It is probable that this affair would have grown serious,
but, as usual when things go wrong in Austria, the Emperor personally intervened. He rebuked the Commissioner of Police for want of energy, sanctioned the use of the rifle against the mob, and at the same time conveyed to the Companies his opinion that the men were right, and that the hours ought to be reduced. The Town Council was of the same opinion, and fined the Companies £5,000 for breach of contract, and £1,000 for every day of idleness ; and between Emperor and Councillors, the Companies gave way. Work is henceforward to be limited to twelve hours a day. The immediate sub- mission of both men and masters as soon as it was known that the Emperor had personally taken up the matter, is a carious illustration at once of the confidence felt in him, and of the disposition, of which we recently wrote, to make him the universal referee. The people think he is above all "interests," and we are told that even family quarrels and affairs of honour, if they occur among Austrians of sufficient importance to attract his attention, are constantly settled by an intimation of the Emperor's opinion. How much of this deference, which greatly helps to smooth all difficulties in Austria, is due to the Emperor's personality, and how much to his crown, we shall know in the next reign.
Previous page
