The Dominion. MONDAY, JULY 24, 1916. MORE SIGNS OF DISRUPTION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2831, 24 July 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. MONDAY, JULY 24, 1916. MORE SIGNS OF DISRUPTION

It has been a surprise to many people familiar with conditions in Austro-Hungary that the dual Empire has not split up under the Btress and strain of the war. There has been bitter internal dissension between the conflicting nationalities within the Empire on a variety of grounds from the very beginning, and since the war started fresh jealousies have sprung up and new troubles have added to,the tension. Yet until quite recently there has been no clear sign of a definite move likely to lead to a real crisis. The continued success of the great Hussion onslaught, however, now seems to be making tho Hungarians realise more intensely than ever how deoply they have been the dupes of the Austro-Gcrmans. They sec that this war means all loss and no gain. to Hungary, andthcy'are jvcary of the struggle. A new Independence Party was recently formed, and one of its aims is to secure the immediate conclusion of peace. The. fact that the union between Austria and Hungjiry has never worked smoothly may to some extent discount the importance of this movement. The ties which bind the two countries have often been strained almost to breaking point. At the same time the developments now in progress are not without significance. A re-' cent writer on modern European history tells us that "Hungary was punished for its revolt in 1848 by twenty years of' despotic, rule from Vienna, but tho disasters of 1866 determined the Emperor to seek a reconciliation." After sketching the troubled story of the unhappy partnership between the two halves of the Dual Monarchy, the writer remarks that thouglf the separatist policy received a temporary check m 1910, no one could foretell the future of Hungarian parties. The dualist arrangement and the army system have been furiously attacked at various times in Parliament. Tho legislation providing for the increase of the array was only carried' after fierco fights by the Hungarian deputies during .which a hundred members "had to be expelled by the police. Tho Opposition, which at that time consisted of more than 150 members of the Independence Party, never forgave Austria for this. The dislike of Austrian rule lias steadily grown sinco then, and discontent was widespread when the war began. At tho outbreak of the conflict the censorship was so drastic that hundreds of thousands of, Hungarians were sent to fight against the Russians and Serbians before their countrymen graspeci what was going on, and news of reverses was rigidly suppressed. The Hungarian people heard of nothing but victories. But the process of disillusionment has been going on for some time past. It is vain to boast of victory while the Russians are battering down the gates. Tho new Independence Party seems to think that tho moment for action has come.

The Hungarians are beginning to realise that Germany cannot save them, and thoy are seeking for a way of salvation by severing the bonds which bind them to Australia.

If Hungary succeedod in making terms with the Allies the Central Powers would be placed in a desperate fix. Hungary, besides feeding the whole of the _Austro-Hun-garian army, has provided the German troops with great quantities of grain and fodder. A Hungary would make it almost impossible for the Central Powers to find sufficient food for their forces-. The new Independence Party is, of course, aware of this, and is anxious to avail itself of the present favourable opportunity for furthering its separatist aims, and the establishment of an independent Kingdom of Hungary. There have been bitter complaints- regarding the harsh treatment meted out to the Hungarian soldier?. Early in tho war a,'leading newspapor declared that the Hungarian troops had not only been compelled to bear the brunt of the campaign, but, like Uriah the Hittite,' they had also been forced to occupy the most dangerous positions in the actual fighting line. But in spite of-increasing discontent and the desiro for selfgovernment, the path to separation is-blocked by obstacles. Tho nation is divided into three sections—the Independence Party, which wants entire separation from Austria; the Conservative Party, which stands for full independence for Hungary lin home affairs while remaining pari? of the Dual Monarchy; and the' Government Party, which supports the present arrangement, and takes 'its directions from Vienna. Hungarian independence can only be achieved by the combined efforts of .the Independence and Conservatiyo Parties. But the Conservatives have hitherto held aloof from the independence' movementbecausc they are afraid that, owing to her geographical situation, Hungary could not stand alone. They fear that-she would not bo able to protect herself from her neighbours. It' has been stated that the Conservatives would throw in their lot with the Independents if they could bo satisfied that the separate existence of Hungary eould bo securely guaranteed. It is quite possible that tho present' turn of the tide against the Central Powers may cause tho Conservatives to reconsider their position and induce'thorn to co-operate with the'lndependents. This would create a situation which would' give Rumania much to'think about. How would Hungarian independence, backed by the Entente Powers, affect Rumania's hopes for an extension of • territory which would bring in the folir million Rumanians now living in Transylvania ? Rumania cannot expect' to get Transylvania without fighting for it. If she does not take decisive action soon she may loso an opportunity that may nover recur. If an independent Hungary _ could make a- separate peace with the Allies! she" might be able to avoid the loss of Transylvania, and one of tho long-cherished hopes of Rumania'would thus bo shattered.