16. Essays from "Deutsche Wochenschrift"

The Week of April 11-18, 1888

The general debate on the budget was opened in the Austrian House of Representatives on the 16th. The outcome can no longer be in doubt for anyone. The budget will be approved despite the opposition of the left, strengthened by the Young Czechs and Deputy Gregorez. Incidentally, the budget debate has lost much of its interest in view of the spirits and defense bill. The speakers of the opposition so far also seem to be under this impression. One misses in their speeches the powerful sword strokes which are usually used by the opposition against the government during the budget debate, and it seems as if the opposition wanted to save all its energy for the debate on the spirits bill. In this debate, the Poles have abandoned the oppositional position with which they had been parading until recently, despite the storm of petitions from their country. Incidentally, this compliance is not due to the government, but to the influence of the highest constitutional factor. It can now be expected that the Poles will capitalize on their refusal to play an oppositional role, which they have never taken too seriously. The Hungarian Minister of National Defense has also submitted a defense bill to the Reichstag that is identical to the Austrian one. However, the motives report of the Hungarian defense bill is commendably detailed, in pleasant contrast to the paucity of the Austrian one. The unsettling conditions on our north-eastern border justify this measure, which has a profound impact on the social life of the Monarchy. On August 16, the Austrian Minister of Justice introduced a bill to extend the effectiveness of the Anarchy Act, which is still in force until August 1. August this year is to be extended until August 31, 1891.

Germany has probably been freed from its frightening chancellor crisis for a long time to come, but the unpleasant impression left by the unscrupulous exploitation of certain circles will not soon be erased. On the other hand, the sudden worsening of Emperor Frederick's condition is causing concern and grief among the German people. The ailment is no longer localized; it has also affected other noble parts of the body. All members of the imperial household are gathered in Charlottenburg Palace for most of the day.

Boulanger won for the third time. On the 16th he was elected deputy of the Northern Department with a huge majority. Once again, he has the Bonapartists to thank for his victory. The "valiant" general issued a manifesto to the voters of the Northern Department in which he demanded the removal of the Chamber, the President and the Ministry, as well as the convening of a Constituante. Quousque tandem, Catilina! However, the Boulanger folly did bring one good thing to light: the republican parties united more closely in the face of the danger threatening the republic. Only by holding firm in this way can the danger be eliminated.

The situation in the Orient has not changed. The revolts that have broken out in some places in Romania will probably soon be completely quelled by the government's energy. - Nothing is known in well-informed circles of an imminent departure of Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria to Bucharest.