The Vienna correspondent of the Times explains the chief reason
which induces the Imperial Government to hesitate in suspending the Constitution. The Ausgleich, or fundamental " arrangement " between Hungary and Austria upon which the Dual Monarchy rests, must shortly be renewed, and under the law of 1887 Hungary is not bound to treat with Austria unless Austria is constitutionally governed. If, therefore, the Constitution is suspended, the Hungarian Radicals, who desire to see the countries united only by the link of the Crown, will endeavour to declare Hungary independent. The discussion would be as fierce as in a civil war, and the two countries might. be embittered beyond the power of statesmen to reconcile them. The Emperor consequently waits, hoping always for some accident which may induce German and Czech to suspend their differences sufficiently to allow Parliament to act. If that account is correct—and the correspondent is singularly well informed—the immediate future in Austria is not promising. the only consolation for the Emperor being that he has seen and survived much worse times.
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