The Czar had, at the end of May, transferred his claims to the Duke, and Bismarck now wrote to St.Petersburg that he would also be prepared to support him.

We must not suppose that in doing this he had the slightest intention of allowing the Duke to be successful.

He gained, however, a double advantage.

First of all he pleased the Czar and prevented any difficulties from Russia; secondly, the very fact of a rival candidate coming forward would indefinitely postpone any settlement.

So long as Augustenburg was the only German candidate there was always the danger, as at the Congress of London, that he might suddenly be installed and Bismarck be unable to prevent it.