The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1918. AUSTRIA'S CONDITION.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 June 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1918. AUSTRIA'S CONDITION.

It lias been evident for some time past that the internal affairs of [the Dual Monarchy have been go- ' ing from bad to worse, though, the true state of affairs has as much as possible been prevented from being made public to the outside world. In the light of the cable messages received during'several weeks back, the revelations of M. Gerandin to the New York "World's Geneva correspondent afford reasonably reliable evidence of the extent to which the sufferings of the people have goaded them to rebellious lawlessness as the result of absolute desperation. A residence of nine years in Vienna should enable any observant foreigner to become familiar with the conditions under which the people exist and to note the effect of the changed circumstances since the war began. Direct testimony of this nature may well be impartial, and piecing the information given by M. Gerandin with the other news that has been cabled, it will be seen that a great upheaval may not be far off. Aus-tria-Hungary's part in the war i£ vastly different from that of Germany's, for beyond struggling for the retention of the Italian provinces the Dual Monarchy has practically no end in view. Unfortunately Germany made a catspaw of her weaker ally and placed on her the onus of starting the war. Since the present Emperor (Karl) ascended the throne there have been times when a break with Germany seemed likely, but was averted. Nevertheless, the movement in favor of peace has grown stronger and stronger as the shortage of food and losses on the battlefield increased. It only required a disaster like that which has overtaken the Austrians on the Italian front to bring matters to a crisis. The people were led to expect a victory and the probable end of their troubles, but the effect of admitted defeat on Austria, already hunger-riven and riddled with open revolt, is incalculable, especially in view of the food, which the Austrians expected, being; diverted to Germany, who, at last, has recognised the danger and arranged for food supplies to bo sent to her ally, though probably too late to avoid the consequences of her deliberate breach of faith. The country ' such ■a condition that, quite apart from racial troubles, which are by no means to be ignored, only a conspicuous victory that would afford immediate relief, would be of any avail to stem the desperation of the people. Vienna is dominated by the - military, but serious riots, increasing in extent, have

none the less taken place, the Bofibnrg Palace and the Premier's residence being stoned, while bakeries and meat stores were pillaged. Practically the Austrians are without bread and forced to live on vegetables, the supply of which had almost reached vanishing point. The nature of the crisia may be estimated from the fact that even the officials are gloomy and anxious, and the Cabinet has resigned, while it is believed that if the offensive in Italy fails, the Empire will collapse, and the grim spectre of famine is staring the people iu the face, with little hope of relief until after the harvest. The fact that the food speculators are allowing stocks to be sold, as they realise the end is near, is of itself significant of the serious nature of the crisis. The picture that M. Girandin draws of the gaunt and haggard women in the streets, demanding bread, and the sufferings of the children arousing the mothers' fury is certainly not a pleasant one. Never has the future looked so unpromising for Germany's illstarved ally than at present The trouble has extended throughout the country, and Austria appears to be turning one of the darker pages of her history, for her people are reverting to primal savage instincts and once they get out of hand, will probably act more like demons than civilised beings. It is no consolation to the people to know that their German master has plunged them into this terrible suffering in order to foster Ms selfish and mad ambitions. People will endure almost any sacrifices when their patriotism is at fever heat and victory is obtainable, but the Austrians are not in this category and it would seem that the limit of endurance has been reached, and with the example of the Russians fresh in their minds the people may do and dare. Once the revolutionary torch is lighted the fate of the monarchy will he sealed. A smash will come, the polygot empire will be dissolved, and the oppressed sections of the Empire will gain liberty. Whilst we naturally sympathise with suffering, there is to be said of the Aus-trian-Hungarians proper. They allowed themselves to come under the thumb of the Germans, they were willing sharers in the Tuetonic seheme of international brigandage, they had no regard for the rights or interests of other, people, they permitted a plotting old reprobate to remain on the throne, they allowed their Parliament to become a dead letter Ihey therefore are equally culpable and are paying the price of their wrong-doing. It j 8 an awinl price certainly, but can anyone say it is not deserved?