Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-07-04
From the New York Times.
Position Declared.

From the New York Times.
Austria's Position Declared.
The most important item Of news which
has appeared for some time, as disclosing
the relations of the imperia! powers in
Eastern Europe. and the probable course
of Austria in the Russo-Turkish war, was
the speech OF Minister Tisza on Tuesday
in the Hungarian Parliament. Tisza rep
resents the new united Conservative and
Liberal party of Hungary. He speaks for
the Magyars and the minority Of his coun-
try, as well as for the former opposition.
As Minister he speaks also for the Aus
trian Imperial Government. He ad-
dressed body divided in sympathies-
some desiring an immediate occupation OF
Servia and Bosnia as warning to Russia
to proceed no further in invasion by the
Upper Danube and by Servia others call
ing for Intervention as an assistance to the
oppressed Slavonians. The great MAORI
:y of his audience hoped for decisive
declaration against Russian aggrandze-
ment on the Danube.
Herr Won Tisza has gratified neither
party. He has made the common-sense
declaration that the true interests of Aus
tro-Hungary were in peace. and that the
pacific policy of the government had &C.
complished all that an expensive mobili-
cation of the army would have done year
ago. Their object had been first to secure
peace, and then, that failing. to localize
the war. They had sought to preserve
friendly relations with Russia and Germs-
ny, and yet had left TO themselves freedom
Of action In case Russia acquired such new
territory. or produced such new formations
of States, as might be dangerous to the
Austrian Empire. The Hungarian Minis
ter denied the rumors of alliance with
Russia or Germany of kind which looked
toward new acquisitions of territory by
Austria, or which had any reference to
the results Of the war.
He also assured the House that no prep.
arations for the immediate mobilization OF
the army had been made, nor was the En-
peror inclined to any ambitious projects
for increasing the domain of the Austrian
Empire. Still be would not guarantee that
the army might not be called out to pre-
serve the interests Of the Monarchy. and
the government left themselves full free.
dom of action. This declaration, q subse-
quent telegram assures us. has been en-
tirely satisfactory 10 both the Hungarian
and Austrian parties. 1t certainly indicates
a wise and pacific policy. and clears up
some of the clouds which have hung over
the solution Of the Eastern question. Aus
tria, SO far as Russia was concerned. has al
ways held the key to the military position.
If she established an army of occupation
In Servia, as she did in Moldago-W allachia
in 1854, the Russians could not venture 10
or to advance on long line Of commune
cations toward Constantinople. Austria
hostile or even uncertain, as in the last
war on the Danube. would cripple the
whole Muscovte campaign. There can
be no question that that astute displomat-
list. Prince Gortschakoff. has been employ
ing every device Of diplomacy for months,
perhaps supported by Prince Bismarck, to
induce the Austrian Emperor either to hold
himself neutral in the struggle. or to unite
with the Gar In the new transforms
tions" of Europe, of which the Hungarian
Minister has spoken. The Austrian gov
ernment had difficult position to So stain.
on account of the Two opposing parties in
the Empire-the Slavoaic and Magyar
each urging different policy.
No doubt, too, dyuastic sympathies and
imperia. ambition would impel the Haps-
burg Emperor to unite with the Car. But
fortunately for Europe. the Austrian gov.
eminent has decided to commit itself 70
neither party, and thus to avoid the dan.
ger Of arousing general European war.
The decision is wise for the country and
happy for the peace Of Europe. No other
power will now be dragged into the con-
test. The war is localized. Russia mus,
settle her quarrel with Turkey by herself
She is apparently left full liberty to make
that great flank movement by Servia and
the Valley of the Morava. which may de-
ternine the fate of the campaign. II che
can def.at the Ottoman armies, occupy
Andrianople. and perhaps besiege Con-
stantinople, and then force from The Porte
the reforms and guarantees she demands,
and perhaps indemnities Of territory in
Asia Minor. she Is perfectly free to do so
One only thing Austria holds herself
really to object to, and that is, such &C