There was no authority qualified to decide the legal question; and therefore the question of right was sure to become one of power.

At first, strange as it may seem, the power was on the side of the Danes.

Germany was weak and disunited, the Prussian troops who had been sent to help the rebellion were withdrawn, and the surrender of Olmuetz was fatal to the inhabitants of the Duchies.

The whole question was brought before a European Congress which met at London.

The integrity of the Danish Monarchy was declared to be a European interest; and the Congress of the Powers presumed to determine who should succeed to the ducal and royal power.