It is quite impossible to understand what is happening in
Hungary. The Emperor-King has "accepted the resigna- tion" of Dr. Wekerle, that is, has practical] a dismissed him, though he is in possession of a large Parliamentary majority. His Majesty has further betaken himself to Bada-Pesth, where he is " conferring " with the heads of all parties ; but has decided, it is said, to summon one of two moderate Liberals—Count Beni:fp or Count Khuen-Hedervary. Neither will be able to form a Government except upon the basis of Dr. Wekerle's programme, and the politicians are eagerly seeking the explanation of what seems to be a needless inter- ference. The Hungarians believe that the Emperor has been captured by Austrian Clericals, and are exceedingly irate, but Francis Joseph signed the two important anti- clerical Bills, and is the last man in Europe to risk dis- turbance out of purposeless obstinacy. He is either afraid, we may be sure, of some coming proposal from the Wekerle Ministry, or he feels himself in some way insulted. The Emperor, who will be sixty-six in March next, grows old for a Hapsburg, but there is not even a rumour that his faculties are failing, and if they are not, the "most experienced diplomatist in Europe " will know, if it is necessary, how to give way. There are always arises in the Eastern Empire, brit we never see the Hapsburgs; lest; great tban they were.
Previous page
