Threatened Revolution in Denmark.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 265, 14 November 1885, Page 7

Threatened Revolution in Denmark.

A. despatch from Copenhagen, Oct. 20th, says the long-continued arbitrary policy of King Christian in refusing to dismiss the Estrupp Cabinet in com-

pliance with the vote of Parliament, and in levying alleged unconstitutional taxes because Parliament refused to vote the budget, has led to a number of serious riots and imposing demonstrations in Copenhagen. The people seem determined that their representatives in Parliament shall have some voice in the affairs of government, and have become so threatening in (their demands that the King has ordered the garrison at Copenhagen to be largely reinforced. The popular manifestations are not confined to Copenhagen alone, but are general throughout Denmark. It is expected that a state of siege will be declared, and it is feared that a revolution will ensue if the King persists in refusing the concession asked by Parliament. A number of political arrests have been made, tending to further incense the^ people, and bloodshed is anticipated.

A desperate attempt was made at 5 o'clock on the afternoon of Oct. 21 to assassinate Premier Estrupp by a youth named Rasmussen, a compositor. He fired two shots from a revolver at the Premier. When in the act of firing a third, shot, the would-be assassin was seized by a couple of detectives, a number of whom have constantly been in attendance on the Premier for some time past, owing to the extreme hatred of the populace towards him and other members of the Cabinet. Rasmussen was hastily taken to prison, the officials fearing that an attempt at a rescue would be made. The first shot struck a button on Herr Estmpp's coat and glanced ofl". The second shot went wide of its mark. Rasmussen declared that his motives were political, as Herr Estmpp's conduct in the present controversy in Denmark was inimical to the State.