The Crown of Denmark Disposed of by a Conscientious Minister Through a Fraudulent Treaty; With the Treaty of the 8th of May 1852

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853. Excerpt: ... A CROWN DISPOSED OF, &c. Spectatum admissi, risutn teneatis amici? The hereditary principle has ceased to be considered an element of political power; or rather is esteemed one of convulsion; we are a practical nation and draw maxims from events. A consequence of this philosophical habit is an utter indifference to the means by which these are brought about. Whether then an infuriated mob fires a cathedral, or a placid diplomatist upsets a throne, nothing is observed beyond the law of progress, or the habit of office. It is to be hoped at least, that, in the hands of historians, mankind would be instructed in the conduct of those who have the management of public affairs; but again the spirit of generalisation interposes, both explanations are admitted, but interchangeably, the one passing into the other like dissolving views. The Gorgon head of Democracy is presented; and while you are busy tracing its features, each snake transforms itself to a quill. A gorgeous hall arises with an assembled conclave, and while you are recognising the lofty brow of a Metternich, or detecting the flattened cranium of a Thiers, the damask curtains roll into sulphurous clouds, and reveal a captured bastile; either way we have the same result, and secrecy in diplomacy converts history into fable. There arises consequently a craving after dramatic effects: but should foreign states be languid in furnishing them, our Government busies itself in supplying the deficiency: its performances acquire a higher zest by that effectual concealment of the springs and wires, which results from ignorance in the spectators of the very existence of machinery. It is something to see a Queen of Hearts spring out of a bottle; but what is that to witnessing a crown flung into the mud, or a peop...