DEFECT OF THE DANES BY A PRUSSO-AUSTRALIAN ARMY.

Colonist, Volume VII, Issue 677, 22 April 1864, Page 3

DEFECT OF THE DANES BY A PRUSSO-AUSTRALIAN ARMY.

The combined Austrian and Prussian forces crossed the Schleswig frontier on the 31st January. On the Ist of February, a battle was fought at Mirsiinde, where the Prussians attempted to force the passage of the river. After an engagement, which occupied six hours, the Prussians were repulsed with a loss of from three to four hundred, killed and wounded.

At the same time an engagement took place between the Prussian artillery and two Danish screw steamers, off Eckernfiord, resulting in the departure of the ships, and the capture of the town by the Prussians, who proclaimed Prince Frederick of Augustenburg Duke of Schleswig-Holstein. On the 3rd February the Austrians attacked two outposts at Dannewarke, but were repulsed with heavy loss. On the sth the Prussians succeeded in crossing the river, and on the 6th the Austrians advanced upon the city of Schleswig, to prevent the entire army from being cut off. The Danish commander evacuated Schleswig, and the Dannewarke, and fell back towards Fleusburg, pursued by the Austrians, who in the afternoon overtook the Danes, and completely defeated them, after a desperate resistance. [The Dannewarke is an exceedingly strong fortification after the style of Sebastopol. It was armed with 200 rifled Armstrong gunS) an( j wag cons idered impregnable. Ed. Colonist.'] Two other engagements took place on the same day, at Juppeck and Jastedt, and with the same result. The Danes retreated to Fluesburg, but were compelled by the rapid advance of the Austrians to evacuate it on the 9th, retreating to the defences on the east coast, which they still hold. Part of the Prussian forco is now besieging the Danes on the coast at Duppell, a strong position, defending the passage to the Island of Allsen, also held by the Danes. Other portions of the Prussian army pursued the remainder of the Danish army which retreated, northward into Jutland, to

Fortress Frederica. The Prussians crossed the Jutland frontier, and occupied Holding, where they still remain, notwithstanding the remonstrances of England and France. Great indignation was felt at Copenhagen when these disasters became known. The Danish Governments superseded their Commander, and the Ministry promised an-ener-getic prosecution of the war. Orders were issued by the Danish Government for the blockade of German ports, and Danish cruisers had seized the German shipping.

A proposal recently made by England, for a conference of the Powers who signed the Treaty of 1852, for the purpose of endeavouring to arrange these differences, had been accepted by all parties. In answer to the propoßil for a Congress, the King of Denmark had replied in a patriotic address, and the Danish Rigsraad declared that the nation would hold out to the utmost rather than admit the abolition of existing political connections between Schleswig and Denmark. A British association, numbering many Peers and titled ladies, has been formed for the relief of sick and wounded Danish soldiers.

The Austrian Government states that the political bases of the Conference proposed by the British Government are as follows:—

First. —The European powers guarantee the autonomy [right of self-government] and indivisibility of the Duchies. _ Second. —That the territorial arrangements hitherto existing are not to undergo any change.

Austria and Prussia have declared their willingness to adhere in principle to the proposals, provided, however, that the German Diet and France also assent, and that these negociations should not interfere with the present prosecution of hostilities. The Minor German States are offended with the proceedings of Austria and Prussia on the Schleswig-Holstein question, and have resolved to unite against these Powers, and at once to mobilise their armies. A revolution or civil war in Germany is therefore in prospect.

The Prussian Government assert that the operation of the Austro-Prussian troops in Jutland, which is Denmai'k proper, was contrary to orders, but the position, being of strategic importance, will be retained.

Thirteen Austrian ships of war have been sent to sea, to protect Austrian merchant vessels.

On the news of the defeat of the Danish armies arriving in Copenhagen, serious riots ensued. The life of the Danish King was threatened by the mob, who accused him of German sympathies.