The immense power still exercised by the Emperor in Austria-Hungary
is well illustrated by the effect of his deci- sion in the matter of Bohemian Home-rule. That question had come up in such a form that it was believed the Cis- Leithan Cabinet would break up, and that the German and Czech representatives would refuse to sit in the same Diet. At a Cabinet Council, however, held on the 15th inst., the Emperor, after listening to both sides in silence, declared that, in his judgment, although a time for Bohemian autonomy might arrive, he must 'at present maintain the existing Con- stitution. Discussion at once' ended, no Minister resigned, and all parties agree that the quarrel, vital though it be, is indefinitely adjourned. The German Members will remain in the Diet, and the Czech Members will continue their arguments and agitation. Where is the arbiter whose decision, if England and Ireland differed, would be received like that ? It is the deference, the necessary deference, paid to the Crown, which makes Austrian federalism workable, not any provision in a Constitution which, but for that Crown, would not endure a week.
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