NEWS OF THE WEEK.
MHE Emperor of Austria has once more displayed his re- markable capacity for internal diplomacy. It was evident after the defeat of the Civil Marriage Bill that the people of Hungary were determined it should pass, and the Emperor was therefore in this dilemma. It was necessary to yield, but he was determined not to create Magnates, and yet if he did not create them, the Upper House might again throw out the Bill. He therefore reappointed Dr. Wekerle Premier, accepted an apology from the Liberal party for language savouring of disloyalty, and caused it to be signified to the Magnates that he wished the Bill to pass. The Magnates neither can, nor will, quarrel with the House of Hapsburg, and accordingly, when on Thursday the Bill for the second time reached the Upper House, fifteen Peers walked out, and the second read- ing was carried by a majority of 4. The popular delight is extreme, for the Bill is regarded as a pivot in the straggle between the people and clerical influence, and the submission of the Emperor, who is known to be slightly clerical, has in- creased, rather than diminished, his personal authority. His ascendency as universal Referee from all his States is now one of the most remarkable political facts in Europe, the more so because he is not strictly an intellectual man. He is only a ruler, wise from long experience, and from that peculiar Hapsburg pride which has so often enabled the House to .accept defeat without loss of dignity.
