Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-11-25

LuSb OI the COuHclt, anu LTyIUE
to brighten the people by the
probability Of allied Oocupa-
uOn, according to a Vienna dis
patch to the frankfort Gazette.
Vienna, Sunday, Nov. 24-De-
claring that there is pressing need
in Austria for assistance from
America and the allies, former En-
peror Charles of Austria-Hungary,
insisted today that the danger of
Bolshevism is very great in his
country. It was in conversation
with a correspondent of the Asso-
ciated Press, that the former SOW
ereign told of the conditions exist
ing.
The former emperor, his wife
and five children are at Eckertsau
castle. With them are a few faith
full men and women, including
Count Alexander Esterhasy, former
chief of court to the emperor, ad
Naval Captain Seedank- An inter
view with the former emperor was
granted after the request had been
transmitted through the president
of the council of the German-Aus-
trian republic The correspondent
was then permitted to motor some
25 miles to the castle, which is To-
Gated in the center of a vast plain
devoted to farming. This plain is
dotted here and there with cius-
ters of villages. Men and women
were busy in the fenceless fields
digging beet roots when the cor
respondent passed BY.
King Shows Worry.
Eckertsau castle is constructed
of stone, and is surrounded by
trees. 1t is guarded by a few sol
diers, although there are scarcely
any callers. The castle dated from
the 18th century, but the large
rooms were remodeled about a cen
tury ago, and handsomely fur
nished, so the castle appears to be
more of luxurious country place.
AS the correspondent entered the
gate, he was met by Captain See
dank, and conducted through a
lofty hall to the second story of the
castle, where he was received by
the former emperor. Charles wore
a generals uniform, and was ap-
parently vigorous but lines about
his blue eyes gave hints of the
stress of recent days. He appeared
to feel keenIy the great tragedy
that has come through the collapse
of his empire, but he cordially
greeted the correspondent The for
mer emperor spoke first in English
and then lapsed into French.
Not a Day to Be Lost
q authorize the Associated
Press to say that not a single day
be lost by America and the allies
in helping the people here, SO grave
is the situation.
During the war. one of my pre-
occupations was the task of obtain
ing food for the soldiers and people,
but now notwithstanding all my
interest, there is none left for
them. If America and the allies do
here will be very great within
and every day we do not use in the
endeavor to get food is a day lost.
Fear BOIsheYism.
we have done our best and more
cannot be done If food and coal
are not brought, we shall have dis
order in Vienna. Possibly that dis
order from Russia, which we call
will come. The people
here are fine, kind and patient, but
when anyone is without food. he is
apt to do many unusual and violent
things. Looking back, we may re-
call that Bolshevism started in
Russia because of the lack of food.
1 think it in the interest of the al
lies to aid US, as Bolshevism. when
started. may spread, and become
a danger to the allies too.
Our coal and food situation is
worse because of transportation
The railroads became
badly disorganiZed lately. | am
very glad 10 see an American. who
q country which is
working for peace l have voted
for peace always.
Cannot Speak of Past.
Regarding the future-I cannot
speak of the past, / can only repeat
that l feel / did my duty. How
ever, / do hope that peace will
bring good fortune, happier days
and a better understanding among
all peoples"
During the interview, the former
did not show bitterness I
toward the allies or America be- |
cause of their military victory. !
though It may be inferred that he /
Is heart-sore over the loss OF HIS !
army, also over his failure to pre- /
serve his empire intact. He feels |
hat the breaking up OF the empire /
into small groups Of nations Is .
bound TO bring economic and polit- /
cal disaster TO all, and that some .
sort of general government Is nee |
,ssary for their common interests.
WhOye Heart On People.