The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-10-19
ANSWER AUSTRIA


of Austria Hungary. with autonomy
and Austrian confederation promised,
comes too late.
Representatives of the submerged
groups said today that the old mon
archy of the Hapsburgs must and will
be destroyed. AS proof of its destined
disintegration they pointed to the
Czecho-Slovak declaration of indie
pendence' just issued here, wherein
they proclaim Czecho- Slovak democ-
racy and refuse to remain part OF
Austria longer.
Allied successes, it is held, assure
the fruition of this plan
Czecho-Sl leaders say the be-
ginning of the end has come for Aus
tria-Hungary.
Duplicity was seen in Emperor
Charles announcement that he would
form a confederation of Austrian ma
tionalities, a proposal which is quite
at variance with President Wilson's
principle of complete freedom for sub
| ject nationalities, which Austria'S last
note professed to accept.
The Czecho-Slovak declaration of
| independence was handed to Presi-
| dent Wilson only few hours after
press dispatches reported Emperor
| Charles manifesto announcing his in
tention to form an Austrian confed-
Grafton and to grant local autonomy
| to all subject nationalists.
| Complete Independence.
The declaration of the Czecho
| Slovaks was taken here as evidence
| that subject nations of Austria was
| nothing less than complete independ-
| ence They will not be content with
| any settlement which leaves them in
any degree under the control of the
| Hapsburgs. Already dispatches tell
| of their seizure of Prague, indicating
that real revolution has broken out.
| The declaration, signed by Professor
! Wi in Gto
provisional Czecho-Slovak govern
| ment, points to probable federation
| of the smaller central European ma
lions after they have won freedom
| from Austria.
| 1--WE consider freedom to be the
first prerequisite for liberalization
and believe that the free nations of
! central and eastern Europe may easily
federalize should they find it neces-
sary," the declaration stated.
| Czecho-Slovaks in Austria Hungary
number 5000, 900, representatives here
| declare
| Victims of HaIjsburgs.
Joining a defensive alliance with
Austria and Hungary against the
Turks several centuries ago, the
Czecho-Slovaks of Bohemia, Moravia
and Siberia were made the victims of
Hapsburg encroachment later.
The indictment of the dapsburgs is
bitter
| I'VE cannot and will not continue
to live under the direct or indirect rule
of the yioIators of Belgium, France
and Serbia, the would-be murderers of
Russia and Rumania." the declara-
ton states.
The Czechs declare for acceptance
for ideals of democracy as laid down
in the American declaration of indie
pendence. Formation of Czecho-
I Slovak democracy is contemplated.
This state will guarantee complete
freedom of religion, speech and press
and the right of assembly and petition.
Church and state must be separated,
the declaration states.
Universal Suffrage.
Universal suffrage for men and wo-
men, proportionate representation to
safeguard national minoritieS with a
responsible parliamentary government
under check of an initiative and refer
endnm provision are the principles
which~will be embodied in the new
government. Militia will replace the
standing army.
The pre-war debt incurred by Aus
tyia will be assumed, but the war debt
will be left to those who incurred it
| Austria. Grants to the nobility will
be abolished and large estates will be
thrown open for home colonization.
FOR Open Diplomacy.
In its foreign relations, the new
; democracy declares for open diplo-
macy. The principle of nationality is
adhered to, but the Czecho-Slovak
state will expect to accept its share
of responsibility in the ganizatior
of eastern Europe.
Glass legislation is prohibited an6
no Bolshevism will be permitted tc
develop.
Rumanians here issued statement