The Post affirms that the British Government, accepting accom- plished
facts, has proposed an armistice on the basis of the evacua- tion of Schleswig by the Danes—Alsen excepted—and a conference. We can scarcely believe that the Government will thus play into German hands. The armistice leaves the two Powers in full pos- session, while the conference must either repeal the Treaty of 1852, thus registering the success of open violence in annulling formal engagements, or repeat that treaty, to be again set at naught. On the other hand, the invaders are not likely to listen to a proposal which would at once excite throughout Germany a belief that the two Powers intended to cede back the Duchies to Denmark, and so induce the Diet to advance its troops once more. The British Government, doubtless, desires peace, all the more because the French Emperor is said to be concentrating troops at Sarbruck; but the way to secure peace is to adopt Earl Grey's suggestion, and offer to Austria the clear alternative of quitting either Schleswig or Venetia.
