On Friday week, after a debate of three days, the
Bill for annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina was read the first time in the Auz.trian Reichsrath. It was referred to a Committee, where it will be rigorously examined, and the Times corre- spondent says that the second reading cannot be expected before February. The third day of the debate produced some formidable indictments of Baron von Aehrenthal. We note, however, that Count Dzieduszycki, the Polish statesman, supported the first reading. He said that the Poles would reserve judgment, but that they had no wish at the moment to make the diplomatic task of the Government heavier than it was. Count Sternberg, the Czech free-lance, showed that be entertained the same kind of fantastic notions as Professor Redlich expressed earlier in the debate. It is nonsense to suppose that Britain has con- spired in any way against Austria-Hungary. The British people have a long-standing admiration and liking for the Dual Monarchy and the Emperor. They have protested against the lawless conduct of Austria-Hungary with reluctance, as a man might feel it his duty to remonstrate with a friend.
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