The dispute between Austria and Hungary threatens to become serious.
Nominally, it is about the right of the Hungarians to establish a National Bank at Buda-Pesth whose notes shall be legal tender on this side of the Leitha. The Hungarians consider that this concession ought to be made to them, because of their contributions to Imperial funds and liability for part of the general Debt, while the Austrians object that the scheme would lead to universal bankruptcy. The Bank is, however, only the pivot round which the dispute turns, the Austrians being profoundly irritated by a recent Hungarian assumption that Hungary may, if the Empire goes to war with Turkey, refuse both supplies and troops. The Progressist Liberals in the Viennese Lower House have informed Prince Auereperg, according to a tele- gram in the Standard, that they will make no more concessions to Hungary, and would prefer to see the two kingdoms separated, and the Radicals are expected to make the same declaration. Note in connection with this matter, that the bankers of Europe have refused to furnish a small loan needed in Vienna because Hungary will not help to guarantee it, and that the Government intends to appeal to the general public to subscribe.
Previous page
