Austria as a Corporate State The Reichspost, which is the
Government organ in Austria, states whereas that under the old constitution of the country the authority of the State derived from the people, under the new one it derives directly from God. For the Reichspost at any rate vox populi is evidently not identical with vox Dei. In spite of a piece of journalism of peculiar fatuity the new constitution is a very interest- ing production, betraying no slavish imitation of the Italian or any other model. There are to be an advisory and a legislative council, both corporative in constitution. The former, for example, is to consist of a State Council of distinguished individuals appointed by the President ; a cultural council representing the professions ; an economic council representing trade and industry ; and a provincial council representing the Austrian provinces. The legislative council will consist of a smaller number of representatives of each of these groups. The Cabinet is not to be responsible to either body. Its members are to be appointed by the President, whose powers will be exten- sive. The vital question of how the President himself is to be chosen appears not to have been settled. Though his authority may derive from God he can hardly be divinely-appointed.
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