ENGLAND AND AUSTRIA.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XV, Issue 116, 15 May 1880, Page 2

ENGLAND AND AUSTRIA.

Speaking' in the Austrian Parliament on the 27th January, Baron Hubner is reported to have said : — '; There was a time when England and Austria were close allies. Twice they have fought side by side for the liberty and independence of Europe. Twice, with the aid of other allies, they have prevented the establishment of the ' universal supremacy of Prance. Hence the term, of historical alliance applied to the entente between the two countries. That expression has vanished in the course of time. Moreover, during the; middle of the present century, England separated herself from Continental affairs, and, save her participation in the ; Crimean war, she made no further figure in Europe. England might, so to speak, be assimilated to an orphan ; by degrees people begin to think that England, like a wealthy merchant, had retired from business, in' order to enjoy her riches in quiet. Not very long ago I myself heard it discussed in London whether on financial grounds it wpuld not be advisable to give up the British colonies altogether. In the minds of certain advanced politicians the possession of India was merely aVquestion of time. Suddenly a change took place in the disposition of the nation. The British lion was not dead ; he was only asleep. He began to roar, and the noise he made resounded from the columns of Hercules to Colchis. England had re-appeared in Europe, and her first act was to re-establish the equilibrium of Europe at the moment it was threatened in the East. On her way she met an old friend, Austria, , with whom she renewed acquaintance. The sons of the victors of Aspern and Waterloo, the great grandsons of the Herves, of Blenheim, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet shook hands. England and Austria are old friends, who move in different circles, but who always finish by meeting on the common ground of their interests and historical associa- , tiohs." * ■ ■ —-—« .