The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-12-10
WHAT THE DISRUPTION OF AUSTRIA
MIGHT LEID TO.

Some days since in short discussion In
the Reichsrag, on the Eastern question and
the policy of the German Empire with re-
gard to it, reference was made to certain
articles which at the beginning OF this year,
appeared in the we'll known Bavarian Ca
thOlic periodical, the HiStOrisch Potitisehe
Blatter, in which the annexation of the
German provinces of Austria, with their
incorporation with the German Empire was
freely discussed. Herr DR.. Jorg, the editor
of that periodical, and the actual author of
the articles in questions, is also one of the
chief (perhaps the chief leaders of the Ba-
vsrian Catholic party. He defended the
articles, insisting that they were written
not out of hostility to Austria, but from
profound anxiety to promote the welfare OF
Germany. The actual condition of affairs
justified them. Russia aimed at the corsol-
| ldatiOn of the SIavonic peoples. Success
in this meant the breaking up "f Austria.
1t was absolutely necessary for the exis-
tence of Germany that she shouid present
an united front to successful Pan Sclavism.
Hence, IT Austria goes to pieces, Germany
must at every cost secure the Teversion of
her Ger manic PROVINCES. Jorg was assailed
by the Ministers, aud by some of the Ma
tioDal Liberal Representatives for his anti
Austrian vie E; and it was lnslsted that, IN
view of the present grave complications, It
was essen tial to mhintnIu friendly relations
With AustIlB; TO shOI To tie world that
germany HAS no uhbheblDB dsIcI uuy VI hCA
| territory but honestly desires to maintain
hers uuinpared; and thus enable her TO mold
| her ground firmly against both Turks and
| Russians. The truth Is reICher Jorg Dor
| his opponents dare state their real views
| upon the sutjecJ. Many of" the Germ n
| Catholics, especially those south OF the
| Main, would not grleve for the break ar OF
Austria il her German provinces would
| come intn the German Empire. This
! would s, at once 30 enomous an accession
| to the Catholic strength, that they might
! hope To effect at Gree great change in the
national policy. Exactly for this reason
however, the German Protestant party
generally abhor the notion of an absorption
of German Austria. They do not desire tC
see the Catholics politically strengthened
Further, putti0g aside the religious ques
ton, they would not desire to see any in
crease 10 the proportions of Southern Ger
maus. They do not harmonic readily
with their northern fellow countrymen
Thoughtful northern politicians fear that, 81
far from welding all Germans into on
, mighty State or more than fifty millions
tue annexation of German Austria woulC
lead to the disruption of Germany int
North and South. On the other hand tn
Social Democrats would hail an accession
, of southern citizens Already it ia in tn
South amopg the work men of Baden, Wur
Q temburg, aud Bavaria, that their chic
r strength lies. THUS, 10 truth, the politician
!, WHO usually support tue fLosslan aonin
istratIon are, both on political aud o
- religious grounds, deeply interested in pre-
. venting such a break up of Austria, a
y would lead to the introduction of large poT
zion of her territory into the Gerna an Empir,
But those who are politically aud religious
f ly opposed to the policy OF the Prussian Gov
T ernment, would view such a calamity wit
Cquanlmity If it would be followed precisel
It by thatresult. tits plain however, that me
r tives of this character could nN with pre-
q q priety or prudence fnd expression in I'll
$ course of debate iu the Relchstag on u
y Eastern question.