union, Germany joined the war. It is true that it is
now proposed in the new Constitution for Germany to consent to the
separation of Schleswig and Holstein, although last year the Frankfort
Parliament had desired the incorporation of Schleswig into Germany
with Holstein; but the question for Germany is now not to begin a war,
but to close one by a lasting peace. In this she has, in the Queen's
opinion, a right and a duty to see that the independence of Schleswig
is secured before she abandons that country. The comparison with
Saxony does not hold good for a moment, for the Schleswig Revolution
was not directed against the Duke, but against the King of Denmark,
who invaded the rights of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein; the
assistance of Prussia could therefore not be given to Denmark, but to
Schleswig-Holstein. The case of Hungary has neither any similitude.
Hungary is not to be torn from its connection with the German States
by the Austrian Government, but just the reverse.

Lord Palmerston cannot be more anxious for a speedy termination of the
Danish war than the Queen is, but she thinks that the mediation will
not effect this as long as the mediating power merely watches which
of the two parties is in the greatest difficulties for the moment, and
urges it to give way; but by a careful and anxious discovery of the
rights of the question and a steady adherence to the recommendation
that what is right and fair ought to be done. The cause of the
war having been the unlawful attempt to incorporate Schleswig into
Denmark, the peace cannot be lasting unless it contains sufficient
guarantees against the resumption of that scheme.[15]

[Footnote 14: Schleswig had been claimed by Germany as an
integral part of her territory, and a war between Germany and
Denmark was in progress.]

[Footnote 15: In reply, Lord Palmerston expressed entire
concurrence in the justice of the principles which the Queen
indicated as being those which ought to guide a mediating
Power.]

[Pageheading: PROPOSED VISIT TO IRELAND]

_Lord John Russell to the Earl of Clarendon._

_23rd June 1849._

I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that I have received
the Queen's commands to acquaint you that Her Majesty hopes to be able
in the course of the present summer to fulfil the intention, which you
are aware she has long entertained, of a visit to Ireland. The general
distress unfortunately still prevale