The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-11-06
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1913.
AUSTRIAN CRISIS.

AUSTRIAN CKISIS.
In the present crisis in Austria Hungary, the
saying of Thucydides if fulfilled that a country
Of many races always tends toward disintegra-
ton. The wonder is that under conditions such
rs have existed for upwards of half century
Austria-Hungary has succeeded in maintaining
itself at ALL let alone making material progress
in government education and art. The war, of
course, has served to bring matters to head
But even if the present world conflict had never
been started it is doubtful if the dual monarchy
could have avoided facing open rebellion much
longer.
To understand the real causes of the troubles
which have overtaken the vast empire which
overspreads central Europe it is necessary to bear
in mind the fact Austria Hungary is polyglot
combination, embracing countries cut up by nu-
merous races, confederacies, and religions, each
endeavoring to preserve its independence ancient
rights, language, and dignity; each jealous and
suspicious of the other and dissatisfied with the
whole An illustration of the many tongues
spoken by its peoples lies in the fact that on the
circulating notes of the government the denom-
nations printed in ten different languages.
For the sake of comparison, if one can imagine
the United States or the Dominion of Canada
composed of many different states or provinces,
not differing alone in name and in local govern
nent, but lacking every tie of consanguinity it is
possible to appreciate the unhealthy condition of
affairs that has son long existed III Austria-Hun-
gary.
This great poyglot power stretches across a
vast area of dissimilar territories. It's western
extremity extends to Switzerland and Italy; its
northern boundary skirts the frontier of the
German empire and runs beyond the Carpa-
THAN mountains; to the east it reaches to the
Black sea, and on the south it is bounded by the
Balkan countries. Within this territory lives a
dozen different nationaities, each having it's own
language and laws. No such variety of races ex-
lists in any other one domain anywhere i'm the
world. Most prominent of these peoples are the
Germans, Slavs and Magyars. Within this clas-
sification Slav differs from Slav by many diver
gencies of history, speech and religion, and ad-
aed to this polyglot assemblage Italians,
Jews, and many other classes.
In the present arrangement of the empire the
two great divisions are Austria and Hungary.
Bohemia too is great, but for years it has been
Kept IN the background and has been a constant
thorn in the side of the principals. Though SUBJ
dued, the Czechs in Bohemia never became re-
concied to their place in the empire. And today,
thanks to the straits in which the empire has
been placed by alliance with the German en-
peror, the Czechs appear to be nearer than ever
before to realization of their fond dream-the
re-establishment of the ancient kingdom of
the Hradschin in Prague.
Austria, consisting of the upper and lower
provinces. with Vienna in the latter, is really a
small part of the empire Hungary, on the other
hand, extends over as much territory as all the
other provinces put together. Between Austria
and Hungary there is no unifcation of interests
While possessing the right of autonomy and hav-
in gforced many concessions from Austria the
Hungarians have necer ceased to clamor for en-