The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-02-14
K0SSUTH HOLDS STAGE
INDEPENDENCE PARTY LEADER
 BEFORE FRANZ JOSEPH.
He Protests the Loyalty of His Follow ing to the House of Hapsburg But
 Demands Reforms.

Vienna, Feb. 12.-Francis Kossuth, the leader of the independence party in the Hungarian parliament, was re- ceived this morning by the Emperor King and discussed with 'his majesty the political situation and cabinet cri- sis in Hungary arising from the coali- tion4 of the various minor parties in Hungary with the independence party and the sweeping victory at the polls in Hungary on January 26, which has resulted in the united opposition par ties being placed in control of the low CT house of the Hum ngarian parliament.
 Herr Kossuth has declared that 1t Is impossible now to govern Hungary without the help of this united party or against its wishes. Herr Kossuth was with his majesty nearly an hour and was treated with great distinction. He expressed fully his views. The em- peror listened attentively. but did not make any reply affecting the situa- tion.
 If Kossuth stands fast for his party's program his position Is a strong one, and 1t Is believed he will do so. The solution of the present situation may be delayed, but 1t is hoped that the Elm peror's approaching visit to Buda Pest, where he will confer with other Hun garian leaders, will do much to help find the solution.
 Herr Kossuth declared that he came to Vienna with the purpose and in the hope of convincing the Emperor that no party exists in Hungary. desiring to ! separate the interests of Hungary from those of the house of Hapsburg; that l the Independence party is most loyal, and that Hungary would become the strongest prop of the dynasty if 1t was permitted to have free and untrammel- | ed development
 He says further that when the in- dependence party program is realized, all differences between Austria and Hungary will disappear. The develop ment and strengthening of Hungary as nation would. he said, increase the se- curity of the Kings throne, and in fu- ture the fate of Hungary and the house of Hapsburg would be closely inter- | woven through mutual understandings. Herr Kossuth's interview with Elm I peror Francis Joseph Is regarded in Austria and Hungary as an historical event. because 1t Is believed 1t will actually lead to closer relations be- tween the House of Hapsburg and those HunEarians who have been op- posed to the existing double form of government The prospects of the successful development in the indepen- l dence party's program are now bright | CT than they have been for thirty years past and it Is hoped that the near fu- | ture may see the establishment of 9 system of international life between Austria and Hungary which ultimate ly will lead to relations similar tu those existing between Norway and | Sweden.
 Tn substance the independence par tvs program is the complete indepen- dence of Hungary from Austria as a nation but Hungary's continuance un- der the personal sovereignty of the head of the house of Hapsburg and mutual protective unity between the two nations.
 Herr Kcssuth declares that this pol Icy is in no sense anti-dynastic and re- fers to the fact that 1t was first enun- ciated by Emperor Charles in 1723.
 The Hungarian parliament. which was elected on January 26, should hold It's opening session on February IT: but in the event that no cabinet shall have been appointed by that time the session necessarily will be postponed.
 Herr Kossuth's suggestions have made good impression in Vienna ana particularly in certain Austrian cir cles where fears were entertained ta. garding supposed revolutionary ten { dencies of the independence party. In the future relations between Austria and Hungary Herr Kossuth will un- doubtedly play an important part. When Herr Kossuth drove this morning to the imperial palace the streets through which he passed were crowded with people interestedlv watching the historical scene of A former revolutionist entering the Vien- nesse Hofburg, the residence of the same Emperor who condemned LouiT kossuth. the father of Francis, to death. Louis kossuth being subse- authority.