EX-EMPEROR KARL

Otago Witness, Issue 3500, 12 April 1921, Page 17

EX-EMPEROR KARL

A REPUBLICAN HUNGARY IMPOSSIBLE. NEW YORK, April 4. The Budapest correspondent of the New York Times interviewed Admiral Horthy, w-ho assured the correspondent that the Karl episode had definitely ended. Continuing, he said: " But it must he remembered that a Republican Hungary is impossible. The Hungarian mind lias* become habituated to a monarchy, which suits our people better. We could never go through? an election every four years without agitation and excitement, resulting in great harm. It does not matter much which head wears the crown. The people will be less susceptible to the dangerous influence of the demagogues if they are under a monarchy. They will lie steadier and will work better. We will solve our problems in due time and will prosper under an ordered but liberal monarchy.” KARL’S DEPARTURE. BUDAPEST, April 6. The ex-Emperor Karl’s departure from Steinamanger was accompanied by moving scenes. His advisers debated ail night long the advisability of resisting departure and marching to Budapest. Karl finally, against the counsels of Colonels Lehar and Andrassy, decided in the interests of the country to retire from Hungary. A large crowd commenced singing the Hungarian National Anthem. Karl appeared on the balcony and was tremendously cheered. Women and children fell on their knees weeping, and remained so until the royal motor started on its journey. Karl expressed himself convinced that he would return within a brief period, and he issued a declaraton, which it is understood will be published by the Hungarian Government, as follows : —“ I am leaving be--1 cause of the conviction that the time has not yet come to take over the right of j governing. I cannot permit the maintenance of right which would entail the disturbance of the present peace. I leave the land as the crowned King of Hungary.” Colonel Lehar, Karl's meet ardent supporter, has resigned from the Hungarian army, ostensibly on account of ill-health, and is voluntarily sharing Karl’s exile. THE EPISODE ENDED. GENEVA, April 9. The Federal Council decided to Kail to stay in Switzerland, but it is re« ! ported that he is going to Spain.