The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-11-29
AS TWAIN SAW IT
The Great American HumOriSt
Cables His Impressions
Of the elimination of the Row
in the Reichsrath.
SIGHT UNEQUALLED.
Would Not Have Missed it for
the Throne, He Says.
Graphic Description of the Eject
ment of the Socialists.

New York Nov. 29.-Mark Twain ca
bles to the World from Vienna:
In the Austrian house of deputies on
Thanksgiving day in the midst of a
deafening tumult I saw a motion read
which nobody heard and passed by no
body knows whom-for, indeed, it was
not passed at all. 1t was aimed at the
Obstructionists and placed autocratic
powers in the hands of the president of
the parliament. This was a victory for
the government, but was unlaWtully
won and was a simple usurpatiOn.
Naturally Saturdays session would
be historical Naturally l went early,
arriving when the house was empty. In
haIt an hour, two or three hundred
members We're present on the floor and
the galleries were packed.
L was in a gallery exactly opposite
the presidents tribune and had a per
feet view.
There was not much noise then, but
the air was charged with suspense
and expectancy. All the vast house
was holding its breath. A long wait,
then a stir, a craning of necks and by a
door far to the right, the president and
vice presidents entered.
The house rose and a hurricane of in
suits and execrations burst from the
opposition and blew them to their pla-
ces. The right answered back, and
both sides rOared and shouted and
stOrmed.
Two dozen socialists stood in a body
below the ministerial desks, shouted up
at the president and shook their fists
furiOusly at him. He addressed some
words to the hOuse-at least one could
see his lips move, and he spread his
large hand deprecatingly over his
breast. If he is a tyrant, he has some
beseeching, persuasive gestures, not
seen elsewhere but among the angels.
That holy gesture seemed to madden
the group of socialists.
All at once they plunged over the
oar lore mr. cr11 min iCto al
desks and benches. One in a red era
vat reached up and snatched the presi-
dents papers. Another seized his bell.
In moment they were fighting and
struggling with uniformed servants of
the house, who elected them. At the
same time others of the group stormed
up the side of the tribune drove out
the president and vice presidents and
followed them across the floors, ham,
mering the latter with their fists. But
I saw no blow actually reach the presi-
dent. The Socialists came back, Occu-
pied the presidents tribune and held it
like a fort. The man is the he'd cravat
gathered up an armful of the presi-
dents papers and threw them over the
front in a sort of snow storm.
Meantime the whole house was howl
ing, yelling and banging on the desks.
A South African thunder storm is solid
silence compared to it.
"RaScals;' ''ScOundrels," those and
less delicate epithets filled the air All
of a sudden. that distant door opened
anu uONH IHe moor came the HlOSI DTlI-
liant and thrilling theatrical surprise I
even saw. I would not have missed it
for the succession to the throne.
Moreover it was history and belongs
among the worlds memorable days.
This force was received with tempest
of execrations from the one party and
with victory notes from the other; yet
it was a heavy defeat for all concerned.
The handsome officer in command
cared nothing for the reception. He
went up into the tribune and requested
the Socialist garrison to retire. They
declined.
Then he stepped aside and his men
pulled, hauled and dragged the fighting
struggling garrison down from their
fort and out of the doOr-and the
amazing drama was finished.