The struggle between Austria and Hungary is drawing towards an
acute crisis. The Hungarians are acutely irritated by the speeches of Dr. Korber, Premier of Austria, affirming that the Cblopy Order settled the language question, and M. Kossuth on Tuesday proposed a formal debate upon his declaration. Count Khuen Hedervary thereupon made a careful speech explaining Dr. Korber's words, but M. Kossuth's Motion was carried with only twelve dissentients. The Hungarian Premier accordingly resigned, and it is believed th-it no Government can be formed which will not make a concession that separates the Armies. As this is the point upon which the Emperor has pledged himself to Austria to stand firm, it is hard to see any way out without a suspension of the Constitution, which the Hungarians might resent by insurrection. A civil war of that kind would for the time paralyse Austria, leave Russia a free hand in Eastern Europe, and perhaps compel Germany to come to the assist- ance of her ally,—an assistance to be paid for. The possibilities of mischief, indeed, are endless, and the best hope is that the Hungarians, perceiving this, will shrink from pressing the quarrel to extremities. Many of them, however, appear to be half mad with " patriotic " passion, and are actually thinking it possible either to change the dynasty or to proclaim a Republic.
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