2 JUNE 1894, Page 1

TheEmperor of Austria appears for the moment to have yielded

to clerical influence. After long discussions with the Hungarian Premier, he has declined to create Magnates in order to pass the Civil Marriage Bill, and Dr. Wekerle has resigned. It is believed that this decision will produce a great explosion of Hungarian Separatist feeling, as it is universally attributed to " Austrian influence," tut this may turn out a mistake. Negotiations are still going on, and the Magyars who govern Hungary have genuine political instinct, and will not quarrel finally with the Haps- burgs. The question at issue does not involve religion, as the necessary concession has been made in many Catholic countries, and some compromise will almost undoubtedly be found. The Emperor has given way to Hungary often enough to know the road, and the clericals will not risk an Anti-Establishment agitation. The immediate result is, nevertheless, a little singular, as the Emperor-King was understood to believe that he had found in Dr. Wekerle an ideal Premier.