The fate of the German Duchies is not yet settled,
but rumours are flying thick. It is stated that England has recommended the nomination of the Duke of Augnstenburg, that Prussia has offered to restore Danish Schleswig to Denmark if France will consent to her swallowing up the remainder, and that Austria has agreed to consent to annexation provided Glatz, a county in Silesia of 158 square miles, is granted to her in return. None of these rumours -can be relied on, and the first least of all, is it is exactly the story which Junkers would invent to make the Duke of Augustenburg unpopular in Germany. Herr von Bismark, however, has a good deal of time before him, as the Prussian Treasury will not be empty for two years, and till then he can hold the Duchies without much fear of being called to account. It is said that the uncertainties of the position are seriously injuring Holstein.
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