As the war draws near, the efforts of the Kaiser
and King to obtain the support of Germany become more evident. The Austrian representative in the Diet laid the forcible expulsion of Generil Gablenz before the Assembly, and called upon it to order the mobilization of the Federal army within fourteen days, the next step precedent to "execution." The Diet, by a majority of 9 to 6, accepted the proposal ; Austria, Bavaria, Saxony, Hanover, Wurtemburg, Electoral Hesse, Hesse Darmstadt, Nassau, and the 16th Curie voting in the majority ; Prussia, Luxemburg, the Mecklenburgs, the 14th, 15th, and 17th Curie in the minority. The Prussian representative immediately announced that the Con- federation was dissolved, that Prussia would form a new one without Austria, and with herself at the top. Count von Bis- marck had two days before addressed a circular to the smaller
Governments, announcing that all States voting for the Austrian proposal would be guilty of "an act of hostility," and would be considered without more ado to have declared war. States situated amid the Prussian provinces are enjoined to take especial note of this circular. The ground in fact is cleared for action, Austria being supported by Germany, and Prussia by Italy, and each contending openly for the old Imperial Crown.
