Note 46 — Chapter II · THE MAN AT THE HELM.
Kenneth R. H. (Kenneth Robert Henderson) Mackenzie translation
The Austro-Prussian Campaign in Denmark receives so little notice on the part of Bismarck’s biographer, that I shrewdly suspect he does not approve of it as a just act on the part of the hero of this book. Opinions are much divided on the merits of this annexation; in any case, the limit of aggression seems to be too great, as the German party has not dared to appeal for justification to any plébiscite. In the end, when animosities are healed, it must be confessed that substantial benefit may accrue to the new subjects of Prussia. It is worth while in this place to preserve a political squib, extensively posted in the towns of the Duchies during the war; probably rather an instigation of the Austrians, whom it indirectly compliments, than a spontaneous outburst of Danish satire. All the walls were covered with it one fine morning, thus:
“Es giebt nur eine Kaiserstadt, Und die heisst Wien; Es giebt nur ein Räubernest, Und das ist Berlin!”
“There is but one Emperor’s town, that is called Wien; There is but one robbers’ nest, and that is Berlin!”
But perhaps annexation was better than such a kinglet as the Prince of Augustenburg.—K. R. H. M.