On -the 1st inst. the Austrian representative informed the Federal
Diet that all efforts to arrange with Prussia a final settle- ment of the Duchies had proved fruitless, and she consequently rendered" their destiny into the hands of the Diet. General Gablenz had already been ordered to convoke the Estates of Hol- stein, and by their vote and that of the Diet Austria would abide. The Prussian representative replied that the cause of the present complications was not Schleswig-Holstein, but the menacing arma- ments directed by Austria and Saxony against the Prussian fron- tier, and avoided comment upon the convocation of the Estates. It soon became evident, however, that this act had excited deep irritation in Berlin. The Prussian Government instantly an- nounced that it must protect its co-dominion, and occupied every strong point not garrisoned by Austrian soldiers. General Gablenz in return concentrated his troops at Altona, whence he can easily retreat through Hanover, and declared that place the seat of Government, but struck no blow, awaiting orders from Vienna. Up to Friday no shot had actually been fired, but there is strong reason to believe that the Kaiser regards the invasion of Holstein as an act of defiance, and that the war of 1866 may be considered already begun. When it ends most existing maps of Europe may be obsolete.
