The Young Czechs of Bohemia have carried their Home- rule
aspirations a step too far. As long as they only demanded that the Emperor should be crowned in Bohemia, as in Hun- gary, and that there should be a separate Bohemian Ministry, the Government were indisposed to take harsh measures. They have recently, however, been riotous in the Diet, have shown a disposition to intrigue with France, and have even advocated the election of a Hapsburg, other than the Emperor, to the throne. The Government of Austria has, therefore, deemed it necessary to take stronger measures ; and by a proclama- tion issued on September 13th, the Ministry have withdrawn the freedom of the Press, the right of public meeting, and the right to be tried by a jury in political cases. Prague, in fact, is placed in " the minor state of siege." These measures are authorised by the Constitution ; and if the Government really apprehend treason, especially treason fomented by Russian intrigue and intended to weaken the Triple Alliance, are not unduly severe. The Young Czechs, like all Slays, seem to lack political instinct. Their country is a mere enclave amid territory inhabited by Germans, and in breaking with the House of Hapsburg they would break with their only chance of political freedom, which at present they enjoy to the full. The case they plead is worse than that of the Irish, who are at least separated from the sister Kingdoms by the sea.
