Evening star., 1936-06-07
BY EMIL LENGYEL.

BY EMIL LENGYEL.
Author OF Millions of Dictators." Hitler"
TINE most recent and youngest
dictator of Europe is Profess
sorial-looking Chancellor DR..
u Curt Won Schuschnigg of Aus
tria. Although in nominal power for
nearly two years, he did not attain
the position of Austria's strong man"
until the middle of last month, when
he forced the resignation of his then
vice chancellor, Prince Ernst Rudi-
ger Won Starhemberg Previously it
was the prince who had laid claim
to dictatorial powers-but Schusch-
nigg showed him his place by appoint
ing him president of mothers or
ganization.
This move was preceded by hurried
jockeying for positions. Starhemberg
made an attempt to gain full control
by urging that the chancellor's storm
troops be incorporated in his home
guards-both Fascist organizations.
Schuschnigg took the wind out Of the
princes sails by introducing universal
military service. With the establish
ment of full-size army for the first
time since the World War there would
be no use for such groups.
Starhemberg baked, but Schusch-
nigg persisted, and waited for his
cue. 1t came after the Italian forces
marched on Adds Ababa. Starhem-
berg sent an enthusiastic telegram of
congratulation to MuSsolini-sent lt
without consulting the chancellor.
Was this his signal for revolt? At any
rate, it was poor policy, as the tele-
gram was certain to antagonize the
British, Austria's principal money
lenders.
Schuschnigg Acts Quickly.
Schuschnigg acted quickly and de-
cisively. Starhemberg was dropped
from the cabinet. While the world
was still wondering whether he would
resist, Starhemberg went of to attend
soccer match in Rome. II Duce
wired his congratulations TO Dr.
Schuschnigg. And the day following
Starhemberg's return to Austria,
Schuschnigg took full control Of the
home guard, incorporating it into
his own troops. Thus was Starhem-
berg's rout completed.
Although the country which
Schuschnigg heads is small, it looms
tremendously large in world history
When diagnosing trouble, the anxious
nf E1Irnnafc cfo Iyrro1
rest on Austria. There two dynamic
Fascist powers clash. Herr Hitler
wants Austria in order to fulfill the
Third Reich'S destiny as he sees it.
Signor Mussolini wants to keep Hitler
away, so as to retain a strategic posi-
ton in the Danube Valley. In many
European chsncellerieS. Austria s
youthful dictator is seen as a modern
st. George on guard against the NaI
dragon. 1t is realized that If he goes
out, Hitler will soon 60 into the Vienna
Hofburg.
By assuming full power, Chancellor
Schuschnigg stepped into the heritage
of his diminutive predecessor, Chan
cellor Engelbert Dollfuss, who died
at NaZi hands in the Summer of 1894.
viii Schuschnigg be able to electrify
his country and keep the Nazis at bay,
as DollfusS did?
Tablet Is Reminder.
Next to Schuschnigg's study in the
old chancery of Vienna's Ballhau-
platz there is a room which serves as
O nnnctoY1t in toix OF
this room are drawn; it is lit by the
fitful flicker of an eternal light. A
bronze tablet beneath the light marks
the spot where Chancellor Dollfuss
bled to death after he had been shot
by NaZi rifles. 1t is such chances that
SchuSchnigg has to take while trying
to maneuver his country into a safe
harbor.
His own study is in strong con-
trast with that somber chamber. From
his desk he looks straight into the
Burggarten, its wild chestnut trees lit
with candleike white flowers. The
Hapsburg dynasty, former occupants
of the royal residence, the Burg, are
still in exile. But there are always
rumors that they are on their way
back to Austria, determined to break
down all resistance to their return.
When Chancellor Schuschnigg looks
at the Burg so musingly, he may be
thinking about the problem which
the house of Austria presents to his
country.
Chancellor Only 80.
Although the chancellor is only SO,
his cheeks are lined with care. His
gray blue eyes, guarded from in
quisite observation by glistening
glasses, seem to be turned inward. He
speaks a typical Austrian dialect
he is not very careful about the diff
ference between tx" and "g" and ''p"
and I'd"
His voice is adapted to the occa-
sion, slightly unctious when making
a promise, which he likes to do; and
somewhat hard when refusing clem-
ency to political prisoner. In private
conversation, he is courtesy persona
fed and it does not take one long to
discover that he is man of culture,
lover of music and an addict of
Beethoven. The chancellor is known
for the distinguished cut of his clothes
and the provocative color of his ties.
DR.. Schuschnigg is one of Austria's
best orators. His voice In public is q
full baritone, which he knows how to