4 JULY 1903, Page 2

There are always crises in Austria, but the present looks

like a grave one. It comes to this, that the Magyars, excited by the long discussions with Vienna, and perhaps by recent concessions, demand a separation of the Armies, the Hungarian regiments using their own language, and being commanded only by their own officers. The Cisleithan statesmen regard this as a defiance, and declare that if it is conceded the "Dual" policy is at an end and the Empire a mere congeries of independent nationalities. The Emperor is described as at his wits' end, while the Chancellor, Count Goluchowski, seeks safety in long delays. There is probably some exaggeration in all this, as the Magyars are hardly prepared to stand entirely alone. They dread the Slav multitudes below them too much for that. Still, it is clear that Hungary and " Austria " are very angry with each other, and that, as the subject of dispute directly involves the feelings of the Army in both countries, a reasonable compromise may prove unusually difficult. Much will depend upon M. Kossuth, who at present urges his followers to believe that their demands are just, but are being pressed a little prematurely.