Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-30
AUSTRIA AND HUNGARY
HOPED THAT SIX-YEAR CONTEN-
TON Is NEARING END.
Special Cablegram to The Star.

Special Cablegram to The Star.
VIENNA, March 2S.-In the great con-
f1ict full of dramatic incidents affecting the
settlement between Austria and Hungary
already covering a space of six years a
definite conclusion appears to be approach
ing. 1t must, however, be observed that
both Austria and Hungary are in the high
est degree pessimistic, as the previous ne
gotiatons gave very little prospect Of the
realization Of the settlement since the ex-
piry of the last definate arrangement in
1900, as serious differences between the
halves Of the monarchy on the one hand,
and the refusal Of the twos parliaments to
come to any definite conclusion on the
other, prevented any conclusive arrange
ment. Government has been carried on
by provisional combinations for limited
periods and these have now elapsed, so that
either a new settlement must be made or a
line laid down upon which after a certain
period mutually resolved upon the separa
ton of the two halves of the monarchy
shall follow
At present only an economic separation
is contemplated, but all well-informed per-
sons know after such separation it will
be impossible to continue the political union.
Hungary demands an independent army,
which wish she at present holds in reserve,
also separate diplomatic representation
abroad, her own flags and emblems and a
number Of other things which If obtained
that only the person of the monarch
would remain common and a personal union
would be established.
Hungary's Impossible Conditions.
Hungary, however, now that disposition
is shown in Austria to come to an economic
agreement, puts forth impossible conditions.
She will no longer have customs and COM
mercial alliance with Austria, but only
treaty, intending after the expiration of
the present commercial union with Austria
to conclude independent commercial treaties
with foreign countries without reference to
Austria. She seeks the establishment of
her own customs territory, the limits of
which she will. as soon as possible even
before the expiration of this commercial
treaty, positively fix.
By these demands the Austrian govern
ment is driven to the wall. 1t dares not
grant even the smallest fraction Of the
Hungarian desires without being blown
away like chaff before public opinion in
Austria, as in the whole country a firm
conviction exists that by the non-compli
ance of the settlement Hungary will suffer
far greater material loss than Austria,
since she has no industries, and as far as
credit is concerned is thrown upon Austria.
The Austrian government demands that
the settlement shall be extended at least
until 1928, SO that the long existing uncer-
tainty as to the connection Of the two coun-
tries shall finally end and the Austrian
trade and industry may know how long
the Hungarian market can be counted upon
as open to them The Hungarian govern
ment under all circumstances will only
agree to a settlement with a duration at
the longest of ten years, and wishes to
close the difficult discussions before Easter
These are the chief differences. and even
when they are solved they will be followed
by a number of details with regard to
which amicable arrangements will be diff
cult.