The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1918-09-04

OIIler TncTnDerS OI tne IHIDeTiut
family are not spared. They also are
accused Of being implicated in dark
plots. Two brothers Of Empress Zita,
Princes Sixtus and Xavier Of Parma,
are singled out as most dangerous con-
spirators. The fact that they were
in the enemy's country during the war
and the part they played in the affair
of the emperor's peace letter are being
brought up against them.
"The excitement Is growing in VI
emma, 1t is reported, leading to an in
cident In the streets of the capital
where man ran after the imperial au-
tomobile, shouting: "Fie, Parma !" The
from his palace at Schoenbrunn to the
Hofburg. Finally the reports and ru-
mors became so widespread and dan
gerous in their character that both
governments, In Vienna and Budapest,
were compelled to publish denials and
corrections In the newspapers. Be-
sides, the charges were officially denied
in the Hungarian parliament, and DR..
Won Seydler the Austrian premier, re-
ferred to the accusations in speech
delivered at reception to the Aus.
TRAN deputies and at meeting at the
Vienna city hall.
Allies Blamed for Gossip.
"a semiofIicial announcement sent
out by the Vienna correspondence bu-
reau says the reports concerning the
imperial family were disseminated by
the entente powers as part of a propa-
ganda offensive, for the purpose Of
creating unrest and disturbances In the
monarchy. In the Hungarian house Of
deputies Prime Minister Wekerle made
the truth Of all aspersions cast upon
the emperor and empress. He called
all these reports false, lying, impOssi-
BILE and unthinkable. His remarks
led to an enthusiastic ovation pledg-
ing loyalty to the imperial couple on
the part of the house.
"The most minute correction was
given out by Doctor Funder, editor in
chief of the Reichspost, who addressed
great Catholic mass meeting In the
Vienna city hall. Doctor Funder at
tempted to explain away certain incl
dents in connection with the emper-
Or's peace letter. There is no doubt
that he spoke authoritatively, after
consulting the highest authorities.
The most important part Of Doctor
Funder's statement no doubt Is his
disclosure regarding Count Czernin's
connection with the emperors peace
letter. Doctor Funder maintained
this letter, but even had caused the
emperor to write it. This is in con-
flict with all previous declarations.
Doctor Funder said:
"T want to refer to two of the ru-
mors because they are repeated in pub
lie with the greatest persistence, so
much so that even some of our well
meaning people believe them. One Of
these rumOrs concerns two brothers OF
Empress Zita, Prince Sixtus and
Prince Xavier of Parma, both of whom
are residing in a foreign country.
Three brothers Of the empress are
serving in the AustrO-H Hungarian army,
as is well known. 1t is not true If
anyone says that the two other princes
had gone over to the French side at
the beginning of the war for the pur-
pose of fighting against the central
powers. AS a matter Of fact, both
these princes asked to be enrolled in
the Austro-Hungarian army at the be-
ginning of the war. When they were
refused permission they placed them
selves at the disposal of the Interna-
tional Red Cross in Geneva to engage
in charitable work.
Czernin Responsible.
att is not true when 1t is said that
the two princes returned to Austria
once or on several occasions to meet
their families and confer with them.
The story of their holding confer
ence somewhere in Steiermark or
elsewhere is false. 1t is true they
were in Austria twice without seeing
their families. They came because
Count Czernin had called them. And
Count Czernin had called them be-
cause he thought they could be used
in clearing the path for peace negotia-
lions.
"'Our enemies rejected all efforts
made by the princes, but that was not
the latters' fault. In the same way
the enemies have so far rejected all
peace proposals made by statesmen Of
the central powers. At time when
the central powers had no diplomatic
renresentatives I'm the countries of the
enemies 1t was only natural to employ
two personages standing so high as
the two princes in the movement for
bringing about peace. We all pray
that this peace movement may be sue
cessful some day, and those who will
bring 1t about will certainly be enti-
tied to the thanks of all humanity.