Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-02-22
BIkIAN CRISIS
'AOREDESPERATE
|ocialists, Czechs and
Slavs Bolder in Opposi-
tion to Germany
EMPEROR Is FIRM
Threatens to Rule With Iron
Hand Unless Provisional
/. Budget Is Accepted

Z. WASHINGTON. Feb. 2g,---Austria's
Internal situation grows constantly moro
6esperate, according to adviccs reach.
Ing here today.
The Socialists. the Czechs and tho
Glavs are becoming bolder in their desire
and demands and there is a growing
feeling among the popdllce that Aus
tria should cast Off the ties that bind
her to Germany.
That the Emperor, however. is inclined
70 curb the insurgents is manifest from
his reported threats TO dissolve the
Rcichsrat and put into effect an IRON
handed rule IL the provisional budget is
hot supported
The Socialist demand for opening
peace negotiations with the United
states is by far the strongest step the
Liberals have taken, and there is In
The whole situation an element of revo-
(uticn.
OPPOSE GERMAN POLICY
Dissatisfaction with the German an
nexationist policy, with the Teuton adj
vance into Russia and with the Ukraine
settlemeht are the immediate causes of
the present demands for peace. though
The more Fundamental cause is am m
creasingly serious economic situation
and general discomfort over continuing
70 feed men TO the cannons.
THESE problems are to Germany tie
most serious hihdrances her program has
encountered, in the view of many inter-
national experts here. While the Kaiser
and the Emperor will doubtless continue
70 Keep the recalctrants in line for some
ume, their growing boldness and insist
ence means that the Teuton plans be-
come more beset with troubles.
The German military leaders are there.
Tore plowing into Russia as fast q.
possible, so that they can present new
''victories" TO their people to still thC
growing clamors for peace. Reports her,
Indicate that both the German ant
Austrian liberals, however. are less con
tent than ever before to be fed on
sysctory'' such as tine German invasion
Of defenseless Russia
The Austrian Socialists demands ~
likely to influence Count czeruins cX
pected answer TO president Wilson
Czernin has already reflected the pres
sure under which Austria labors and thi
new sign of internal distress will doubt
less make him even more concliator
than before, 1t Is felt here. Peace ncgo
Nations, though. cannot matrialize unles
Austria definitely casts aside her allianc
with the military masters of German!
TITANIC STRUGGLE or
Behind tho curtain of censorship tn
Titanic struggle between tho advocate
OF peace and war was progressing !
Austria Hungary today. Reports rcacl
ing the State Department and the en-
bassies and legations here indicated tina
the militarsts dominated the situation
German influences seemed in the aScer
a La
Emperor Charles would win his fight ft
continuation of the present war poliClc
His threat that he will prorogue Il
~ Reichsrath and rule by absolutism it Il
provisional budget is not accepted !
majority has been accepted as
answer to the demand of the Socialis
that the Premier take steps to op'
Negotiations for peace on the basis la
down by President Wilson. Turbulc
Hines are certain, but all of tho advic
Teaching here indicate that the imperi
control has the backing Of the troo
and that there will be no movement f
separate peace now.
President Wilson and his advisors a
Watching the situation in the dual CT
pire very closely. They do not eXpe
10 take any further steps to !nnuen
the peace party in Austria Hungary
<his time. To do so might put the Unit
States In the position of being mlsunde
stood. but special agents at Nario
points are keeping the White House co
stantly informed Of Developments, and
q situation should arise where mo
by this Government would strength
fhc hands of the anti-Germah Czec
and Slays. the President would be rea
20 act at an hours notice.
d II becomes more and more appare'
Officials say. that the Russian situate
fs certain TO cause increased friction L
tween the Austrians and the German
The apparent evident intention OF Ge
many completely TO conquer Hussla n
raused serious distrust in Berlin in MAJ
Aus.rian quarters and will prove co
&tantly increasing source of friction, {
Bclals here believe