The Portland daily press., 1889-01-22
FORTY YEARS ON THE THRONE.
Political Changes During the Reign
OF the Emperor OF Austria-Hun
gary.
IYonth,s Comnaninn. /

The Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria
Hungary has just been celebrating the for
tieth anniversary of his ascent to the throne.
Although he has reigned for so long period
he is only IS years of age. He succeeded his
uncle Ferdinand. when he was youth of IS,
In 1S4S.
As he looks back over these forty years,
the Emperor must feel that greater political
changes have taken place in his empire, per-
haps, than any other European State has UNI
dergone in the same time. M
When he assumed, as a mere lad. the Aus
trian crown-which he did as result of the
abdication of his uncle, Ferdinand, and OF
the refusal of his father to take the throne
Austrian Hungary was a despotic monarchy
The power of the Emperor was almost, IL
not quite. as absolute as that of the Russian
Car.
His will was the controlling force of the
State. and it was supported by the high au-
thority Of the Church, by the nobility, by the
army, and by thoroughly organized police.
In Austria education was hampered by
rigid restrictions; marriage was only valid
when performed by priest; the Parliament
was solemn farce. being wholly submissive
to the Crown, and the nobility were alike the
basghtIest, the most ignorant and the most
intolerant In Europe.
Meanwhile Hun gary was In a state of dan
gerOus disaffection, which had broken out
into revolt which was only subdued by the
aid Of Russian troops.
All this has long since been changed. The
Austrian Empire is a singular example of
state which has gathered strength from de-
feat, and has been saved by lessing Of its
power.
In 1866 the Anstriars ,,,aro ,o...>Io., a.
feated by the Prussians In the short and
memorable campaign which was fought i'm
Bohemia. The result of this catastrophe
was that Austria was forced to give up the
tion, and practically to cease to be a German
power, while, on the other side. she lost her
Italian province of Venetia.
Hungary now became the most important
portion of the Empire. As Bismarck said
''The center of gravity of the Austrian EN-
pire has been transferred from Vienna 10
Pesth." This made it necessary to the exist
ence Of the Emperor's rule to reconcile the
HunRarians to IL.
man. Baron Won Beust, into his councils. and
under Beust's guidance Austria Hungary
was rapidly transformed from an absolute
into limited and constitutional monarchy.
The Conc0rdat, which was an agreement
between the Austrian Crown and the Papacy
by. which the Church had many exclusive
privileges in the empire. was abolished Ed
ucation became free Civil marriages were
established. Two Parliaments were insti-
tuted, one for Austria, the other for Hungary
Popular suffrage was extended. The minis
tries became responsible to the representa-
tives Of the people. The Emperor gave
up his despotic prerogatlyes, and accepted
the less imposing position of constitutional
ruler
By this prompt and rapid political change
the Austro Hungarian Empire undoubtedly
obtained longer lease of life. Before it was
made the empire was fast sinking to its ruin.
Beusts reforms conciliated Hungary, which
under them acquired practical self govern.
ment. and which has ever since been the
most peaceful and loyal portion of the EN-
peror's dominions.
While the present Emperor's reign has
witnessed the loss OF Austria's prestige as
1eIman power. IL has also seen an extension
OF territory In the acquisition of BOSNIA and
the Herzegovina, which are nov incornor-
ated in the EmperOr's domnions Great re-
forms have been introduced into these uew
provinces.
Austria-Hungary is still dif1cult realm
to govern, for 1t Is composed of many races
and once independent and Separate States
whose interests often clash, and who have
no common bond of nationality or patriotism
save only their common allegiance 10 the
imperial crown. W VIC
II may be fairly said, however. that tho
wisdom and liberality Of the present Emnar9
or's rule have probably kept the empire Tins
far from separating into its original elements.
aud that so long as he continues 10 reign
and TO pursue his judicious policy, the EN-,
pire Is likely to remain one of the great pow.
ers of Europe.