We read with very great interest the official and authentic information
circulated by the Wolff Agency with regard to the status of the Austrian
_Landsturm_. From this we learn that "on account of its gallant conduct"
(attended apparently by disastrous results) the Emperor FRANCIS JOSEPH
has granted it permission to serve outside Austria. This is a gracious
concession which will no doubt be very highly appreciated by the
_Landsturm_; but one trifling difficulty seems to stand in the way. To
be frank, we do not quite see how they are going to get outside. At
least it would be well for them to take steps before it is too late.
Events have not facilitated the journey _viá_ Lemburg, or that _viá_
Sarajevo. We know it would be a cruel disappointment if they found
themselves debarred from enjoying this exceptional boon. Perhaps they
might try the emergency exit to Italy, where a warm reception would
await them.
Meanwhile the idea has been taken up by FRANCIS JOSEPH'S brother
Emperor, who never likes to miss a good thing. We understand that he has
granted to the German Fleet--on account of its gallant conduct in the
Kiel Canal--permission to serve outside in the North Sea and also in the
Solent. We need hardly add that the news has been received with the
utmost geniality by the British Fleet.
* * * * *
Nasty Accident to Divine.
"Cardinal Vanutelli, the doyen of the Papal Conclave, has had the
misfortune to break his conclave."--_Liverpool Echo._
* * * * *
Another Attack on the Press.
"The Antwerp correspondent of the 'Telegraaf' states that yesterday,
between Termonde and Ghent, German soldiers fired upon a train full
of Reuter."--_Birmingham Daily Post._
* * * * *