The entire Empire of Austria is greatly interested in the
birth of a son to the Princess Hohenberg, who as Countess Chotek married the Archduke Francis Ferdinand, the ultimate heir of the throne. The marriage was only sanctioned by the Emperor on condition that bridegroom and bride should re. nonnce on oath all claims to' the eucoession for their children; but Austriani are well aware that the Papacy can absolve both husband and wife from the obligation of their oaths, and fear or hope that in time to come there may be a disputed succession. This is the more possible because in Hungary Parliament and the King together are abso- lute, even as regards rights of succession, while in Austria this is not quite the case, old precedent being held to be binding. If after the accession of the Archduke the Clerical party, to which the Princess belongs, and the Liberals took opposite sides, the dispute might produce very serious results. It must not be forgotten, however, that the question cannot become urgent during the present reign, that the Imperial family has hitherto always held together, as it did in 1848 when the Emperor Ferdinand was " advised " to abdicate, and that before a decision is indispensable much water may have flowed under the bridges.
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