The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-06-04
Old World News Flashed BY Cable tothe Times Dispatch

will undoubtedly find some way OF re-
signing gracefully.
Nobody knows what Russias po-
littcal plans In Asia are. One thing
only seems certain: sho has entered
Into a far-rcuching agreement with her
Old enemy, Japan. and China is to pa y
the costs. unless that ancient empire
suddenly awakcns and springs IA sur
prise upon those who are planning 10
annlhiliate II. .e sglit
china Is painfully changing into a
cconstitutionai empire. responsible
tact. and this reform Is later to be-
followed by House OF Representatives.
10 which the Cabinet is to be rcspon.
sible. This either means a dissolution
or an awakening, OF the old Monaghan
Empire. 7't
What is worrying statesmen and
diplomats the most at present Is the
iact that 1T can no longer be concealed
mat not very many months will pass
before the aged Emperor Francis Jo-
ana the anticipation of his. death Ills
an with dread and apprehension Tho
dual empire that he has ruled for so
many years Is like volcano. always
seeming with excitement and an erup-
tlon Is almost certain when rancis
Joseph passes away. The Emperor
himself feels that his strength is ED !.
ping away: he Is signing for rest. and
ne surely deserves 10 be permitted TO
hand over the cares of the state 10
younger man. for the work lie has
man not endowed with the mental "a :
Daclty and physical STAINING of n
giant 80 ~ Il :
For the last forty years Austria has
been chiefly concerned with two inn
portant interests. In the first place
the government has had to attem ri
an an arrangement Of the conflicting
/ IN he q
has had to establish working rela-
lions with the great neighboring pow
er5. Germany and Russia. I
The main dificulties of the Austro.
hungary Empire have been. however,
within her own borders. particularly
with the aggressive nationalism Of
home rule. even in regard to her army.
Then the multiplicity of races. together
with their mutual jealousles. renders
the. task OF the Emperor all the more
delicate. 1t may be truly said that.
among his many millions OF subjects.
you cannot find single individual
VINO does not venerate and love its
Nothing. could he more characteris-
o nc that the scene In his ante-cha mbe r
Sen eee When he was in resi-
hlied with cardinals and prelates. gem
erals, statesmen. great nobkes and
tmiagnasss and mineling with, these
nlgn and mighty ones were Bohe mia r
brlcklayers. Syrian farmers. peasants
from Upper Austria, humble shopkeep
ers from the poorer classes OF Vienna
and village priests. all waiting to pour
their several troubles into the ears OF
thelf Emperor
Nov his failing health has compelled
him TO abandon the practice. and nc
has not even been able to turn this
part of his duties over to his success
sor. for his nephew. Prince Franz Fcrdi
nand. is a naughty. unpopular person
whom no one cares to approach. be-
cause he considers himself far above
even the highest of his future sub.
jects.
At present the aged Emperor is a
lonely and pathetic figure. He has lost
Kingdoms. has memories of domestic
tragedies which In number and pitt
lessness scarce have parallel. But he
has made e brave fight. and herein lies
his compensation-he has won the
love OF his subjects and the honors of
the civilized world. When Ill fortune
was logging his footsteps he was ever
ready to make the best Of what re
manned. In the darkest hours Of Aus
trian history he showed a resourceful-
ness which made his monarchy, freed
his people, and modernized their poll
tics. but when he dies. a great empire
VIII probably soon fall asunder This
Is the dark cloud which threatens the
peace OF Europe 'T'5-