SOCIALISM IN VIENNA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1160, 3 April 1884, Page 3

SOCIALISM IN VIENNA.

In the interview described by the Standard's correspondent with Count Taafe, the Austrian Premier justifies himself against any thoughtless censure that might be urged against what seems like the precipitancy of the Cisleithan Government. In proclaiming the capital under a state of siege Count Taafe gave his interlocutor to understand that he did it not without warning, and thai there was something brewing in the Revolutionary clubs of the city. The police have weighty reasons to suppose that the murders of police agents and other manifestations of violence of late are only signs that the outragemongers mean work in Vienna For many years past the Austrian capital has been known to be in a somewhat unstable condition. It is the meeting place of the Socialism of the West and the Nihilism which is of native growth in the Slavonic countries ; and its mass of unemployed or half-employed workmen, outcasts trorn a score of nationalities, have given natural anxiety to the Ministers of Francis Joseph. If Count Taafe's information is correct, it is obvious that he cannot be blamed for taking precautions. No doubt he might have passed through Parliament a Socialists law, like that of Germany, by due constitutional stages. But with a recalcitrant Opposition, anxious at whatever cost to embarrass the Ministry (as the recent debate on the language question has shown), the Bill could hardly have passed without long and acrimonious debate ; and in the meantime the mischief might have been done.