Evening star., 1918-04-16
DISCUSS CzERN|N'S
DRAMATIC EXIT
Retirement of Austro-Hun-
garian Minister Causes Much
Speculation In Washington.
INTERNAL .DIscoRD CITED

News of the resignation of Count
Csernin as Austro-Hungarfan foreign
minister led to much speculation among
causes which brought about the rather
dramatic exit of tho Austrian oficial at
moment when, through his decided
change of attitude toward war issues.
involving his complete acceptance Of
the extreme German Views, It had been
supposed that he had greatly strength
ened his position.
This change was manifested soon
after the Brest-Litovsk peace confer
ences. where Czernin had become con-
vinced that his moderate Views regard
ing the basis Of peace were unaccepta-
BILE to the dominant annexation and
forced indemnity party.
Therefore officials here are inclined
to believe that 1t was not because the
count was obnoxious to Austria's great
ally that he was forced out Of Office,
but rather that the explanation was to
be found In internal Austro- Hungarian
issues.
Emperor in Unpleasant Position.
1t is recognized that Czernin in
d
unpleasant position by his speech try
ing to fasten upon France the re-
sponsibility, for initiating peace pro-
posals last year, thereby enabling the
French government to deliver a mas
ter stroke in diplomacy by producing
the famous letter of Charles to Prince
Sixtus. But quite aside from the Six
tus letter, recent events in Austria
Hungary have indicated that Count
Czernin's tenure might be short. In
the first place there was the frightful
suffering OF the population. and es-
pecially Of Bohemia, from the state of
semi starvation for which they hold the
government responsible because It
would not make peace at once. Then
there was the bitter dissatisfaction of
the Poles and Czechs over the re-
linquishment of the rich country of
Cholm to the Ukraine as one OF the
conditions of the Brest-Litovsk peace.
Finally. there was the concentrated
hatred OF the foreign minister by
the anti-German elements of the Aus
trian confederation because Of his re-
his adoption Of the pan-German pro
gram in Its entirety, with all OF its
reactionary policy.
AS it is understood Emperor Charles
himself still has liberal leanings. and is
disposed to moderation SO far as war is
concerned. 1t is conceived that he might
easily be inclined to rid himself of an
Official SO unpopular with a large part Of
the Austro-Hungarian population.
Count Near Physical Collapse.
1t has been known, too, for a long
time that the count has been a sick
man, and that he has often shown signs
Of distraction. and has many times been
near the point of absolute physical col
lapse as the result Of his strenuous ef-
forts to maintain control Of the widely
discordant elements that make up the
dual empire. Hence 1t is regarded as by
no means impossible that he has broken
down in health and been obliged to give
way to a stronger man.
An official dispatch from Copenhagen
that the committee for foreign affairs OF
the Austrian delegation has been con-
voked for the goth Of April. in order to
give Count Czernin the opportunity to
make q declaration concerning events Of
foreign policy.
Parliament has been convoked for the
goth Of April The same dispatch says
that a great Czech manifestation OF pro-
test was held at Prague on Saturday
against Count Czernin's speech.
Czernin to Enter the Army.
LONDON, April 16.-Count Czernin has
decided to enter the army after retiring
from the foreign portfolio. the Copen-
hagen correspondent Of the Exchange
Telegraph Company cables. He will COM
mand brigade on the Italion front.
The correspondent also says the count
had an interview of half an hour yester-