The action of the British Government in the matter has,
mean- while, become clear. It has not admitted, and will not admit, that the Governments which signed the Treaty of May 8th, 1852, are entitled to talk of -conditions which must be fulfilled before they will keep their word. At the same time, they have to care for the interests of peace in Europe, and they have consequently advised the Danish Government to withdraw, besides the patent affecting Holstein, the Constitution just signed by King Christian, and which, as the Germans say, incorporates Schleswig. The Danes say it does not; but in either case, if the Constitution is withdrawn, Austria and Prussia have no longer a locus standi, and must acknowledge Christian as King of "all" the dominions united under the Danish Crown. If in spite of this great concession they should still attack Denmark, England will have to decide whether an independent but weak nationality is not undergoing violent oppres- sion from without.
