MANIFESTO OF THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA.

West Coast Times, Issue 309, 19 September 1866, Page 1 (Supplement)

MANIFESTO OF THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA.

The Emperor of Austria has issued the following manifesto : — / v ' \ *' To my Peoples, — The heavy misfor.tune which has befallen my army of the Forth, -notwithstanding its most heroic resistance to the,enein#, the increased dangers thereby menacing the Fatherland, the calamities of war with which my beloved kingdom of Bohemia is being desolated, s and which threateus other parts of" my empire, and the painful and irreparable losses sustained^ by so* many thousands

of families among my subjects, have moved to its utmost core, my heartj-which-beats with so warm and fatherly a feeling for the good of my peoples. But tbe reliance which I expressed in my manifesto of the 17th of June— a reliance on your unalterable and faithful devotion and readiness for any self sacrifice — a reliance on the courage of my army, which even misfortune cannot subdue — a reliance upon God and my good and sacred right — this has not wavered for a single instant. I have addressed myself-to the Emperor of the French respecting his good offices for bringing about an armistice with Italy. Not merely did the Emperor .teadily respond to my demand, but with the noble intention of preventing any further bloodshed, he even, of his own accord, offered to mediate with Prussia for a suspension of hostilities, and for opening negotiations for peace. This offer 1 have accepted. I am prepared to make peace upon honorable conditions, in order to put an end to the bloodshed and ravages of war. But I , will never sanction a Ireaty of peace by which the fundamental'conditions of Austria's position as a great Power would be shaken. Sooner than this should be the

-case, I am resolved to carry on the war to *the utmost extremity, and. in this I am sure of my^ people's approval. All available troops are being concentrated,- and the gaps in the ranks in the army are being filled up by the conscription which has been ordered, and the large enrolments- of volunteers called to arms by the newly awakened spirit of patriotism. Austria has been severely visited by misfortune, but she is not humiliated or bowed down. My Peoples, — Have confidence in your Emperor. The peoples of Austria have never shown themselves greater than in misfortune. I will follow, the example of my forefathers, and will lead you on with determination, perseverance, and unshakable confidence in Gkpcl. "FtftANcrs Joseph, " Given at my residence in the capital of Vienna, this 10th day of July, 1866." On the afternoon of the Bth, the King of Saxony arrived at Vienna by the Northern Railway. He was met at the station by the Emperor and all the Imperial family. The two Sovereigns were deeply moved when they embraced. Late events appear, v it is said, to have greatly aged King John. The Emperor looked pale, and shrinking into the corner of his carriage as if overwhelmed with grief. His first occup . tion each day since the commencement of this 'terrible war is to visit the hospitals.