, 1874-04-08

The execution of the FIFTH Article ofthe Prague Treaty.
We do not imagine in Denmark that because two
Princes shake friendly hands, or are exchanging
mutual c%ivilities, we shall therefore see acknowledged
Tomorrow a claim pertinacieusly resisted for nearly
fen wears though formally recognised in a solemn
treaty we know too well, by bitter experiences
the realistic turn OF this period Ct blood and
iron'' to indulge in such Illusions. But on the
other hand, the cordial friendship exhibited toe Dan
ish Prince is of very little worth if it be not accom-
panied BY the intention to do, when circumstances
permit, Justice to the political claims of MANNED Dem
mark. We do not expect to see Prince Bismarck
rush into preparations for a pl6bjscite in Schles-
wig because the two Heirs App trent have smoked a
confidential cigar together but neither can we persuade
ourselves to believe that behind this friendly manner
is hidden the intention to set at nought an internation-
al obligation undertaken by a Treaty. of the highest
importance for Germany. Just nov public opinion
in Germany is in high gle that the BishJp of Stras-
burg has declared his submission to the Treaty OF
Frankfort, and ackn0w edged its perfect validity;
thew see in this concession a more than sufficient
CONFERENCE.-THE 10 all the protests of the Alsdtians and
L0tharjn yjlns 50 mtltdroItiy formulated by their
spokesman in the R~eiclslag, and profess their own
deep respect for that is for every other Urea by
which t ler new Empire has been built up. Well,
but how, then, we Danes think we have a right to
ask. is this respect for a Treaty to be reconciled with
the scornfnI neglect shown to the fifth Article of the
Prague Treaty, or are the pacts entered into BY Ger
many only to BE- executed when they confer benefits,
not when they impose obligations ? Depend upon il
lust as he Danish question was several wears ago
Justly desi gnatad by Lord Pllmerston as the match
that would kjndIe a huge lime, SO the non-exacu-
ton ofthe fifth Article aud the refusal to restore to
Denmark the Danish part OF Schleswig will remain an
open sore in tn side Of powerful Germany, a W ak
SCOT in her strong armour, a blot upon her shield. and
will some dty beco ne a vital question nor will any
real reconC liaton be possible between the nations
or between the Royal houses before that question has
been definitely settled in a just and equitable man
ner.
hear from good sources that in his converse
tons with the Danish Crown Prince the German
Chancellor stated the interest with which he had
followed the later development Of domestic Danish
policy and the struggles between the Ministry
and the Radical party which commands a small
majority in the Second Chamber. When, in last
October the Opposition refused to consider the
Budget presented to the K gsIa5 and compelled
the Ministry to dissolve the Folk thing or Second
Chamber. the Danish Minister in Berlin was as
sured by Prince Bismarck of the deep interest he
took in the contest, and If his undivided sympa-
thy with the Kings Government in their resis-
lance to the preteusions of extreme democracy
and Of mere numbers the Prince has now
expressed the same views in a still m ore impressive
form. As for the Parliamentary struggle itself, it
is still going on, but in Il considerably altered
shape, and in Il much less acute form; there is
an acceptable form, and that the Session will be
listing coming to amy serious outburst. \ fort
night hence it will be possible to state with some
certainty the chances for the future