The Daily News. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1918. THE AUSTRIAN UPHEAVAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 January 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 1918. THE AUSTRIAN UPHEAVAL.

When Germany entered upon her subterranean campaign for creating disaffection among the Russian armies she handled a very dangerous weapon. Though she gained her object with the greatest of ease, she was preparing trouble for herself and Austria the extent of •which could not possibly have been anticipated. Recent news from Vienna exemplifies how the Russian upheaval has affected the Austrians, and knowing how strictly the censorship is carried out it is quite possible that the situation is far ■Worse than shown by the cables. Austria was far more ready to absorb'the lessons derived from Russian anarchy than is the case with Germany. For a long time past tin . o have been mutterings and agitations in Austria against being tied to Germany's tail and having to fight at Germany's dictation. It was only Germany's action in sending troops against the Italians that prevented a decided move by Austria towards obtaining a separate peace. Each week the privations of tha people have become more acute and now the storm appears to have burst and threatens serious consequences. According to a New York message wholesale disaffections are spreading throughout the Austro-German army, and it is stated that entire Austrian companies have been 3hot, merely for sympathising with Russian Socialism. This is how the result of German intrigue is rebounding upon its authors. It was quite legitimate to foster socialism and anarchy in Russia 'because German troops could be transferred to the West front, but it is a heinous crime, to be punished with death, for Austrians to sympathise with the evil work of their German masters. •Why ? For the very potent reason that by so doing a blow is struck at Imperialism, and the tenure of the reigning autocrats is at stake. Without doubt the cruel, ruthless methods of the German commanders will be put in force to cow the rebellious soldiers, but the mere fact of the disaffection shows that the canker is spreading and may get beyojjd a remedy. The shooting of a few thousand men will not exorcise the evil, but will surely add force to the upheaval. Already the workers have taken a hand by means of the strike weapon which they are using with an ever-increasing force, locomotive and munition works being the first to be closed down. Moreover, it is not a passive strike, but accompanied by riots and pillage of stores, clothing shops and restaurants, showing that the people are determined to get food and clothing, though they may not be able to enforce an' ending of the war. It is a general strike throughout Austria, specially aimed at securing peace, though incidentally operating as hostility towards Germany. Just as German propaganda led to Russia's defection, so may Russian propaganda and Russian example lead to Austria's defection, and it would fa iihe irony of fate if this occurred. The Austrian masses want peace, have clamored for it for a long time, and now they are taking action and organising. The authorities stand aghast at the Russian chaos and are dreading the spread of revolutionary infection from Russia to Austria. There is tension between Bavarians and Pnußwju and tela,-

tions are strained. That tlie army is disaffected is evidenced. by the shuffling' process that has taken place by divisions being sent in different directions to minimis!? the danger of outbreaks, one Belgian province being lilled with Austrian troops. This is a very ancient, but hopelessly ineffective expedient akin to sitting on the safety valve of a boiler the coats of which have worn thin. Instead of postponing the explosion it tends to hasten it. Apparently the strike 'movement, according to latest cables, has assumed enormous proportions, so much so that a Socialist deputation to the Government was informed that peace negotiations were being expedited. The masses are not in a temper to be soothed by mere official statements. They want actual proof, and they also demand a | general democratic peace, with democratic reforms. It is significant that the [demonstrators in Vienna and Grate repeatedly cried: "Down with Prussian militarism. Long live the Russian revolution and universal peace." This is the whirlwind which the Kaiser has raised by his scheming in Russia; it is also the direct effect of President Wilson's message. When the Papal Nuncio describes all Austro-Hungary as on fire with open opposition to Germany, the Kaiser may well desperately strive to avert a crisis. Whether or not this outburst of hostil- ; itv to Prussian militarism will affect the \ war, it is a powerful factor in the democratising process, without which no peace is possible. Apparently all classes in Austria desire peace, and Russia lias demonstrated, to them that the quickest and most direct way is to throw off allegiance and down arms. That chaos has resulted is only a'detail that inflamed workers would not stop to consider. That they mean business is clear, and the resignation of the Austrian Ministry emphasises the acuteness of the crisis, and points to the possibility of action being taken. It may be that the Austro-Hungarian? would welcome the opportunity for a break with Germany, but it is idle to speculate on the course of events. The socialistic movement has evidently taken a strong hold of the people, and if their efforts to obtain democratic reforms are successful the war outlook will be materially affected.