The extraordinary difficulties with which the Emperor of Austria has
to contend in his composite Empire are well illustrated by an incident which occurred on the 12th inst. Dr. Strossmayer, Bishop of Diakovar, in Croatia, is the richest, the ablest, and the most Nationalist person in his province. Though a man of low origin, he is very learned, and was perhaps the most resolute opponent of the doctrine of Papal infallibility. He has Russian leanings, and recently sent a public telegram to Kieft praying for " blessings on the universal mission which God had designed Russia to fulfil in the world." The message was considered almost treasonable, and on the 12th inst., during a Levee held by the Emperor, his Majesty publicly reprimanded him as "guilty of a culpable step against the Church and the State." The Bishop only replied, "My conscience is clear ;" but the Croat Nationalists are all on his side, and it is believed that the Papacy will find it necessary to appoint him a coadjutor. One-third at least of the people of the Dual Empire will sympathise with the Bishop,—the main reason for doubting whether Austria, while compromise is possible, will ever risk a serious war with Russia.
