Herr von Bismark is evidently of Danton's opinion as to
the political value of audacity. He has actually introduced into the Prussian Chamber a Bill for establishing the Prussian fleet at Kiel, thus as it were annexing that grand port by domestic law. To perceive the full meaning of this proposal it must be remem- bered that Kiel is the port of Holstein, that it belongs in the first place to that duchy, which is not yet annexed to Prussia ; in the second to the Federation ; and in the third to Austria, as joint occupant of the duchy. The Prince of Augustenburg, the Kaiser, and the Diet are therefore all defied at once, and appa- rently the defiance will not be accepted. Austria, it is true, according to a telegraphic report, has ordered her fleet to Kiel, but the Prussian Government keeps scrupulous faith in all pecuniary matters, and it is making contracts both for forts and docks. Clearly Herr von Bismark intends to keep Kiel even at the risk of war, which it is also clear the Austrian Government is unable to risk. The seizure, high-handed as it is, is greatly to the advantage of England, which can now reach both the great German States, Austria in Venice and Trieste, and Prussia at Kiel.
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