CHAOS IN AUSTRIA

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4906, 27 June 1918, Page 5

CHAOS IN AUSTRIA

ATTEMPT TO PATCH-UP MINISTRY. EMPEROR’S CHALLENGE TO PEOPLE AUTOCRATIC RULE THREATENED." CRAVE FOOD SITUATION. Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. LONDON. June 25. The Daily Telegraph opines that Dr. von Seidler will attempt to patch up the Ministry in consequence of the Emperor’s refusal to immediately accept resignation, but anticipates the effort will end in failure. The Emperor has meanwhile charged Dr. von Seidler with responsibility for the conduct of affairs until he has considered his decision.

The correspondent adds: The letter clearly shows that the Emperor is determined to continue to refuse justice to Jugo-Slavs, Czechs, Poles, and other nationalities, and has not allowed them any voice in the government.

The Daily Telegraph’s Rotterdam correspondent excludes the possibility <ff Dr. von Seidler securing a Parliamentary majority, owing to failure to obtain the Polish support. It adds: _ Therefore the Emperor’s attitude is generally regarded as indicating that he intends to challenge the dissent of subjects and take advantage of the famous Article XIV. of the constitution, enabling him to govern without Parliament. It is quite likely, however, that Emperor Karl’s policy will be largely stage play, attempting to break down German resistance to the Austro-Polish policy by showing that its adoption is necessary to the maintenance of the dual monarchy. The arrival of 500 waggons of grain from Berlin has only slightly relieved the food situation. The greatest part of the grain is earmarked for the army. Altogether Germany promised a thousand waggons, whereof four hundred would be available for civilians, merely assuring Vienna its half-bread ration for a fortnight. Although Germany has also forgone a share of Hungary’s potato crop, the outlook until the harvest is critical.

Geneva messages state that it is difficult to learn the progress of the strike movement. The Austrian frontier is practically closed. Extremists are still advocating a general strike, which the "Workers’ Council hesitates to proclaim. Moderate Socialists are urging the immediate convocation of Parliament, and declare it is the only way of averting a catastrophe. The Lokal Anzieger states that one of the most serious aspects of the unrest in Austria-Hungary is the insurgency of the Poles and Czechs. Harvesting on the Hungarian frontier has commenced. The Viennese have been promised two pounds of horseflesh extra weekly, also mobile military kitchens, supplying a hundred thousand daily for four weeks, with cheap warm soups, meat, and vegetables.

DEMONSTRATION AGAINST GERMANY. STRANGE SCENE IN HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT. The Times. (Received June 26, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, -Juno 25. A vehement demonstration against Germany took place in the Hungarian Parliament on June IS. The chairman of the National Merchants said the Germans became robbers immediately they leit -the Fatherland. They were disloyal and dishonest allies and exploited Austro-Hungary whilst sneering at. her importunities. • A violent scene followed, members shouting: “They’ve robbed us and sucked Transvlavia dry.” M. Rarolyi joined in the demonstration.