Four of the lesser Powers are directly interested in this
war. Denmark will seek, by alliance with France, to obtain vengeance for Diippel, and the execution of the Treaty of Prague ; Holland, which is under a permanent dread of Count Bismarck, who once stated openly that Holland could bring colonies to Germany, is arming fast ; Belgium fears a breach of her neutrality—which is nearly certain—collects engineers to cut her railways, and gathers her Army at Beverloo ; and Italy will aid any party which can secure her peaceful possession of Rome. Of the great Powers, Austria, unable to move against Germany when threatened by the foreigner, professes neutrality ; Russia remains silent, hoping probably for offers from both sides ; and England, though dis- approving, as Mr. Gladstone hinted on Thursday, of French pre- cipitation, holds for the time determinedly aloof.
