The upshot of the lon g deliberations of the Austri a n Ministers
respect- ing the proposed introduction of constitutional government into the em- piro have, it is said, taken the following shape. The report comes from Vienna, and is dated yesterday— "It is asserted that the Ministers hare agreed to propose the following resolution for adoption by his Majesty, namely— "That at the opening of the first full sitting of the Reichsrath the Pre- sident, Archduke Renier, should read to the Assembly an autograph letter of the Emperor. In this letter, after having stated the sincerity of his in- tentions to give satisfaction to the legitimate wishes of the people, the Em- peror should, promise to take into serious consideration the views expressed in the two reports of the Committee of twenty-one. But, while uwiuting a means to reconcile the opposite tendencies of the majority and minority of that Committee, the Emperor, in order not to adjourn the political regene- ration of the empire, considers that in his sovereign capacity he should grant the statutes of the provincial diets, and fix beforehand their precise privi- leges, thus assuring and, guaranteeing the autonomy. of each province. Also that the promulgation of these statutes should not in any way prejudice the right of the diets to claim changes and modifications of proved necessity and utility. "The autograph letter should likewise announce the immediate promule gation of the Electoral Law, both as regards the formation of the provincial diets and the definitive constitution of the enlarged Council of the Empire. "The Ministers hope that such an autograph letter would prevent political debates in the Reichsrath, and allow the Government to tranquilly dose the session with the increased confidence of the country." • This statement is in accordance with an earlier report to the effect that the Emperor would anticipate the Reichsrath and himself promul- gate a constitution. The thing has often been done before by Austrian Emperors; but woe unto this Emperor if be do not faithfully abide by his promises and fulfil all his obligations. The first is to become a legal King of Hungary. Apprehensive of an attack on Venetia, Austria is most actively carrying on the works for the completion of a branch line to connect the Venetian rail- ways with those of Germany. On the 5th of September the line from Nabresina to Udine will be inaugurated. This railway will enable Austria to transport a considerable force to Venetia in a few days.
Previous page
