The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-19
FRANCIS JOSEPH
 HAS A BAD COLD

Vienna, March fS.-(Special) )-Consider- able alarm has been expressed over the
 indspostion of the King Emperor Fran cis Joseph, resulting from the cold con- tracted at the court ball at Budapest. It
 is reported the aged monarch had repeat ed coughs and i'll consequence is feared from his condition. The presence of the court physician, pr. Kerzl, in the ball room was considered sign that the mon arch felt far from we'll. As a result of these reports prices on the Vienna Bourse contradicted in the afternoon, when the semi-official Budapest correspondent wired a communication stating that the health of his majesty was excellent, and, further, that the monarch was in excel lent spirits at the court ball and held circle without a pause for three hours.
 The ball so little fatigued the emperor that although he went to rest only at F o'clock, he rose at his customary early hour, and was seated as usual at his writing table.
 He further stated that his majesty had driven to the palace of the Archduke Joseph, where he partook of "a family dinner
 Nearly 200O persons attended the court ball. The king emperor entered the ball room at 8 o'clock in a gold braided scarlet uniform and escorting the Archduchess Maria Annunzata, who was dressed in cream-colored tulle embroidered with pearls and wore a dadem of diamonds.
 The heir presumptive, the young Arch duke Charles, followed with the Arch duchess Blanca. Many other members of C. lr.ftx r.f the. diplomatic body at Vienna has jour neyed to Budapest for the ball. Of the Hungarian aristocracy only those whose titles are of ancient date received the much coveted invitation. After the en- trance of the court the ball was opened by the gipsy band playing a czardas, the national Hungarian dance.
 An interesting story comes from Bud apest of the childish nature of the King Emperor Francis Joseph, who has been spending some time here. The aged mon- ach few days ago suddenly expressed a desire for some strawberries. The whole court, knowing his majestys Spar tan tastes, were much surprised at this demand for out-of-season fruit. His din- ner usually consists merely of boiled beef and a simple pudding.
 The chef in despair telephoned every where and messengers were sent out in three motor cars on quest for straw berries. Two of the cars returned unsuc- cessful. but the third came back with the triumphant messenger in possession of a small basketful, which was served at de- sert that evening.
 Numerous German deputies in the recent sittings of the delegations at Budapest advocated in the strongest manner the necessity for an improvement in the re- lations between Austria and Italy The socialist speakers stated emphatcally that the Austro-H Hungarian naval arma- ment could only be regarded as exclusive ly directed against Italy. The efforts of most of the delegates are directed at the present moment towards inducing both governments, as well as the court, to take part in the Roman festivities. Dr. Crab mayors speech Is much discussed both in political and diplomatic circles, as his relations with exalted personages are note worthy The marked sensitiveness of the Italians were comprehensible on account of the Emperor Francis Josephs absence from Rome for so many years neverthe- less it may be hoped that delicate ques- tion of the visit may find satisfactory solution in the presence of the member of the imperial house at the festival. News papers both at Budapest and in Vienna state that the heir-presumptive, the Apch duke Franz Ferdinand, intends to visit