THE AUSTRIAN CRISIS.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 January 1918, Page 5

THE AUSTRIAN CRISIS.

AUSTRIA'S FOOD STRAITS.

LOOKING TO UKRAINE

LONDON, January 22,

Many of the shops in Vienna were barricaded in fear of pillage. The workers ias/rembled by .thousands in the main streets, and formed masses across the tram lines, stopped the traffic. The authorities are urgently calling for increased food from Hungary, hoping that supplies will arrive in March from the Ukraine if the waterways arc free. Meanwhile Germany has been asked to send meal, but is apparently unable to do so. The “Daily Chronicle’s” ' Amsterdam corrsepondent says that the latest reports from Vienna describe the situation as being one of increasing seriousness. They indicate that the workers arc disregarding their leaders’ advice. If the report of Von Seidler’s resignation is confirmed it is clear that the Government’s assurance have not cleared the situation.

PROLETARIAT TRIUMPH. government climbs down. 'LONDON, January 221 The “Daily Chronicle’s” Amsterdam corespondent reports that the Austrian strikers behaved in an exemplary fashion. They have avoided disorder, and continue to ido absolutely Accessary work, while all traffic observed perfect discipiline. The workers presented a united front, and the Government faced a serious situation. The Government’s hasty climb down demonstrated that the workers were in a strong position, also their determination to bring matters to a head. Count Czcrniu realised that it was advisable to emphasise in the most direct terms that the Government of the Dual Monarchy stands by a policy of peace without annexations. It swiftly capitulated to the labour demands, including women’s suffrage. Seldom has any Government climbed down to such an extent.

The policy of the proletariat may be summed up in three words, “Peace, bread, freedom” and the greatest of those is peace. There is no doubt that the recent speeches of Mr George and President Wilson have produced a great effect in Austria. The workers’ deptuations repeatedly told the Ministers that the proletariat regarded these utterances as outlining the basis on which a general peace should be discussed.

Herr von Soldier’s speech to the labour leaders was remarkably conciliatory in tone. He declaroTT that the Government continued to aim for a speedy and general peace, and that the Entente would be blameworthy if only a separate peace with Russia were immediately secured. He disclaimed any aims of conquest. Other representatives of the Government promised food reforms, an extension of the organisation for municipal suffrage, and votes for women. The workers withdrew, and decided in favour of resumption of work.

PEACE WANTED. PATIENCE OP TORTURED MASSES ENDED. AUSTRIA WANTS PEACE. GERMANY DOES NOT.

Received 8.40,

AMSTERDAM, Jan 23. There have been no newspapers

from Austria since the 18th. The Vienna Arbeiter Zeitung, in a remarkable article, said the patience of the tortured masses is ended; they are unable to endure any longer. Not only the workers, but millions of peasants, officials, and professionals demand peace. Strikers are now translating their powerless wish into a definite act.

It is strange that the Austrian cen sor allowed the article to be pub lished

The Austrian papers are ignoring the Austrian crisis.

A well-informed traveller from Austria states that every Austrian ridicules the idea of fighting on for Al-sace-Lorraine, Germany’s annexation of Belgium, freedom of the seas, and other items in the German jingoes’ programme. Austrian people want an Austrian peace. The overwhelming mass of the people support the right of self-determination by the occupied! teritories. Germany does not want peace; Austria does, hut will she be offered it?

AMERICAN CONFIRMATION. Received 9.15. WASHINGTON, Jan 23. State Department advices confirm the Socialist riot and disturbances in

Austria.

EMPEROR CONCEDES POPULAR DEMANDS.

STRIKERS RETURNING TO WORK.

LONDON, January 22,

Vienna messages state that the Emperor Karl has refused Seidler’s and Wekeelc’s resignations, commanding them to retain their Ministries and to accede to the popular demands reregarding food the extension of the communal franchise, women’s suffrage, and the civil control of industry. Seidler has further announced that the Government aimed at a speedy and general peace without annexations, permitting Poland to settle her own relationships with Austria. All the strikes are ceasing, and work is being resumed.

STRIKES SPREADING EVERY-

WHERE,

AMSTERDAM, January 22

Despite the severest censorship, it is evident that the strike in Austria is spreading, particularly to all industries and Lower Austria is now affected. The figures regarding the numer of strikers are excised, though occasional censors’ oversights suggest that ten per cent, of the people are now striking, including those engaged in the most essential war industries Eight thousand strike leaders have met at Vienna to formulate plans Violent collisions have occurred between the strikers and the police, especially at Ringplatz and Opornplatz. There has been much looting of food and stores. Many arrests have been made, and the anti-German bitterness is growing.

CONFIRMATION FROM SWITZERLAND.

BEENE, January 22.

The earlier optimistic reports from Austria arc now believed to be due to the Austro-Swiss propaganda. The “Neue Stenaehtcn” says the movement has spread to other large towns The situation at Buda Pest is serious, Industry is almost at a standstill. The shops are closed, the tramways have stopped running, and collisions between the police and crowds in Vienna and Cracow continue