THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 19, 14 May 1908, Page 12

THE EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA

The Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria celebrated last week, the diamond iubit^e of his coronation. The Jvaiser, the Kings of Saxony and Wurtemourg, and many German princes journeyed Lo Vienna and personally congratulated the Emperor on his diamond jubilee. Responding, to the Kaiser's tribute to ' a noble ruler, my true ally, and a mighty guardian of the peace, 1 the Emperor Francis Joseph said that he regarded the strength of Austro-Hungary, line that of Germany, as 'b'eins;' based on the monarchical principle and on the tru/37 unchanging love of the people, ' This day,' he continued, ' fortifies me in the joyous (expectation that the Triple Alliance is pursuing none but uacific ends, and that, effectually assisted by similar efforts on the part of other powers, it will fully accomplish this object unto the remotest future.' The event was marked by great popular rejoicings, mingled with chloral and other festhdties 1 . Kung Kmmanuel of Italy and other Sovereigns and heads of States sent spedial messages to the Emperor Francis Jioseph. The a.s;ed Emperor Francis Joseph is a most lovable man for his intensely human (characteristics, a leader, who courage has been amptly tested on many" field's of battle, an executive and diplomat whose ability and slvill have been proved by his masterly 'holding together of the many warning elements of his kingdom. Francis Joseph makes hlis greatest appeal tp the hearts of manKind through the almost overpowering sorrow that has followed him all through his life. He was born on • August 18, 1830, at Vienna, the eldest son o f Archduke Francis and a nephew of Ferdinand 1., Empexor from' 1835 to 1818. Francis was taught the various languages o f the heterogeneous Austrian monarchy. In 1848 113 served under ißadetzfry in Italy- On December 2, 1848, a mdd the convulsions which threatened the dissolution of the Empire, the weak Emperor Ferdinand' abdicated, Ms brother, the Archduke Francis, cave up Ms claims to the crown, a nd Francis Joseph, whose youth and popularity at was believed would make it easier to harmonise the conflicting interests of the monarchy, Jmounted the Austrian throne Hungary was now in a state of -vpen revolt, and in April, 1849, jdeclared itself a republic with Kossuth as governor. In Italy, Ch a rles Albert of Sardinia again took up arms against Austria. Both in Hungary and Italy, Austria triumphed, and the Emperor devoted hiimslH to the re esJlaiblishment of his authority. In 1853, an attempt on his life .was made by an Hungarian but thia Emperor escaped with a slight wound. In 1855 a concordat was concluded with Pius IX., which restored to the Church throughout the Empire many of the liberties >of which it had been, deprived .since the hostile lt-dgn of the Emperor Joseph 11. In 1859, he was called to face a wjar with France and Sardinia, which ended with the loss of Lombardy. After this war Francis Joseph abandoned his conservative policy, and began the necessary work of „ reform, ja/nd after the -disastrous seven w/eeks' war with Prussia, a reconstruction of the monarchy cm a. dualistdc basis was effected. The Emperor has since Istriven to maintain a constitutional and parliamentary regime in his dominions. He eftjoys the respect and affection of his subjects, and it is his personal influence that really holds his dominions together punder the most discouraging political conditions. During has reign the Austro-Hun^arlan monarchy has experienced a great industrial development. Francis Joseph married, Apnil 24, 1854, Elizabeth, daughter of Duke Maximilian of Bavaria, who was-assas-sinated "by an Italian anarchist in Geneva- September -10 , 1898. T(Ke Ebuperor's only son, Rudolph, died a violent death in January, 1889. The present heir presumptive ds the nephew of Franais Joseph, Francis Ferdinand. Accordant to many of th© older people at the court of Vimna, the Emperor owes to the late Count Taaffef «, man of Irish extraction, tifoe preservation of bis reason. At the time of the tragic death of the Crown Prince Rudolf, Franais Joseph was so crushed and overwhelmed with grief, that serious fears were entertained ' duiinp; the first day or two for the health and, a/bove all, for his mtind. He would permit no one to enter his room. Taaffe [boldly went to the Emperor's roottn and 1 comforted Mm and persuaded him Ijo accept his sorrow bravely. Under tWe dircumstanoes it ds not astomishing that when the Count was gathered to his fathers, fthe Emperor should have telegraphed to the widow, that while the nation had lost its most faithful servant he himself had dost his oldest and Ms dearest friend.

The first deep family grief felt by the Emperor was when bis favourite brother, the Archduke Ferdinand, later, known as the Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, was shot by the Mexican insurgents on; June 19, 1867, and the tragedy was made all the more sad by 'the fact that the ex-Empress Charlotte of Mexico became insane

A simple liver, Francis Joseph has enjoyed excellent X™ h> - lfP ite his domestic sorrows. His principal home is the castle of Schoeribrun n near Vienna. lie also has a residence near the Hungarian capital Budaproach the Grand Old Man amone the monarch* nf tL world is filled with enthusiasm for his cS of Lanner and mdHfery affairs. His MaLty £ , m\* sta - te Mver to the poor J m '^ S° l*^ 0 " 8 » SS S^ S? "^ M-i