The Sun.
London, England, 1865-08-04 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1865.

The Circular of the Austrian Minister, which has
just been issued, is very satisfactory in every respect,
and promises well for the future. It is addressed
to all the kingdoms and countries of Austria not
belonging to the Hungarian Crown. Count BEL-
CREDI, chief of the new Ministry, remarks in the
opening paragraph of this address that he has that
day entered upon his office as Minister of State,
and that he desires to point out at once to
the various governors those items of the administra-
tive service to which he attaches particular impor-
tance. In order that there should be a good
mutual understanding, he truly states that it
is best to arrive at a definite conclusion
as to what should be the ruling principles of action,
and this is a very just interpretation of the duties
incumbent on a Minister of State. The Count takes
a most elevated view of the matter in giving out his
instructions to the Governors, and trusts that they
will assist him as much as lies in their power. He
desires not only that legal authority be upheld, but
that there should also be a free and independent
development of forces, adding, " I can only consider
it as one of the most blessed efforts of our time
gradually to enlarge the circle of those affairs
which are to be handed over to the
self-administration of those whose interests are
immediately concerned." This language is cer-
tainly something novel when we look upon it as
proceeding from a Minister of Vienna ; but the
feelings with which we regard it are those not only
of surprise, but of satisfaction. Under this new
regime we may expect a better and brighter state of
affairs to supervene, and for the vexations and
heartburnings that were inevitably arising hereto-
fore we may substitute goodwill and contentment
among the numerous principalities and states de-
pendent on the will of the Emperor. The disas-
trous state of affairs in Prussia seems to have been
productive of good toVienna, and out of that evilhas
come good in some shape at least, and, therefore,
this address becomes all the more significant at this
juncture. It must be very mortifying to Herr Von
BISMARCK and his coadjutors to find the different
notions which animate the Government of their
allies compared to those which find favour in their
own eyes. Thus, for instance, Count BELCREDI
advises the strict upholding of every branch of
legal order, but also advocates the preservation of
the good understanding between the Emperor and
the people by " tact in their behaviour" towards
independent bodies. This was most assuredly not
the plan pursued _ in the recent transactions
at Cologne, and the subsequent appeals
made to other courts to the decision of
the first one that judged the matter. Count
BELCREDI is very decided in his remarks con-
cerning the pursuance of the difficult tasks that
fall to the Governors in their maintenance of legal
authority, and he is wise in this, because any
mistake might be fatal in its effects at this critical
juncture. He recognises neither a " liberal" nor
an " illiberal " interpretation of the law, but only
what actually relates to the spirit and text of the
statutes.

The political official is here truly informed that he
cannot properly discharge his duty and fulfil his task
by energetic action alone, but that it is imperatively
necessary for him to pursue a judicious line of conduct.
in truth, this is of quite as much consequence as the
other, and it proves the sagacity of the Minister that
he should lay such stress upon the matter. He urges
the various Governors to use as much Care as they
can in judging of the. actions of officials, and to
employ just strictures in regarding their actions
from these points of view. When we consider
the incalculable evils that arise from the meddling
manner and impertinent conduct of these Jacks-in-
office, dressed in a little brief authority, it is all the
more consolatory to reflect upon the decided tone
here adopted, in discussing this important matter.
Too much stress cannot possibly be laid upon
this point by all who are in authority, and
Count BELcaEnt deserves the highest credit for
his outspoken style and determined orders. It is
quite impossible to mistake the purport of his
orders and advice as here given ; the most unwilling
must comprehend them, and the most prejudiced
cannot twist them to suit the old style of things.
The official is informed that he need not fall into
" dead formalism" when he is in immediate verbal
intercourse with the population, but that he should
" form his views out of and according to life, and
thereby secure to official action a true result,
which is certainly not to be found in settle-
ment by means of documents and figures."
This is a most masterly exposition of the true
Position and real duties of these individuals;