The Emperor Francis Joseph has reappointed Baron Fejervary Premier of
Hungary, with instructions "to bring about as quickly as possible a constitutional solution of the present critical situation on the basis of the programme sub- mitted by you and accepted by me." The Rescript announcing this decision reads to outsiders a little vague ; but it appears to be understood in Hungary that the Baron will endeavour to. obtain a majority in the Hungarian Parliament without altering the language used for words of command, and failing that, will dissolve,—probably to the cry of universal suffrage. If he should obtain a majority, all will go smoothly, though the new franchises will materially alter the composition of Parliament; but if the party of Independence should win, the struggle between the Crown and the people will become acute. The King-Emperor maintains that he has in no way exceeded his Constitutional powers ; and there is in the Rescript, as we read it, a veiled threat that as the King, as holder of "the
sacred crown of St. Stephen," guarantees the independence of Hungary, so also he will maintain to the full the preroga- tives of that crown. All now waits for Baron Fejervary's "programme," and the result of the General Election which will follow its rejection.
