The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-06-29
Ignores Italian Rulers.


The Archduke even RETAINED from those
courtesies TO the Italian royalties which
are customary among members OF reign
ing houses, no matter how much they
may dislike one another declined to take
any notice OF the rulers Of Italy when he
visited their dominions and apparently
never forgot or forgave the fact that
while in England or the occasion Of the
jubilee Of Queen Victoria he had been
worsted in a struggle for precedence with
Victor Emmanuel ILL.,, then only Crown
Prince,
Even IN Germany the possibility OF
his advent 10 the throne of the dual
empire was viewed with apprehension.
For IL was known there that he disliked
the idea OF Germany playing first fiddle
In the triple alliance and RELOCATING Aus
trla- Hungary 20 secondary role. He
was determined that either there should
be complete equality between Berlin and
Vienna, or else that Germany should In
international affairs take her cue from
Austria rather than for the latter TO fol-
low in the wake OF the Kaiser,
Geynany. moreover, always entertained
some apprehension lest Francis Ferdinand
upon becoming Emperor should break
away from the alliance with her and
should throw himself into the arms Of
Russia, although at ST. Petersburg he
was regarded as personifying a distinctly
hostile policy toward Russia. In one word,
the Archduke was regarded by foreign
Governments and by foreign nations as a
Prince who was determined to make his
mark In history and to commit the Dual
Empire to a reactionary course at home
and to an intensely aggressive policy
abroad.
The Archduke was not popular. He
was feared and disliked 10 an extent that
blinded people to his very real merits,
This was mainly due to his singularly
unfortunate mesallianCe with Coun ess
Sophie Chotek. daughter of an Austrian
diplomat OF minor rank and member OF
the lower Bohemian nobility. She was a
lady In waiting In attendance on the
daughters Of Archduke and Archduchess
Frederick to one OF whom Francis Fer
dinand was reported to be engaged.
While acting as duenna to the young
Princess. designated rs the future CON
sort of Francis Ferdinand, Countess Cho-
TEX succeeded In inducing him to transfer
his affections from her imperial charge To
herself, the Archduke being particularly
moved by her solicitude for his health.
which was then in a rather alarming con-
dition.
on Archduke and Archduchess Fred
erlclS becominS aware OF the manner In
which their trust had been betrayed by
the Countess they promptly dismissed
her from their service. and thereupon the
Archduke regarding himself as re-
sponsibe for the loss of her position and
OF her salary became more than ever de-
| termlned to wed her, II was only with
the utmost difficulty that the Emperor
consent to the match could be obtained,
His Pledge 70 the Emperor.
Indeed It was only granted because II
was believed that Archduke Francis
Ferdinand was doomed to an early death
from tuberculosis of the lungs The wed
ding--a morganatic one--took place in
| due course after the Archduke had sol
EMMY sworn on the Gospels and on the
cruclfx that II he ever became Emperor
| he would never avail himself thereof 10
. eNalt either his wife or the childr1n an.