The Star has "reason to know" that the fate of
the Duchies has been decided, Prussia having resolved to carry out the annex- ation at all hazards. An "elaborate justification" of this policy has already been drawn up, and will shortly be in circulation. if this statement is correct, such a resolve, taken so soon after the Convention of Gastein, must be dictated by a dread lest Austria by conciliating Hungary should suddenly recover her power of veto upon Prussian annexations. It is much more probable, however, *hat the step has only been resolved on subject to the acquiescence of the Emperor of the French, to secure which Count von Bismark visits Biarritz. For the Duchies themselves this conclusion is a benefit, as they have now all the disadvantages of Prussian rule without its protection, but for Europe it will be another warning that the regime of law has been suspended in favour of that of force.
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