Baron Haymerle, the Austrian Chancellor, made on Tuesday a "
reassuring " speech to the Delegations. He said he did not apprehend danger, either from France or Russia. France was earnestly desirous of peace, and had been assured that the alliance of Germany with Austria was not a menace to her, but a guarantee to all interested in the maintenance of peace. As to Russia, the Austrian Government expected her to adhere to the Treaty of Berlin, which, however, was not a radical solution of the Eastern Question, but an arrangement made to prevent the im- minent danger of war. He entirely agreed with the maxim that no "third Power" should hold exclusive sway in the-Balkan peninsula, and held that the interest of Austria was to act there as the agent of Europe. He desired the prosperity of the small States of the Balkans, which belong to nationalities represented in the population of the Empire. The truth seems to be that the Hapsburgs, having obtained the two provinces they wished for, want time to digest them, and are willing to wait, if Russia will, even if waiting involves a continuance of Turkish misrule. Like most policies based on want of principle, that may be found a less prudent course of action than it looks.
Previous page
