Its suggestions seemed to indicate upon the points referred to a rather
definite policy, and there was a tone of cordiality, reliance on the
cooperation of the Reichsrath, and confidence of success, which made
apparently a favorable impression.
Satisfaction was manifested at the declaration that the happy development
of public schools was a condition the most essential to the prosperity
and progress of society, and to the reference to a project of law
rendered necessary by the abrogation of the Concordat to regulate the
relations of the church to the schools.
Among the other projects of law alluded to, were those for the perfecting
of the landwehr or militia, for raising the salaries of all civil
employes of the governments, who have recently complained loudly that
their salaries have remained unchanged, while the cost of living has
enormously increased.
The Emperor expressed his deep regret that any part of his people should
neglect to place themselves on the only ground where it was possible to
come to an understanding, and this seemed to be the most distinct
reference to the Bohemians, who have been so completely disappointed in
the hopes created by the first imperial rescript under the ministry of
Hohenwart. He appealed to the national spirit of Austria and fraternal
feeling for the accomplishment of her great mission.
He declared that her peaceful relations with all foreign powers and the
present state of Europe were favorable to the task of internal
consolidation, and he closed with a peroration which, in the mouth of an
Emperor of the house of Hapsburg, is not without significance in its
declaration that the union of the people of Austria must be accomplished
in accordance with the spirit of the age and on a popular basis.
The reception of the speech by the Viennese press is generally favorable,
and its tone is regarded as calculated to soften the bitter animosities
of the recent past by the idea that there is a real desire on the part
of the ministry to act in a spirit of moderation and with a view to some
reasonable compromise in the future.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Speech of the Emperor before both houses of the
Reichsrath upon the opening at the palace
Honored Gentlemen of both houses of the
Reichsrath: While I behold you, in conscientious obedience
to my call and to your duty, assembled around my throne for the
commencement of a new period of constitutional effective action, I
bid you welcome and offer my imperial greeting.
Animated by the desire to bring all races of my empire to efficient
co-operation in the general constitutional existence, I have
repeatedly expressed my willingness to cheerfully examine the merit
of every suitable demand. My disposition, with the approval of the
Reichsrath, to allow the extreme concessions consistent with the
unity of the state, has, however, not been capable of producing the
desired internal harmony. While the crown indicated to the provinces
that their demands were to be tendered in the way declared under the
constitution, it preserved the right of the general empire, and at
the same time the peculiar interests of the individual kingdoms and
provinces.
My government, composed of men who possess my positive confidence,
consider it as their first charge to strengthen the constitutional
administration of justice, and to assure to the laws unqualified
obedience in all departments of public life. In tranquil performance
of duty, they will strive to effect that the constitution take firm
root, and in constant development produce abundant fruits.
So far as the peculiar relations of the kingdom of Galicia may
require an especial regard to its legislation and management, my
government will cheerfully offer its aid, so as to fulfill (but
within the limits requisite to the unity and power of the general
empire) those wishes which shall be appropriately exhibited in the
convention of the imperial representative body, and thus to bring
this matter to an effectual conclusion.
Recent events have naturally proved that when an autonome position is
accorded to the Diets, then full independence must thereby be
assured to the Reichsrath, that the representation of the empire
shall be formed in an independent manner. My government will
zealously endeavor to facilitate the immediate embodying of the
intentions and resolution cherished by the Austrian empire in order
at the suitable period, and with preservation of all justifiable
representative interests, to realize their operation. Meanwhile the
draught of a law will be submitted to you, which is designed to
effectually prevent a misuse of the constitutional electoral
mandate.
I recommend to you particular attention as regards public education,
the advance of which is one of the most essential conditions of the
prosperity and progress of public economy.
The earnest and at the same time forbearing execution of the popular
school laws, as well as the order of the university system, will
form one of the most important tasks of my government. By the
abolition of the convention made with the Holy Chair, breaches have
been occasioned in the legislation concerning the relations between
the Catholic Church and the state authority, for the redress of
which my government will lay before you suitable propositions.
It will, moreover, be one of the most important tasks of my
government to zealously continue and bring to an early conclusion
the great works of legislation which concern civil and penal
procedure, the law of criminal and police punishment, the
administration of justice, and the regulation of the state
attorneyship. My government will, however, also give attention that,
during the time which shall be claimed for the introduction and
finishing of the greater works of jurisprudence, the hand of
reformation shall everywhere be used where defects or faults appear,
such as may be relieved by distinct measures.
My government is occupied with the preparation of a draught of law
upon the extent of jurisdiction and the creation of an
administrative court of justice, whereby a regulation of the
fundamental law of the state, in regard to the judicial power, shall
be settled.
In addition to attention to the increase of military power, by means
of a firm union of the moral and physical force, the improvement of
the landwehr will especially interest my government, in order to
bring the same to that stage of development at which it will be
enabled to afford the most efficient assistance to the regular
standing army.
My government will forthwith lay before you the state estimate for
the year 1872, on the threshold of which we are standing, and will
carefully attend to submit in due time the next state estimate, in
order that you may be enabled to studiedly examine the same, that
thereby uniformity may be introduced into the current of business
life.
Various draughts of laws will be submitted to you, which have
reference to the maintenance of public, economical, and commercial
interests, to the prosperity of trade as well as to the protection
and demands of labor.
The pecuniary condition of public officials forms a subject of the
especial attention of my government. My government is occupied with
the production of plans which
[Page 46]
have the object of increasing the salaries of this class, so
important in the existence of the state. Equally will my government
give attention to the improvement of the pecuniary condition of the
lower clergy, so far as this charge falls within the sphere of
action of the state.
Great and comprehensive are the questions which you, honored
gentlemen of both houses of the Reichsrath, are called to settle
hand in hand with my government. Go to work with fresh courage and
patriotic feelings. As a single individual, by steadily-applied
labor, obtains for himself internal content, so in the common labor
of the state lie the surest means for the leveling of all opposition
and the reconciliation of all parties.
I must, therefore, doubly deplore that one portion of the population
neglects to tread upon that ground whereon alone an harmonious
understanding may be attained. To you, however, honored gentlemen
assembled around me, I address the urgent request to consecrate your
undivided ability to the proper treatment of practical questions—to
the satisfactory settlement of the moral and material necessities of
the state. The people of Austria are weary of political contention;
they long for peace and order, that they may enjoy the rights which
the constitution affords to all in ample measure, and for the
purpose of fulfilling in fraternal co-operation the great mission of
Austria.
The attitude of European relations is in a high degree favorable
towards fortifying our internal condition of affairs upon the
foundations of right and freedom. With satisfaction may I declare
that my friendly relations towards foreign powers are calculated to
strengthen the hope of the desired universal peace.
With courage and confidence, old Austrian fidelity and love of
country in our hearts, our united, persevering endeavors will
succeed in finishing, upon popular foundations, in accordance with
the spirit of the age, the great work of unification of the peoples
of Austria begun by my forefathers, and hereby in bringing to
fulfillment a plan which at all times has been most sacred in my
heart, and for the happy completion of which I invoke the aid of
Heaven.
