CHAPTER XXIII.

THE REIGN OF VICTORIA (_continued_).

The Schleswig-Holstein Question--The Nationalities of Denmark--The Connection between Schleswig and Denmark--The Declaration of 1846--Incorporation of Schleswig with Denmark--The Rebellion and its Suppression--The Protocol of London--Defects of the Arrangement--Danification of the Duchies--A Common Constitution decreed and revoked--The King's Proclamation--Schleswig incorporated in Denmark--Federal Execution voted--Russell's high-handed Diplomacy--Death of Frederick VII.--The Augustenburg Candidate--Austria and Prussia override the Diet--Russell's abortive Conference--The Austrian and Prussian Troops advance--Collapse of the Danes--Russell proposes an Armistice--Russell and M. Bille--France declines to interfere--Possibilities of Swedish and Russian Intervention--The Cabinet divided--An Armistice--A futile Conference--The War resumed--Fate of Denmark is sealed--To whom do the Spoils belong?--Summary of Events in Mexico and North America--Southern Filibusters in Canada--Their Acquittal at Montreal--Excitement in America--The Sentence reversed 353