It is believed that the reason for hesitating is the
meeting of the Austrian and Hungarian " Delegations," the Committees ap- pointed by the two Parliaments to supervise, rather than control military and foreign affairs. They met on Thursday, and their Presidents, after conferring with the Chancellor, Count Kalnoky, made very warlike speeches. They agreed that the money required for the new repeating-rifles, £3,200,000, must be voted at once, but that the Delegations must receive explana- tions as to the way in which Austro-Hungarian interests had been protected within the Balkans. The Emperor had hitherto been able to preserve peace, said Dr. Smolka, Presi- dent of the Austrian Delegation ; but few would venture to decide how much longer it would be kept. Count Ladislaus Tisza, brother of the Hungarian Premier, used still stronger language; and Count Kalnoky's reply is awaited with much anxiety. If his language is firm, the Russian occupation may still be prevented; but hitherto the Austrian Government has receded just as Russia has advanced. A month ago, nobody in Vienna would have believed in the virtual occupation of Varna without war. Now it is whispered that even an occupation will be temporary, and will be no reason for war just yet. The truth is, that both in Austria and Hungary the populations are savagely angry with Russian conduct in Bulgaria, but the Governments are not quite sure of Prince Bismarck's will.
