Evening star., 1914-07-05
RESENT EXCLUSION
FROM FINAL RITES
Titled Austrians Not Invited to
Archduke's Funeral Ex-
press Indignation.
ALLEGE LACK OF HONOR
TO DECEASED DUCHESS
Emperor Addresses Letter of Thanks
for Sympathy to Austrian and
Hungarian Premiers.

VIENNA, July 4.-The small number
invited to the funeral of the late Arch
duke Francis Ferdinand and his wife in
the imperial court chapel yesterday, al
though attributed solely to the limited
accommodation, gave great umbrage to
many titled friends of the couple who
were not invited.
AS protest against their exclusion
about 100 members of the noblest families
in Austria and Hungary, some of them
being privy councillors and court cham
berlains and nearly all holding court of
fees, decided to march in the funeral
procession from the Hofburg to the rail-
road station.
When this fact was learned by Prince
Montenuovo. chamberlain of the emper-
or's court, he hastily summoned a min
isterial council to decide upon what ac-
ton Should be taken to prevent a demon
stration, but the council, when informed
that the mobiles concerned would resign
their offices If interfered with, decided to
do nothing. Consequently. when the no.
bles appeared, many of them wearing
their official uniforms, the police made
way and allowed them to fall in imme.
diately behind the hearses.
Allege Discrimination.
Those who Joined in the protest also
resented the discrimination manifested in
the court ceremonial against the late
Duchess Of Hohenburg on the ground OF
unequal birth with the Hapsburgs,
whereas, they point out, she was men,
ber of the ancient Bohemian family OF
Chotek, her rank standing similar to
their own.
Emperor Francis Joseph has written
an autograph letter to the Austrian and
Hungarian premiers. in which. after re-
ferrtng to the assassination Of the arch
duke and the duchess. he says:
'If anything can comfort me in this
heartfelt sorrow 1t Is the innumerable
proofs of warm affection and sincere
sympathy which have reached me the
last few days from all sections of the
populace. A criminal hand has robbed
me Of my dearest relation and trusty
helper and has snatched from his chill
dren who have scarce outgrown their
unprotected and tender infancy, all that
on earth was dear to them, and has
heaped indescribable sorrow on their in
nocent heads.
Shares Peoples Joys and Sorrows.
But the fanaticism Of small band of
misguided men cannot shake the sacred
ties that bind me to my people For
sixty-five years I have shared with my
people joy and sorrow, mindful, even in
the gloomiest hours. Of my high duties
and my responsibility for the destinies
of the millions for whom I am answer
able to the Almighty.
This fresh and painful trial that God 8
unfathomable decree has imposed upon
me and mine will strengthen me in the
resolve to follow the way I know to be
right to my last breath for the welfare
of my people. and II I can at the end
beaueath to my successor the pledge OF
their love as my most priceless legacy,
that would be the dearest reward for my
paternal cares.
II authorize you to express my heart
felt thanks to all those who in these sor-
rowful days have ranged themselves in
trusty loyalty and devotion arounA my
throne"