The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-27

most astuto type.
Francis Joseph measured to the
height of tho argument OF the condi-
lions. Gradually. and within the limos
J OF safe and sane conservatism, he die
carded the unworkabie and addressed
himself to workable methods of con-
solidatins the several parts OF HIS
monarchical Inheritance, through tho
development of mutual interests and
cultivation OF incentive to personal
| loyalty. Out of the darkness of that
darkest of days for modern Austria,
Sadowa, he caused to shine a new star
for Hungary by restoring the Hun
sarlan Constitution and permitting
himself 10 be crowned King OF the
Magyars, thus founding the Dual
Monarchy. AS consequence of this
conciliatory and confessional policy,
his efforts 70 promote industrial de-
Velopment. his liberalism in the matter
OF the extension of the franchise, tho
empire lis. as whole. on tirmer
foundation to-day than II has been
since lS4S. and the Emperor-King Is
the most beloved ruler in Ill Europe.
Meanwhile. Francis Joseph has not
been wanting in efforts to increase
Austro- Hungarian influence and pres
tige in foreign affairs. Some OF the
fruits of his foreign diplomacy are
seen i'll his forming an alliance with
his vanquisher of 1866, in the posi-
,lon accorded Vienna In composing the
ever recurring Balkan troubles. and
in attainment to u recognition, as a
military power to be reckoned with,
from the other European nations,
which rendered possible territorial eX-
pansion by finally anncxing Bosnia
and Herzegovina without striking
blow.
And all that Francis Joseph has
done to brighten tho lot OF his sub
jects and illumine the pages of Austro-
hungarian history with all example OF
liberalism, all his progressive adapta.
ton OF circumstances to the ends OF
enhancing his realms greatness
and perpetuating its separate existence,
Is thrown out from a background of
domestic tragedies that would have
been enough to crush all spirit and
purpose. nay, ambition, out of any
man not inspired in his public life
by the loftiest ideals of the duty that
inhcres in power and place. and the
responsibilities that these carry. AS
his days Francis Joseph's strength
has been 10 bear the immense burden
which birth, fate and misfortune laid
upon him, and he has borne 1t to the
honor of his house and the elevation
Of his empire kingdom in every way
that makes for grander and more
potential voice in the parliament OF
nations.
We hear, of course. as we have
heard every time during tho last
three decades he has been reported i'll,
the question, After him. what?'' ac-
companied with dire predictions OF
change and upheaval. The answer to
the question. the world may we'll be
satisfied. is, Nothing; and the prcdlc-
lions it may we'll dismiss as born of
baseless apprehension.
Austria cannot stand alone; Hun
gary cannot stand alone. Both divisions
of the Dual Monarchy have repeatedly
shown that they knew this when events
appeared to be nearing the precipita.
ton of a test. The phantom of the Grasp
for all Germany under one autonomy,
which Bismarck wisely declined to
close. after the Austro- Prussian War,
still hovers over Austria; the spectre
of Russian pan Slavic propaganda still
haunts the Magyar More than that.
and most vital as discrcditing proph-
ecies of evil and of dismembcrment,
a PRESIDENT British statement has de-
clared that il there were not an AUS
tria Hungary it would benecessary for
the equilibrium of Europe to create
one-a declaration which is empha-
sized by the fact that the powers know
1t TO be true, and in their relations,
diplomatic and otherwise, with Francis
Joseph "ouffer aggregations OF states"
have shown their appreciation of its
truth not the least clearly in their
strife for ascendancy in the Y'ennese
chancellery counscls.