Personally I have found the Danes so wonderfully
hospitable, that I doubt the truth of the latter
assertion ; and, moreover, I have observed that a
similar complaint is always made in every capital
it has ever been my lot to visit. The former
statement I can readily believe. During the last
fifteen years Denmark has been going through a
social revolution. The free institutions introduced



THE SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN WAR. 239

by the late King transferred the government from
the hands of the aristocratic classes into those of
the bourgeoisie. Since that time the old ruling
class has lived apart in dudgeon, while the new
one has not yet accommodated itself to its altered
position. Very much, too, of the social life of
a little capital like this depends upon the court
The peculiar tastes and the matrimonial relation
of Frederick VIII. practically put a stop to all
court society ; while the new dynasty has entered
on its career amidst circumstances which have in
themselves precluded all idea of such entertain-
ments.
April 29.
Another day has passed, and still we have no
news that the hoped-for armistice has been con-
cluded. Yet we seem to be drifting towards peace.
This morning I received intelligence that the
evacuation of Fredericia and Alsen had been
definitely decided upon, and that the decision was
being carried out as fast as possible. This evening,
small handbills hawked about the streets informed
the public that Fredericia had been abandoned.
