of Denmark (November, 1863) the Rigsraad at Copenhagen sanctioned a constitution for Schleswig, which would practically have made it a part of the Danish monarchy.

The King gave his assent to it, an act which his successor, Christian IX., ratified.
Now, this action violated the last treaty--that signed by the Powers at London in 1852, which settled the affairs of the Duchies; and Bismarck therefore had strong ground for appealing to the Powers concerned, as also to the German Confederation, against this breach of treaty obligations.

The Powers, especially England and France, sought to set things straight, but the efforts of our Foreign Minister, Lord John Russell, had no effect.

The German Confederation also refused to take any steps about Schleswig as being outside its jurisdiction.

Bismarck next persuaded Austria to help Prussia in defeating Danish designs on that duchy.