GRITTY Of the Danes gave them important advantages
over their opponents but though the first invading
force sent into Scheswig comprised but 900 Prus
slams ana 1000 Austrans, II was still twice strong
as tnat which Denmark could oppose to 1t with the
Denmark was totally unable to reinforce her army
when weakened by losses and defeat the whole Of
Germany stood as reserve to I'LL the gaps OF that OF
the invaders. War was declared against Denmark
the LIST or February, and peace was concluded
Danish troops were compelled to fail back
on Dybbol, then mere entrenched neld
seged, during which the indifferent earthworks,
exposed to an incessant fire in front and the flank
dlsmounted, and the defenders compelled to seek
covers at points more distant from their earthworks
third and last parallel Since that day the Prussian
arms have been wreathed with undying laurels
gathered on the bloody and victorious fields Of Sa-
dOwa, FOrbach. Metz and Sedan; out still the "as-
sault on Dybbol," which, compared to subsequent
deeds Of arms, was but trlhing affair, Is proudly
liant episode In their modern war history, and the
German papers OF to-day make frequent illusions to
place In battery before Metz confidently anticipating
the same effect as followed their employment at
Dybbol The fact Is that the assault on Dybbol was
the first victory Of the Germans after long spell OF
peace. For that reason 1t is very precious though
the honor Of 1t Is much due to the defeated but
brave defenders as to the stronger victOrs.
Politically speaking the war OF Denmark may be
said to have been an experiment on the part Of
but bsr was no less trial Of sk and
Waldersee, who made the campaign OF 1854 as major
in Prince Frederick Charles STAR says that serious
doubts were entertained OF the efficiency of the
army after such prolonged time OF peace; doubts
which the PruSslan authorities were anxious to solve
In This campaign. Inc emclency was only gained
step by step, and the dash anG seadiness which the
Prussan troops now display in this present war was
far less conspicuous at the opening OF the Danish
campaign. They improved by degrees, success In
spired sefreance. and a confidence was established
in the Prussian army which largely contributed to
the astounding results OF 1885, and that at the pre-
moment exercises its full influence at every step
the German army advances on the soil Of France.
Both from political and military point the war with
Denmark was the preparatory school for the present
gigantic struggle and the honor which the Prussian
army mas gained by Its victories over Bazalne and
MacMahon are in certain measure due to Its first
six months contest with its little brave and tough
northern antagonist.
ENGLAND.