Evening star., 1909-04-24
AUSTRIA AND TURKEY
Alliance Regarded at London
as Not at All Unlikely.
FRANZ JOSEPH A WORKER
King Alfonso's Palace at San Sc
bastian Paradox.
DEADENs CRY FOR HOME RULE
Effect Of old-Age Pensions on the
Irish People-Father Of the
House Of Lords.
Special Correspondence Of The Star.

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
LONDON. April 10. 1909.
The reports from abroad of an alliance
between Austria and Turkey are re-
garded here as not at all unlikely 10 have
something in them. 4 new factor Is
creeping into Turkeys outlook which is
far 100 little understood here, 1t seems
to be forgotten that northern Persia
marches with Turkey along a frontier
weak for defense Is it to be wondered
at If Turkey. seeing a danger of Russian
occupation of Azerbaijan. should set to
work to redress her balance in regard to
Russia? The Young Turkish party cannot
but think British official friendship seri-
ously diminished in value If the Anglo
Russian convention precludes in this
country any discoura cement of an occu-
patton by Russia of Azerbaijan.
That is what they must have gathered
from Sir Edward Grey's recent speech,
and II they gathered something more
definite they could hardly be blamed.
What the friends of Persian freedom
feel most strongly is the uncertainty
which must prevail in any part where
Moslem interests concern this country as
to British policy. Indeed, regarded from
this standpoint Great Britain seems in
this matter. as l know from conversation
with Moslem leaders here. to have no
single and considered point of view. The
Moslems Of India and those of Turkey
see England apparently acauiescing in
the prospect of wedge being driven be-
tween them.
The opinion is increasing here that if
Intervention is TO be necessary in Aver
baijan action should be in the hands of
Turkey. The national party in Persia
would not. think. distrust the party who
have made the Turkish constitution a
fact. nor could the shah see in the party
which has preserved the sultans throne
and person any threat to himself The
Turks have already increased the consular
guards a khoi. Sahuas and Urumia. If
they sent considerable strengthening to
their consular guard a TabriZ the step
might have a good moral effect in every
way.
protest has been created by these addi-
tions to Turkish guards but an addition
to Russian guard is at once suspected.
England could give no better proof to the
Young Turks of her concern for the future
of their country than by recognizing their
peculiar interest in maintaining The indie
Dendence OF AZerbaijan. IT is almost
certain that apprehensions in that quarter
would account largely for any rearrange-
ments they may make on their European n
side.
Declines to Stay Abed Mornings.
The court physicians In Vienna have
lately been urging upon the aged Emperor
of Austria the imperative necessity for
him of remaining in bed rather longer
in the morning. Franz Joseph, however.
obstinately declines to do this. contend
ing that he must rise at am. or his
days work would never be done. tie has
been following the recent crisis in the
Balkans with the keenest interest and
those who have seen him lately declare
that the proba bility of the outbreak of
hostilities greatly aged him in appear
ance.
lne emperor has always been a great
lover of peace. and few years ago ex-
pressed the fervent hope that war might
not again break out SO long as he was
on the throne. Not long ago. to his great
sorrow. he was compelled to relinquish
the custom he maintained for so many
years of giving daily private audiences
to his subjects. He was the only SOW
ereign in Europe TO do this. and the hum
blest peasant. even the nomad Ligar, had
the right of free access TO the emperor
any morning he liked TO present himself
at the Hofburg. in Vienna.
The emperor maintains constant COM
munication with King Edward. and has
recently offered him a most cordial in
vitation to visit him at 1schl again in
the autumn. an invitation the king hopes
to be able to accept.
II is reported that King Edward con-
tinues to enjoy himself exceedingly in
Biarritz. He especially was pleased with
his visit to King Alfonso at San Sebas-
tian.
That watering place is just now empty,
awaiting the Spanish season to begin.
Even now il is depressing place. ex-
cessively hot. with an absence of fresh
air about it's streets which would suit
only a Spaniard 1t lies at the bottom
of a cup, and its bay is almost land lock-
cd by high hills. The old town already
smells to heaven; later 1t will be intolera-