New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-02
FRANCIS JOSEPH IN PERIL.
A BRIDGE DAMAGED BY BOMBS SHORTLY
BEFORE THE EMPERoR'S TPAIN
WAS DUE.
THEORY THAT THE EXPLOSION MAY HAVE
BEEN INTENDED ONLY AS DEMoNsTRA-
TIoN AGAINST HIM. AND NOT AS
AN ATTEMPT At ASSASSINATION.

BEEN INTENDED ONLY AS A DEMoNsTRA-
TIoN AGAINST HIM. AND NOT AS
AN ATTEMPT AT ASSASSINATION.
Vienna, Oct 1.-Emperor Francis Joseph reached
Reichenberg near Prague, this morning, and with
his arrival there spread all Austria the news
of an alleged attempt upon his life by attaching
bombs to the railroad bridge at Roscnthal, near
Reichenberg, over which structure the Emperor
was to pass. The general opinion was that the
startling rumors were either untrue or else eX-
aggerated to considerable extent An investga-
tion made later in the day proved that the rumors
were substantially correct.
The official investigation showed that thirteen
bombs, charged with ntro-glycerine. were placed
in the gutter or draining portion of the tunnel
of the bridge. Attached to these bombs was
time fuse evidently calculated to cause their eX-
plosion at the moment the Imperial train was
passing the mined spot. The woud-he assassns
seem, however to have made q miscalculation,
since the fuse acted at about IL 80 O'Clock last
night. before the Imperial train even drew near
TO the dangerous spot. The explosion destroyed
the masonry above and about the bridge tunnel,
and disturbed the roadbed but did not damage
the bridge structure The railroad officials, after
making thorough examination of both the bridge
and the roadbed, set gang Of men to work upon
the latter. and soon had it in state of good re-
pair. When the Imperial train passed the
spot at o'clock this morning, there was
little or no trace of the explosion.
No arrests have been made in conjunction with
this attempt and the officials who have charge OF
the investigation profess TO be Of the opinion that
the explosion was intended az demonstration oil
disapproval of some of the Emperors acts. ana
that those engaged in it lad no intention OF taxing
the life Of the Emperor.
Now that il is officially admitted that explosive
bombs have been used in some manner along the
line of the Emperors journey, the utmost excite
ment prevails. The general feeling Is one oil
indignation against those engaged in the con
spiracy, and the Emperor's loyal subjects are
unanimous in expressing the hope that the oo'no
exploders may be caught and severely punished,
oven IL their act was only some kind of political
demonstration" The police are actively engaged
in following up clews already obtained. and fur
4ber revelations and possible arrests are expected
at any moment.
Tho Emneror received an enthusiastic greeting
at Reichenberg when the people became aware OF
the bomb explosions. He ordered his carriage 20
be driven slowly through the streets in order that
he might acknowledge the accan,ations with
which he was greeted on every side Replying 10
an address presented TO him by the BurgOmaster.
the Emperor thanked the latter for the proofs OF
lovaI devotion which he had received.
The Emperor has received number OF lnaniIrr-
ies hv telegraph. notably one from Emperor Will
lam and another from the King Of Italy in regard
20 the real circumstances in the case, and con
graduating him upon his escaping. if any AT at
tempt had really been made upon his llte EX,
pressions of sympathy have also been received
from high Government officials and from various
commercial bodies. Personally the Emperor is
disrosed TO treat the whole matter lightly. There
are people. however, who do not look upon me me
explosion in as optimistic manner as does the
Emperor. 1oor
The Viennese are preparing to give the Emperor
. ma a0niicent reception on his return here.