LIBRARY 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 SANTA BARBARA 
 
 FROM THE LIBRARY 
 OF F. VON BOSCHAN
 
 *i 
 
 &> 
 
 AUSTRIA; 
 
 AND 
 
 PROSPECTS. 
 
 BY JOHN ORRELL LEVER, M.P. 
 
 Price 25. 6d. 
 
 FOURTH THOUSAND. 
 
 LONDON : 
 EDWARD STANFORD, 6, CHARING CROSS. 
 
 1861.
 
 CONTEXTS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. ERRONEOUS NATURE OF THE IM- 
 PRESSIONS ENTERTAINED BY 
 THE BRITISH PUBLIC RESPECT- 
 ING THE GOVERNMENT AND 
 PEOPLE OF THE AUSTRIAN 
 
 EMPIRE 7 
 
 II. ELEMENTS OF STRENGTH AND PER- 
 MANENT SOURCES OF POWER... 15 
 
 III. DEVELOPMENT J OR THE USE 
 
 MADE BY AUSTRIA OF HER 
 
 RESOURCES 21 
 
 IV. FACTS AND FIGURES 28 
 
 V. RECENT EFFORTS 35 
 
 VI. THE GREAT DESIDERATUM 40 
 
 ,, VII. THE LINE OF STEAM SHIPS FROM 
 
 TRIESTE TO ENGLAND 46 
 
 VIII. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 56 
 
 IX. COMMERCE THE LINK REQUIRED TO 
 
 CEMENT THAT ALLIANCE BE- 
 TWEEN AUSTRIA AND ENGLAND 
 SO ESSENTIAL TO THE WELFARE 
 
 OF BOTH 68 
 
 X. THE ADVANTAGES THAT ENGLAND 
 
 WILL DERIVE FROM THE ESTAB- 
 LISHMENT OF MORE INTIMATE 
 COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH 
 
 AUSTRIA ., 75 
 
 XI. THE BENEFITS THE PEOPLE OF 
 
 AUSTRIA WILL DERIVE FROM 
 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR 
 RESOURCES, BY MEANS OF AN 
 INTIMATE COMMERCIAL ALLI- 
 ANCE WITH ENGLAND ,. 82 
 
 XII. REMARKS ON THE BALANCE OF 
 
 POWER, AND GENERAL REVIEW 
 
 OF THE SUBJECT 88
 
 "In short, the empire may be said to have as yet wanted almost 
 "entirely the stimulus to industry arising from communication by 
 " water, from a universally established steam- communication, and, above 
 M all, from a liberal commercial legislation." Encyclopaedia Britannica, 
 Eighth Edition, 1854. 
 
 " The low rank held by Austria among commercial nations, whether 
 " as a producer or as a consumer, has long struck every one acquainted 
 " with the resources of the empire ; and the more the subject is 
 " examined, the greater becomes the surprise at the slight benefit which 
 " has been derived from their natural advantages, by a population num- 
 " bering above 38,000,000 of souls, placed in a country bordering on one 
 u side some of the most active and industrious States of Germany, and 
 " traversed by one of the largest and most easily navigable streams of 
 " Europe, which seemed especially calculated to secure to Austrian 
 " enterprise the advantages of the lucrative markets of the Levant." 
 Fenn's Compendium of the English and Foreign Funds.
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ERRONEOUS NATURE OF THE IMPRESSIONS ENTERTAINED 
 BY THE BRITISH PUBLIC RESPECTING THE GOVERN- 
 MENT AND PEOPLE OF THE AUSTRIAN EMPIRE. 
 
 The subject to which I now desire to direct public 
 attention, possesses more than ordinary importance. 
 It has reference to the capabilities of a great and 
 powerful empire, and one that has not hitherto 
 received the attention it deserves. In considering 
 this question in all its bearings, the reader will be 
 constrained to admit, that it is not a little remarkable 
 that the importance of the Austrian dominions, as an 
 active and increasing market for manufactured goods, 
 should have been completely overlooked. She is now 
 a producer to a large extent, and can provide us with 
 raw material in great abundance. Yet our usually 
 keen and far-seeing merchants and manufacturers, 
 who hunt up buyers in every part of the world, seem 
 to have been totally blind to the capabilities of this 
 near neighbour, and to the advantages to be derived 
 from the extensive use of the productions and com- 
 modities which she possesses in such quantities. 
 These turned to proper account would give employ-
 
 8 
 
 ment, and thereby the means of obtaining cheap 
 food, to our industrial population. The wealth lying 
 undeveloped in the widely extending plains of Austria 
 may be converted into blessings, not only for England, 
 but for other European countries. And the increased 
 intercommunication and intercourse, to which the 
 efforts necessary for this development would give rise, 
 must constitute the best guarantees for the preservation 
 of tranquillity, and the progress of civilization. 
 
 The gold fields of California, Australasia, and 
 British Columbia, have attracted thousands of enter- 
 prising spirits from all quarters of the globe, and have 
 necessarily led to an extension of commerce beyond 
 our most glowing anticipations. Yet whilst every 
 effort is made to utilize those mines of wealth in 
 distant regions, we should not neglect the gold fields 
 nearer home, which only require the application of 
 well directed enterprise and industry, in order to 
 yield a rich return. 
 
 Being thoroughly impressed with the importance 
 which a right understanding of the great commercial 
 capabilities of Austria, the neighbour and ancient ally 
 of this country, must prove to the British public, I am 
 induced to lay before them the results of my inquiries, 
 during recent visits of some duration to different parts 
 of that empire. I am strongly convinced that if even 
 a slight idea of the wide field for enterprise that lies 
 open to them, is once entertained by our commercial 
 classes, the opportunity will be no longer neglected.
 
 The development of the immense resources of Austria 
 is a vital question. It is one that largely affects the 
 interests of more than sixty millions of people, and 
 its prompt solution is, in my judgment, of great 
 moment not only directly to Austria and Great 
 Britain, but indirectly to the whole of Europe. 
 
 Moreover in the present crisis in European affairs, 
 aggravated by the unfortunate turn that events have 
 taken in the United States of America, it is highly 
 essential that just and definite information, respecting 
 the character and position of the Austrian empire, 
 should be placed before the British people. Ques- 
 tions have arisen, which an accurate knowledge of 
 the past history of this empire, will alone enable us 
 to understand. The information once obtained and 
 digested, whilst it serves as a key both to the past 
 and to the present, will also throw light upon the 
 future. It will, in fact, afford the only satisfactory 
 answer to the oft-repeated inquiry, as to the part that 
 Austria will henceforth be called upon to play, in the 
 great European confederacy. 
 
 Recent events which have had the effect of directing 
 public attention to Austria, have revealed the mis- 
 conception that prevails, even in educated circles in 
 this country, respecting her character, position and 
 policy. Little is really known of the nature of her 
 political and social institutions, of the extent of her 
 resources, of the amount of her natural productions, 
 of the condition of her manufactures, or of her in-
 
 10 
 
 fluence for good or for evil, in the councils of the 
 world. In plain terms, the general public of Great 
 Britain, are not in possession of correct information 
 upon these matters. The consequence is, that the 
 acts of Austria have been distorted, her policy has 
 been misrepresented, and her importance under-rated. 
 Nor will this unsatisfactory state of affairs excite 
 surprise in the mind of the candid reader, if he 
 reflects for a moment on the sources to which pre- 
 vailing notions respecting Austria, her government, 
 her people, her institutions, and her capabilities, may 
 be traced. Those who are interested in producing 
 unfavourable impressions, have been permitted to deal 
 with her history exactly as they pleased. Political 
 exiles, and foreign assailants have, by continual 
 clamour, completely drowned the voice of truth. 
 Englishmen have contented themselves with garbled 
 statements, which have necessarily produced an 
 abundant crop of the most erroneous views and 
 conclusions. Hence they have regarded the Austrian 
 Empire in that light only, which served the purposes 
 of these interested guides. They have, and perhaps 
 when everything is taken into consideration, it must 
 be admitted not unnaturally, permitted themselves to 
 fall into errors almost childish in their character, 
 respecting this most powerful state, from whose 
 independent friendship and honourable alliance, our 
 statesmen, our manufacturers, our commercial and 
 our labouring classes might, each in their particular 
 sphere, derive incalculable advantages.
 
 11 
 
 One specious method used to allure the British 
 people from the real points at issue in the controversy, 
 has been by raising an absurd cry respecting the 
 nationalities. The word is seldom employed without 
 being accompanied by a censure upon the course 
 pursued by Austria. Yet what does this clamour 
 respecting the nationalities actually mean ? It becomes 
 when fairly examined, more an European than an 
 Austrian question. If we reflect upon, and trace the 
 progress of any one of the great powers, we shall find 
 the principle of the nationalities sacrified at almost 
 every stage in its history. Each member of the 
 European confederacy has been formed by the gradual 
 subjugation of different races to one strong and central 
 authority ; and thus have mighty empires been moulded 
 from the fragmentary materials of numerous lesser 
 states. To this rule there are no exceptions. Every 
 European power, at this moment in existence, has 
 been formed by a fusion of what are termed the 
 nationalities . ( a . ) 
 
 Austria has acquired her extensive possessions by 
 
 (a) 1 am pleased, whilst this pamphlet is passing through the press, 
 to avail myself of the opportunity of quoting the following arguments, 
 in suport of this view, from an article in the "Times" of Friday, May 
 3rd, 1861. The writer says: "The great difficulty lies in the singular 
 ' composition of Austria. True, other States have also been formed 
 1 by a fusion of nationalities. It is the universal process in such matters, 
 ' and none but those who have studied the subject can have any conception 
 'of the extent to which provincial aggregation has been carried in the 
 ' manufacture of great Monarchies. Not only are France and England, for 
 ' instance, made up of such pieces, but each piece itself was first made up of 
 ' twenty smaller pieces. There is hardly an English county which does not 
 ' represent communities once independeut of each other. By the successive 
 ' consolidation and amalgamation of these ingredients mighty States were 
 created ; and why, therefore, should not the unity of Austria be estab- 
 lished in a similar manner ?"
 
 12 
 
 the same absorbing process adopted by other empires. 
 Although she has been most severely and unceasingly 
 condemned, she has but followed the general practice. 
 It may indeed be true that some of her subjects do 
 not understand the language in which the affairs of 
 the empire are administered ; yet many of the sub- 
 jects of France, of Russia, and even of Great Britain 
 itself, to say nothing of those of the minor princi- 
 palities and powers, are in the same condition. 
 Although this fusion may have reached a more 
 advanced stage in other countries than in Austria, 
 it is daily going forward, and supplies the impartial 
 mind with a complete vindication of the course pursued 
 by her, and the best refutation of the shallow theories 
 which prejudiced writers have so widely circulated. 
 
 The demand for the revival of the nationalities, 
 and the consequent separation of the various empires 
 of Europe into their component parts, is the watch- 
 word of revolution. It strikes at the liberties of 
 every people, and at the foundations of every state. 
 Let this subversive principle be inexorably carried 
 out, and the world must at once retrograde ten centu- 
 ries. Europe would consist of weak and wrangling 
 states, instead of well-organized empires. Every 
 landmark would be removed, the definition of bound- 
 aries would become impossible, and fierce contests 
 would rage upon innumerable frontiers. 
 
 What is this outcry then, but an attempt to 
 destroy at one blow the progress in civilization
 
 13 
 
 achieved since the overthrow of the old Roman 
 dominion? When that disruption occurred, tribes 
 wandered from place to place, the strong seeking to 
 enrich themselves at the expense of the weak. At 
 that gloomy period in the annals of the world, the 
 nationalities flourished in full vigour. Their revival 
 would be the signal for the dismemberment of Europe. 
 There would be a separation of the present elements 
 without the most remote prospect of a reconstruction. 
 The modern system which has worked so well in 
 preserving the balance of power, and in securing the 
 happiness of millions, would be at once destroyed ; 
 and a revolutionary spirit could not fail to obtain the 
 ascendant. 
 
 I am induced to allude to this question of the 
 nationalities, because it illustrates in a forcible manner 
 the unsound, and the unjust line of argument, so 
 generally pursued hi treating of Austria. Her policy 
 in this matter has been denounced as though it were 
 something of her own invention, whereas it is identical 
 with that which all other European powers have 
 adopted, and are at this moment following out, in 
 dealing with the varied elements of which their 
 respective empires are composed. 
 
 When we consider the ignorance that prevails 
 amongst nations respecting the character, policy, and 
 condition of their immediate neighbours, we cannot 
 feel surprise at the absence of any well-directed efforts 
 on the part of the British public to obtain authentic
 
 14 
 
 information with regard to Austria. The case is by 
 no means an exceptional one. France itself, whose 
 northern shores are within sight of our own, is to this 
 hour a land of mystery and of fable, to a large por- 
 tion of the community. During the present year, a 
 French writer who visited England, as he states, to 
 obtain information for the instruction of his country- 
 men, has published a book which is inaccurate in 
 almost every particular relating to Her Majesty's 
 subjects, their customs and institutions. The French 
 people, (I allude of course to the mass of the popu- 
 lation,) know little more of us, than they do of the 
 inhabitants of some island in the great southern 
 ocean. "Why therefore should the want of infor- 
 mation respecting Austria, that prevails amongst the 
 public of Great Britain, create astonishment ? 
 
 Railroads, steamships, and electric telegraphs are 
 doubtless producing, and must continue to produce, 
 great changes in this state of things. Happily, even 
 so far as Austria is concerned, a commencement has 
 been made ; intercourse is increasing, and trade is 
 springing up. Commerce, after all the great civilizer, 
 is more generally appreciated and we may reasonably 
 hope that by its agency not only the French and 
 English people will become better acquainted, but 
 what is no less important, that Austria will also be 
 brought into closer connection with us.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 ELEMENTS OF STRENGTH AND PERMANENT SOURCES OF 
 POWER. 
 
 A statesman called upon to name the richest 
 possessions of a country, would unhesitatingly refer 
 to its natural and mineral productions, and the 
 energies of its people by which these productions 
 are rendered available for the every day requirements 
 of life, and are thereby converted into sources of 
 national prosperity and independence. The former 
 constitute the capital of the state ; the latter the healthy 
 activity which converts that capital into wealth. 
 
 On these points I therefore believe it to be of 
 importance that I should give my readers some inform- 
 ation. It is but reasonable that before I attempt to 
 shew what Austria can do, I should explain what she 
 really is at this moment. It is not sufficient to say that 
 she is powerful ; it is necessary that I should point out 
 in what that power consists. The task will not I think 
 prove so difficult as may at first be supposed. 
 
 If we glance at the map of Europe we shall find 
 that the place occupied by the Austrian dominions is 
 in every respect highly favourable. Her territories
 
 16 
 
 central and well situated, stretch away to the South, 
 finding an outlet in the Adriatic Sea, the principal 
 arm of the Mediterranean. Her coast line, several 
 hundred miles in extent, contains numerous harbours 
 and havens easy of access, suitable for the equipment 
 and maintenance of fleets both for commercial and 
 defensive purposes. 
 
 Her climate is naturally, from her wide extent of 
 territory, varied, but on the whole genial, and in every 
 respect favourable to the operations of agriculture. 
 The soil is remarkable for its fertility ; and the facility 
 with which large crops are produced will surprise 
 those, who know with what exertion and toil, such 
 results are obtained by ourselves. 
 
 A brief recapitulation of the articles grown in 
 abundance in the Austrian empire will afford some 
 idea of her capabilities. As a grain producing 
 country she occupies a high rank. All kinds of corn 
 are cultivated in large quantities. Of wheat, the 
 staple of human life, she not only grows sufficient 
 for her own population, but also to supply largely by 
 export the demands of other markets ; and this is 
 accomplished almost without effort, that is to say, 
 without an attempt to develope the resources of her 
 fertile plains to anything approaching their full 
 power. The immense crops produced throughout 
 Hungary and Galicia have justly caused those 
 provinces to be called the granaries of Europe. Nor 
 are the supplies obtained from Bohemia, Silesia,
 
 17 
 
 Moravia, and the plains of the lower Danube less 
 important. Potatoes, ordinary vegetables, and fruit 
 of every kind abound in all parts of the empire. 
 The vine nourishes luxuriantly in Hungary, whilst in 
 the southern provinces bordering on the Mediteranean, 
 the olive, the orange, and many tropical plants are 
 cultivated with success. Rice is also grown, and the 
 quantity planted is rapidly increasing. 
 
 Plants, constituting the raw material for manu- 
 facturing purposes, are also included amongst the 
 staple productions of the Austrian empire. Flax is 
 grown in every province. Hungary, Moravia, 
 Galicia, and the Southern portions of the country 
 furnish supplies of white hemp. The hop is found 
 in abundance in Bohemia; the indigo plant has been 
 recently introduced under very favourable circum- 
 stances in Dalmatia; and immense quantities of 
 tobacco are produced in Hungary, and in other 
 provinces. Maize, beet-root, and rape-seed may be 
 added to the varied list. 
 
 Persons interested in ship building, or in any 
 occupation in which well seasoned timber is required, 
 will readily admit its value. With this material 
 Austria is largely supplied. Her forests, which cover 
 a space of nearly one hundred thousand square miles, 
 appear almost inexhaustible. From them supplies of 
 the finest quality are obtained; not to speak of 
 turpentine, tar, charcoal, and potash, all of which are 
 to be had in abundance. As a wine producing 
 
 c
 
 18 
 
 country, Austria is not behind any in Europe. Four- 
 fifths of the wine manufactured in the Austrian 
 empire come from Hungary ; and the produce, both 
 as regards character and quality, will not suffer from 
 comparison even with the wines of France. Some of 
 the superior growths only require to be known, to 
 rise in public estimation, and consequently in price; 
 while the ordinary wines are calculated to enter 
 largely into our future consumption. From want of 
 proper facilities of transport, much of the wine pro- 
 duced does not even command a price equal in 
 amount to the value of the cask in which it is con- 
 tained. 
 
 Over territories so extensive, numerous herds of 
 cattle and flocks of sheep are necessarily scattered. 
 Though sufficient attention has not been paid to the 
 breeding of domestic animals, yet they are found in 
 great numbers. Special care is devoted to the breed- 
 ing of horses. Goats and swine abound in all parts 
 of the empire. Considerable quantities of both the 
 finer and the coarser kinds of wool, are obtained from 
 the numerous flocks reared in nearly every province. 
 The skins of wild animals also form an element in 
 the resources of this country; whilst her fisheries 
 afford occupation, as well as food, to the inhabitants 
 of several districts. 
 
 For mineral wealth, Austria may be said to stand 
 almost alone amongst the nations of the eastern 
 hemisphere. Every mineral except platinum, is to
 
 19 
 
 be obtained in one or other of her provinces. Iron 
 abounds in every part of the country. In addition to 
 the precious metals silver and gold, quicksilver, lead, 
 copper, zinc, and tin, are to be found. The useful 
 earths may also be noticed. Stone for architectural 
 purposes, clay for porcelain, marble, gypsum, and 
 chalk are abundant. Nor must we forget precious 
 stones, in a country whence the Hungarian opal, and 
 the Bohemian garnet are obtained. 
 
 Her salt mines are perhaps the most extensive in 
 Europe, and coal exists in large quantities. To the 
 latter little attention has as yet been directed, in con- 
 sequence of the abundance of wood, and the want of 
 facilities of transport. It is, however, evident from 
 certain indications, that Austria possesses coal beds 
 of a superior quality, and to a much greater extent, 
 than even persons well qualified to give an opinion 
 have any idea. 
 
 I have thus alluded to the productions of Austria, 
 because I deem it most advisable to define her real 
 capabilities, before I attempt to show in what manner 
 they have been employed. These constitute her 
 stock in trade ; they are the weapons placed in the 
 hands of her people to enable them to make their way 
 in the world. Some countries but little favoured in this 
 respect have achieved renown. The energy of their 
 inhabitants has compensated for a sterile soil, and an 
 ungeuial climate. Such advantages therefore, as those 
 
 which I have thus briefly referred to, are mighty 
 
 c 2
 
 20 
 
 agents ; and when used with diligence and properly 
 directed, must become real elements of power. They 
 tend to make people happy, and nations great ; and 
 have been bestowed by an all- wise providence for a 
 beneficent purpose. 
 
 Having thus stated the principal resources of this 
 great empire, I pass to another question; namely, 
 how Austria has employed these important instru- 
 ments of advancement and prosperity.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 DEVELOPMENT ; OR THE USE MADE BY AUSTRIA OF 
 HER RESOURCES. 
 
 How have the inhabitants of the provinces of which 
 the Austrian empire is composed, employed these 
 mighty agents, these varied elements of wealth, 
 civilization, and power? What have these thirty-nine 
 millions of people done to prove their proper apprecia- 
 tion of these advantages ? I have pointed out the 
 capital which they possess, let us now see the results 
 produced. From the foregoing statements some idea 
 may be formed of what might have been effected. 
 It is not, therefore, unreasonable to ask, " What has in 
 reality been done? " 
 
 This great empire, composed of different provinces, 
 occupies an area of about two hundred and fifty 
 thousand square miles. It is inhabited, but not too 
 thickly, by different races, some peaceably inclined 
 and others warlike, yet all attached to then* homes. 
 From a carefully prepared estimate, it appears that 
 there are in England 240 inhabitants to every square 
 mile ; in France 175 ; while in Austria the number
 
 22 
 
 does not exceed 153. This calculation shows, that 
 although the Austrian territory is not overcrowded, 
 it contains a population sufficiently numerous to 
 give full development to its capabilities, and to its 
 resources. 
 
 The position of an empire of such an extent and 
 the general character of its surface, are important 
 considerations in an inquiry of this nature. 
 
 Austria unfortunately ranks below other nations, 
 so far as her means of intercommunication amongst 
 her own people, and her facilities for intercourse with 
 the inhabitants of other countries are concerned. Her 
 territories, generally of a hilly character, are traversed 
 by three mountain chains, the Alps, the Carpathians, 
 and the Swedetes, besides several lesser ranges. 
 Swamps and morasses present formidable obstacles 
 to traffic in many provinces ; whilst dense forests form 
 impenetrable barriers in other directions. Before 
 agriculture could make any advance, before manu- 
 factures could flourish, or, in fact, anything like 
 extensive trade spring into existence, means of inter- 
 communication were required. It must not, however, 
 be supposed that the rulers of Austria have been 
 insensible to this necessity. Some 20,000 miles of 
 high way have been constructed, and above 100 moun- 
 tain passes have been rendered available for traffic I 
 might, perhaps, add, within the present century. The 
 Alpine roads over the Stelvio pass, the Splugen, and the 
 Semering, may be classed amongst the most important
 
 23 
 
 public works of modern times ; and although these 
 highways have not, from the costly nature of the 
 transport, been much used for heavy goods, yet they 
 afford very great facilities for intercourse between 
 different provinces, providing in addition, routes for 
 the transmission of mails, and the conveyance of 
 light and valuable goods. 
 
 For the transport of agricultural and other pro- 
 duce, manufactured and heavy articles, canals have 
 been constructed, and rivers rendered available. Yet 
 in a mountainous country like Austria, it would be 
 impossible to introduce a regular net-work of canals. 
 The great advance therefore has been in the formation 
 of railways, and the employment of steam power for 
 inland navigation, where the livers or canals permitted 
 its application. 
 
 In 1841, the Austrian Government commenced 
 the construction of railways, for the purpose of con- 
 necting the various parts of the empire. Above 
 3000 miles of line have since been opened, and other 
 important links in the system, are now being rapidly 
 completed. 
 
 Thus slowly, but steadily, have numerous obstacles 
 to general intercourse been removed. Mountains 
 have been rendered passable, streams have been 
 bridged, swamps and morasses drained, good roads 
 have been constructed, and water carriage encouraged 
 and promoted. Several impediments to free circulation 
 within the limits of the empire, have in consequence
 
 24 
 
 disappeared, and although much still remains to be 
 done, many great works have been constructed, the 
 complete success of which, cannot fail to serve as a 
 guide, as well as an incentive, to future exertion. 
 
 The progress of Austrian agriculture has not been 
 by any means so marked, as might have been antici- 
 pated. It is not however in the backward state which 
 some writers represent. Favoured alike in soil and 
 in climate, the Austrian agriculturist has not felt the 
 urgent necessity of seeking the aid of modern inven- 
 tion, or of taking advantage of modern machinery. 
 The productive powers of the land, are not tested to 
 the utmost. Yet the agriculturist is beginning to 
 appreciate the advantages of a large export trade. 
 The opening of railways, producing cheaper rates of 
 carriage, serves as a further inducement to exertion. 
 And in some parts of the empire, a very striking 
 improvement may be observed. The land, for 
 instance, from the frontiers of Saxony to Vienna, 
 affords a specimen of high cultivation, that will bear 
 comparison with the best districts in other European 
 countries. From a recent calculation, it would appear 
 that the approximate value of agricultural produce in 
 England, in France, and in Austria, is 276,000,000, 
 160,000,000, and 120,000,000. 
 
 The manufactured productions of Austria are 
 principally linen, woollen, and cotton fabrics, hard- 
 ware, silk, glass, paper, leather, and sugar. In many 
 articles, more especially of luxury, the skill displayed
 
 25 
 
 and the results produced are remarkable. Yet her 
 manufactures, like her agriculture, admit of consider- 
 able extension and development ; and in both, the in- 
 troduction of modern machinery would lead to im- 
 portant changes. At present many manufactured 
 articles are produced piecemeal, and frequently by 
 hand. The consequence is, that they are sometimes 
 much dearer than at Paris or hi London. 
 
 The various provinces of which the Austrian 
 empire is composed, have not contributed their quota 
 to the extraordinary supplies of corn, that have been 
 required for consumption in European countries, 
 during the last few years. Her exports of grain are 
 not by any means equivalent to her power of produc- 
 tion. She possesses over and above the means of 
 providing for her own population, an undeveloped 
 power of contributing, to an immense extent, to the 
 various markets of Europe, and of thus taking her 
 place as one of the largest producers of the great 
 staple of human life. Hitherto, the owners and the 
 tillers of the soil in Austria, have not derived that 
 return, either for capital or labour, which must 
 follow the adoption of the improved methods of 
 agriculture to which I have already referred, and the 
 creation of those additional facilities of transport so 
 much needed. 
 
 The capabilities of the soil are not in fact fully 
 developed. Nor have the people availed themselves 
 of the advantages they possess as the producers of
 
 26 
 
 raw material for various manufactures. For purposes 
 of food, or of clothing, corn, maize, hops, hemp and 
 flax might be exported by the inhabitants of Austria 
 to a much greater extent than at present. 
 
 Her vast forests, affording abundance of excellent 
 timber, are comparatively speaking neglected ; whilst 
 no efforts, worthy of the name, have been made to 
 adapt the Hungarian wines to the English taste, or 
 to bring them into the English markets. Wine of 
 excellent quality is literally wasted from the want of 
 a little management. The people of Austria might, 
 in this matter, learn a lesson from the wine growers 
 at the Cape of Good Hope. In spite of the 
 numerous obstacles with which they have had to 
 contend, they have furnished supplies of sound wine, 
 at a cheap rate, for our home consumption, and this 
 has been accomplished in a colony, which is separated 
 from the mother country by a long sea passage. 
 
 It will be unnecessary for me to go through every 
 item in the list, or I might refer to similar neglect 
 of many other natural riches of this empire, as well 
 as of her minerals and useful earths. I believe that 
 I have said enough to shew that the Austrian people 
 have not turned their immense resources to the 
 best account. I cannot however refrain from re- 
 ferring to two important minerals, which she pos- 
 sesses in abundance, and which have been strangely 
 neglected. I allude to coal and iron. These it is 
 unnecessary to say have been chiefly instrumental in
 
 27 
 
 raising England to her present high position amongst 
 the nations of the world ; these, by the industry of 
 the English people, have been converted into sources 
 of wealth and of influence. Yet disregarding this 
 example, the coal and iron of Austria have only been 
 employed to a very limited extent. And as they are 
 the essentials of manufacturing success, I need 
 scarcely add that in Austria manufactures are not 
 very numerous. 
 
 Hitherto Austria has not made the best use of her 
 opportunities for advancement and prosperity. Her 
 people have not derived from the various elements of 
 wealth, civilization and power, with which the empire 
 abounds, the results they are capable of producing. 
 They have buried their treasure instead of using it, 
 and to this many of the inconveniences from which 
 they have long suffered, must be attributed.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FACTS AND FIGURES. 
 
 The following extracts from the returns of British 
 Exports will give an idea of the position occupied by 
 Austria as a trader in our markets. I have selected 
 the years 1857 and 1858, because they were years of 
 peace between the Crimean struggle, and the war in 
 the plains of Lombardy. The returns are of the 
 declared real value of the exports of the' produce 
 of the United Kingdom sent in each year to the 
 countries mentioned in the List. 
 
 
 
 
 Total for 
 
 
 1857. 
 
 1858. 
 
 1857 & 58 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 U. States 
 
 18,985,939 
 
 14,491,448 
 
 33,477,387 
 
 E. Indies 
 
 13,079,653 
 
 18,283,852 
 
 31,363,505 
 
 Australia 
 
 11,632,524 
 
 10,463,032 
 
 22,095,556 
 
 Hanse Towns 
 
 9,595,962 
 
 9,031,877 
 
 18,627,839 
 
 Holland 
 
 6,384,394 
 
 5,473,312 
 
 11,857,706 
 
 France & Algeria 
 
 6,232,764 
 
 4,884,164 
 
 11,116,928 
 
 Brazil 
 
 5,541,710 
 
 3,984,817 
 
 9,526,527 
 
 Turkey 
 
 3,107,401 
 
 4,255,612 
 
 7,363,013 
 
 Russia 
 
 3,098,819 
 
 3,092,499 
 
 6,191,318 
 
 Canada 
 
 2,467,810 
 
 1,737,751 
 
 4,205,561 
 
 Spain 
 
 2,012,528 
 
 2,071,219 
 
 4,083,747 
 
 Egypt 
 
 1,899,289 
 
 1,985,829 
 
 3,885,118 
 
 Spanish W. Indies 
 
 1,865,667 
 
 1,877,072 
 
 3,742,739
 
 29 
 
 
 
 
 Total for 
 
 
 1857. 
 
 1858. 
 
 1857&58. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Prussia 
 
 1,741,044 
 
 1,956,199 
 
 3,697,243 
 
 British W. India 
 
 
 
 
 Islands 
 
 1,830.413 
 
 1,792,323 
 
 3,622,736 
 
 Cape of Good 
 
 
 
 
 Hope and Natal 
 
 1,860,638 
 
 1,703,397 
 
 3,564,035 
 
 Belgium 
 
 1,727,204 
 
 1,815,257 
 
 3,542,461 
 
 China 
 
 1,728,885 
 
 1,730,778 
 
 3,459,663 
 
 Hanover 
 
 1,637,741 
 
 1,640,189 
 
 3,277,930 
 
 Portugal 
 
 1,458,321 
 
 1,432,238 
 
 2,890,559 
 
 Two Sicilies 
 
 1,088,982 
 
 1,569,166 
 
 2,658,148 
 
 Chili 
 
 1,520,678 
 
 1,117,580 
 
 2,638,258 
 
 Sardinia 
 
 1,350,210 
 
 1,174,580 
 
 2,524,790 
 
 Austria (a) 
 
 1,112,559 
 
 1,298,199 
 
 2,410,758 
 
 Notwithstanding her proximity to England, (now 
 within forty-eight hours by sea and railway, and in- 
 stantaneous telegraphic communication), and the 
 extent of her territories, during the years 1857 and 
 1858, twenty-three states, and many of them of 
 small dimensions, took a larger quantity of British 
 exports than Austria. 
 
 If we examine other statistics, we shall find that 
 no modern state has advanced so slowly as Austria. 
 She has permitted other members of the European 
 family to leave her far behind in a struggle for supre- 
 macy, in which many advantages were in her favour. 
 It will be sufficient, in order to elucidate my state- 
 
 (a) The Exports that pass through the Hanseatic and other ports, and 
 thus find their way into Austria, are of course not included in these figures. 
 This is an uncertain element in exports that it is impossible to ascertain with 
 any degree of accuracy.
 
 30 
 
 ment, to institute a comparison in certain particulars 
 between Austria, France, and England, three of the 
 five leading powers of Europe. 
 
 The extent of the three empires may be thus sum- 
 marily stated Austria occupies an area of about 
 254,000 square miles, with a population of about 
 39,000,000 (a) ; France occupies an area of about 
 205,000 square miles, with a population of about 
 36,000,000 ; and Great Britain and Ireland comprise 
 an area of about 125,000 square miles (t), with a 
 population of about 30,000,000 souls. 
 
 Let us now endeavour to ascertain how the in- 
 habitants of these different states have turned the 
 various advantages which they possess to account. 
 
 As the first item bearing upon the question I will 
 take the amount of revenue raised by each of these 
 states. In order to make the comparison as fair as 
 possible let us select two years, 1852 and 1858, the 
 former a year previous to the war in the Crimea, and 
 the latter the year before the Italian struggle. By 
 consulting the best authorities we find that the 
 
 (a) Previous to this cession of Lombardy to Sardinia, the Austrian Empire 
 comprised an area of 254,548 square miles, with a population of 39,411,309. 
 I have adhered to that calculation, as the dismemberment had not taken 
 place at the period to which these estimates refer. Lombardy comprises 
 8,235 square miles, with a population of 3,009,505. 
 
 (6) The actual numbers are : 
 
 Area. Population. 
 
 England and Wales 58,320 17,927,f>0{) 
 
 Ireland 35,511 8,175.l:M 
 
 Scotland 31,324 2,8^.71:.' 
 
 Total 125,155 28,991,475
 
 31 
 
 revenue for the year 1852, in the three states, stood 
 as follows : 
 
 Area in sq. nils. Population. Revenue. 
 
 Austria 254,000 39,000,000 26,636,511 
 
 France 205,000 36,000,000 59,493,799 
 
 Gt. Britain 125,000 30,000,000 53,210,071 
 
 Thus France, with a territory smaller in area 
 by one-fifth, raised, in 1852, a revenue exceeding 
 that of Austria by 32,857,288. 
 
 During the same year the revenue of Great Britain, 
 of which the area is not quite one half the extent 
 of that of Austria, and with 9,000,000 less inhabitants 
 was 26,573,560 in excess of the revenue contributed 
 by the inhabitants of the Austrian empire. 
 
 In other words, the revenue of France more than 
 doubled, and the revenue of Great Britain almost 
 exactly doubled, in the year 1852, that of Austria, 
 which both in extent of territory and in amount of 
 population, surpassed both kingdoms. 
 
 Each inhabitant in England, contributed on the 
 average 1 15s. 5^d. ; each inhabitant in France con- 
 tributed 1 13s. O^d. ; and each inhabitant in Austria 
 contributed only 13s. 7jd. to the revenue of the 
 respective empires in 1852. 
 
 The lapse of six years brings us to 1858, when 
 the revenue in the three states was as follows : 
 
 Area in sq. mis. Population. Revenue. 
 
 Austria 254,000 39,000,000 28,254,072 
 
 France 205,000 36,000,000 74,680,000 
 
 Gt. Britain 125,000 30,000,000 61,812,555
 
 32 
 
 Thus the increase in the revenues of the three 
 states, in the year 1858, as compared with the sums 
 raised for this purpose in 1852, amounted in France 
 to 15,186,201; in Great Britain to 8,602,484; and 
 in Austria to only 1,617,561. 
 
 Let us mark the change which followed this in- 
 terval of six years ; the revenue of France became 
 nearly three times that of Austria, and the revenue 
 of Great Britain more than double. 
 
 The contribution of taxes for each subject in 
 France was, on the average in 1852, 1 13s. OJd., 
 which became 2 Is. 5jd. in 1858, while in England 
 the average increased from 1 15s. 5|d. to 2 Is. 2^d. 
 But in Austria the increase was so trifling, notwith- 
 standing the expenditure incurred during the Russian 
 campaign, as to be scarcely worthy of remark. The 
 average in 1852, was 13s. 7|d. per head, and in 1858 
 it was 14s. 5|d. 
 
 As far, therefore, as revenue is concerned, it is 
 evident that, taking extent, number of population, 
 and resources into consideration, double the amount 
 at present collected in the Austrian dominions might 
 be easily obtained, were her capabilities fairly deve- 
 loped. And this might be accomplished without 
 prejudice to any interest, and without placing bur- 
 dens on the people, which they are unable to bear. 
 
 It is also worthy of notice that, although the 
 amount of revenue raised by Austria is, when com- 
 pared with the efforts made by Great Britain or
 
 33 
 
 France, so small, the debt of the Austrian empire is 
 by no means excessive. In the year .1856, the 
 funded and unfunded debt of Great Britain, amounted 
 to 803,913,694. The public funded debt of France 
 amounted in the same year to 302,321,632; whilst 
 the debt of the Austrian empire did not exceed 
 241,700,000. 
 
 It may be urged that for many years there has 
 been a balance on the wrong side, between the receipts 
 and expenditure of Austria. The fact, however, 
 only affords a more striking proof of the necessity 
 that exists for that active cultivation of the resources 
 of the empire, which would place her commercially 
 and financially in a position to which she is entitled, 
 and re-establish her credit on the various Exchanges 
 of Europe. 
 
 I have already shown to what an extent Austria 
 was a purchaser in the markets of Great Britain in 
 the years 1857 and 1858. It may be desirable to 
 cany the investigation a little further, in order to 
 obtain some idea of the amount of her own exports 
 and imports, and the relation they bear to the ex- 
 ports and imports of Great Britain, and of France. 
 
 For this purpose let us take the year 1857, of 
 which the returns give the following results : 
 
 IMPORTS. 
 
 Austria 26,806,252 
 
 France 107,560,060 
 
 Great Britain ... 187,844,441 
 
 D
 
 34 
 
 EXPORTS. 
 
 
 Austria 28,745,845 
 
 France 104,572,000 
 
 Great Britain ... 146,174,300 
 While the balance of trade in favour of Austria 
 amounted in 1857 to 1,939,593, the gross amount 
 of her exports and imports, was only one-fourth of 
 the gross amount of the exports and imports of 
 France, and only one-sixth of the gross amount of 
 the exports and imports of Great Britain.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 RECENT EFFORTS. 
 
 A moment's reflection will convince the reader 
 that a clear knowledge of the position of Austria, 
 especially at this moment, is a matter of great 
 importance to this country. It is a question that 
 deeply concerns the interests of all classes. We have 
 more to gain from the possession of sound and correct 
 information, and more to lose from remaining unin- 
 formed, than may at first strike even candid, and 
 unprejudiced minds. 
 
 Austria during the last two years has undergone 
 a great change. One of her fairest provinces 
 has been wrested from her, and important reforms in 
 her system of government have been inaugurated. 
 In defiance of many assertions to the contrary put 
 forward by her opponents, she has really entered 
 upon the path of constitutional government, and 
 she has done so, with extraordinary success. The 
 Reichsrath, or great Council of the Empire, was 
 re-established by patent, dated March 5th, 1860. 
 The condition of the empire, the necessity for judi- 
 cious changes, and the form those changes were to 
 
 D 2
 
 36 
 
 assume, became the questions for its deliberations. 
 The Emperor in this crisis, surrounded by the wisest 
 counsellors, endeavoured to ascertain the course, 
 which it was his duty to pursue, and his acts although 
 bold have been temperate. The diploma of the 20th 
 of October, followed as the natural result of the 
 investigation and deliberations of the Reichsrath. 
 Taxation, the making of laws, and all questions of 
 imperial policy are placed under the control of the 
 imperial legislature, whilst to the provincial diets, 
 the regulation of subjects that relate exclusively to 
 the provinces are entrusted. Thus constitutional 
 government, on a broad and liberal basis is estab- 
 lished. This is not a mere juggling with freedom, 
 the shadow without the substance, or a solemn 
 mockery, but a real reform ; and the manner in which 
 it has been received by the people of Austria, proves 
 that its advantages are clearly appreciated. Keeping 
 in view the imperative necessity of preserving the 
 unity of the empire, the government have laboured 
 zealously at the good work of restoration. They 
 have not suffered themselves to be deluded by sense- 
 less cries for changes that lead to revolution, but 
 have endeavoured to obtain practical results from a 
 thoroughly sound and practical reform. 
 
 Many persons whose opinions are entitled to 
 respect, are hi the habit of condemning the Emperor 
 of Austria, and of regarding him as a bigot or 
 a tyrant. I certainly do not pretend to say that he
 
 has always acted wisely, or that he has been free 
 from error. Like other rulers he has committed mis- 
 takes. I venture, however, to assert, and I feel con- 
 fident that no person possessing accurate information 
 on the subject, will attempt to contradict me, that- 
 neither amongst rulers nor subjects, can there be 
 found in Europe, at this moment, a man more earnest 
 in his efforts to do justice. This has been, and is the 
 great object of his life. 
 
 The connection between the ruler and the people 
 in Austria is peculiar, and bears a strong resemblance 
 to the relations that have existed between the British 
 nation and their Sovereign, since our most gracious 
 Queen ascended the throne. The Emperor of Austria 
 is regarded as the father of his people. By a thou- 
 sand pleasing traits is this sympathy, this intimate 
 relationship displayed; and it is extended towards 
 every member of the royal family. It would be 
 impossible for me to convey to my readers, even a 
 feeble impression of the grief excited amongst the 
 people of Vienna, and the neighbourhood, by the 
 indisposition of the Empress. They lamented the 
 cause, which rendered her short absence from home, 
 necessary, as sincerely as if it had affected some loved 
 inmate of their own homes. 
 
 Th* 1 members of the royal family of Austria are 
 moreover, the most earnest advocates of advancement 
 and salutary changes. They have laboured in various 
 departments of the state, to remedy abuses, and to
 
 38 
 
 discover the means by which the stability of the 
 empire may be secured. 
 
 In their recent attempts at reform, the Emperor 
 and his family have been aided by zealous and 
 enlightened ministers. Foremost amongst them is 
 Count Rechberg, a liberal and practical statesman. 
 And what is of deeper interest to this country, he is 
 a great admirer of our institutions, and a warm sup- 
 porter of an alliance with England. 
 
 M. De Schmerling, one of his colleagues, is a man 
 possessing much experience and extraordinary reso- 
 lution. Devoted to the cause of liberty, he is ever 
 prompt to oppose any movement calculated in the 
 slightest degree to disturb that equilibrium, the pre- 
 servation of which is so essential for the safety of the 
 state. The finance minister, M. Von Plener, deserv- 
 edly enjoys a high reputation and is believed to possess 
 not only the necessary ability, but the independence 
 and the boldness required to shake off olden trammels. 
 His natural inclination will induce him to adopt the 
 more modern system, by which alone the resources 
 of Austria can be fully developed, and the elasticity 
 of her finances restored. 
 
 I must also mention Baron Vay, to whom the 
 administration of the affairs of Hungary is entrusted. 
 This upright statesman deservedly enjoys the confi- 
 dence of the inhabitants of that important portion of 
 the country. 
 
 I might easily extend the list, but I think I have
 
 39 
 
 stated enough to shew that the government of Aus- 
 tria is at present in safe hands. The Emperor, his 
 counsellors and ministers have undertaken a difficult 
 task, and what they have already achieved, may be 
 accepted as an earnest of even greater exertions for 
 the future. Austria, therefore, is no longer what she 
 was. She has made some rapid strides in the right 
 direction. This has been accomplished, it is true, 
 without noisy parade or boisterous self-adulation. 
 There have been no senseless appeals to Europe, or 
 to the civilized world. She has set her house in 
 order, in sober quietness, and perfectly satisfied with 
 the result, she leaves the good work to speak for 
 itself. This it must be admitted is the best sign of 
 success. More than once, even of late years, con- 
 stitutions framed amid a wild outburst of feverish 
 excitement, have suddenly fallen to pieces, overwhelm- 
 ing their architects and supporters in one common 
 destruction. 
 
 Let the enemies of Austria say what they please, 
 from one extremity of the empire to the other, a strong 
 determination to retrieve the errors of the past pre- 
 vails. No state in which the sovereign and the 
 government display such spirit, such determination 
 and such faith in their own powers and in their own 
 institutions, has cause for apprehension. They have 
 boldly undertaken a great work, they intend to ac- 
 complish it, and under these circumstances, failure 
 becomes impossible.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE GREAT DESIDERATUM. 
 
 About one hundred and sixty years ago, a man 
 of stalwart form and somewhat noble aspect, might 
 have been seen, sometimes watching and sometimes 
 taking part in the operations of ship-building, 
 carried on in Deptford dock-yard. From the numer- 
 ous attendants that followed his steps, and the cere- 
 mony with which he was everywhere received, it 
 must have been apparent, even to casual observers, 
 that he was no ordinary personage. Had any curious 
 spectator made more particular inquiries, he would 
 doubtless have been told, that the mysterious being 
 in whose movements he took such an interest, was 
 Peter the Great, Czar of Muscovy. His informant 
 would probably have added that he was learning the 
 art of ship-building. This, however, would have 
 given but a feeble idea of his real mission ; he was 
 in fact founding an empire. 
 
 At the time of Peter's visit to England, the whole 
 maritime trade of Russia was carried on at Arch- 
 angel, a port which, as Macaulay (a) observes, "had 
 
 (a) In the fifth volume of the History of England, recently published, 
 an account is given of this port, and of the rise of the Russian Navy.
 
 41 
 
 been created, and was supported by adventurers from 
 our island." No sooner did this sagacious monarch 
 find the reins of government in his hands, than he 
 perceived that Russia could not become influential 
 as a leading European state, unless she possessed a 
 navy. Had he been easily daunted, his limited sea- 
 board, and the disposition of his countrymen, would 
 have been sufficient to deter him from making an 
 effort to create one. Russia was then without sea- 
 coast or harbours, and the people hated the very 
 name of the sea. But Peter, like all men who have 
 a mission to fulfil, was not to be thus easily daunted. 
 By working in the dock-yards, and acting the sailor 
 wherever he went, he triumphed over the prejudices 
 of his subjects. He felt satisfied that if a navy was 
 once established, additional harbours and sea-ports 
 must rapidly follow. 
 
 To this determination on the part of her greatest 
 sovereign, Russia owes her power. Had it not been 
 for his forethought and perseverance, she might have 
 remained a weak member of the family of European 
 nations; shut up, and little known in all but im- 
 penetrable regions of frost and snow. But his ardent 
 spirit burst through the icy barrier, and the Russia 
 of modern times, stretches far away into southern 
 latitudes, and boasts of shores washed by different 
 seas. At the port of Archangel, to which I have 
 referred, inaccessible on account of the ice during 
 eight months of the year, a navy was formed, and a
 
 42 
 
 maritime trade established. To that solitary port in 
 the far north, others, in more congenial latitudes have 
 since been added, and Russia now ranks third amongst 
 the great naval powers of Europe. 
 
 The opportunity which Russia improved has been 
 up to the present time neglected by Austria. She 
 has witnessed the repeated exertions of her powerful 
 neighbour, without having been induced to follow 
 the example, virtually retiring from a struggle, in 
 which everything was in her favour. 
 
 From the foregoing remarks, it will not be diffi- 
 cult to understand, the principal requirements of 
 Austria ; the reasons why her strength is not put 
 forth, why her influence is in a certain sense circum- 
 scribed. The want of a fleet paralyses her trade 
 and places her at a disadvantage with other nations 
 of Europe. Take the examples of Carthage, of the 
 Grecian States, and of Rome, in the ancient world ; 
 what would they have been without their fleets? 
 To what did Venice, did Genoa, did Portugal, Spain, 
 or Holland owe their commercial position? If this 
 was the case in past times when navigation was diffi- 
 cult, and its principles were imperfectly understood, 
 how much greater must be the value of a navy, now 
 that the sea has become the highway of nations, and 
 ships are propelled by steam ? 
 
 In this respect the rulers and the people of 
 Austria have been blind to their own interests. They 
 ought to have omitted no opportunity of creating a
 
 43 
 
 navy, both for commercial, and defensive purposes. 
 The work, which Russia has so well accomplished, 
 commencing with her single sea-port in the White 
 Sea, Austria might have much more readily effected 
 by means of her harbours in the Adriatic. They are 
 open at all seasons of the year; are equally well 
 situated for communication with the trading marts of 
 Europe, of Africa, and of Asia; and afford that 
 natural outlet so essential for a country whose rulers 
 cherish lofty designs, and which ought to take an 
 important place in the history of the world. 
 
 Hemmed in by mountain ranges, and surrounded 
 by powerful states, the prosperity and the safety of 
 Austria depend upon facility of access to the sea. 
 Deprived of this channel of communication with the 
 commerce of the world, she would be at once shorn of 
 half her strength. And to have possessed this line 
 of coast, favourably situated in the Mediterranean, for 
 so long a time, and to have altogether neglected the 
 numerous advantages it offers, betrays a lament- 
 able want of energy and discernment. Whilst 
 Russia, France, Turkey, and even Prussia, have 
 directed their energies to the development of the 
 naval power, Austria alone seems to have been in- 
 sensible to its importance. 
 
 The consequence is, that she has now to com- 
 mence a work, that ought long since to have been 
 completed. The other nations of Europe, on account 
 of new inventions, are compelled to reorganize
 
 44 
 
 and in a great measure, to reconstruct their navies ; 
 the task Austria has before her is to create one. Any 
 delay in the present altered state of affairs must lead 
 to serious consequences. 
 
 Her resources for maintaining a prosperous com- 
 mercial marine are so extensive, that it is surprising 
 they should have been so long neglected. She pos- 
 sesses convenient ports, and abundant facilities for 
 the creation of traffic. As a commercial marine 
 affords the best foundation for a fleet for warlike and 
 defensive purposes, the advance she has made, and 
 is making in this respect must be greatly in her 
 favour. Sailors are to be found in sufficient numbers 
 amongst her own population, on the shores, and in 
 the islands of the Adriatic. In fact, the materials 
 are at hand, and all that is now required is prompt 
 and decided action. 
 
 Happily much attention has been of late years 
 devoted by her government to the improvement of 
 internal communication, so that her varied products 
 can be easily conveyed to the sea coast, while imported 
 articles can be transmitted to the interior at a cheap 
 rate. The improvement hi her roads, and her rapidly 
 increasing railway system, secure important advan- 
 tages in this respect. So lately as April last, the 
 direct line of railroad from Pesth to Trieste, was 
 opened, by the Southern and Lombardo-Venetian 
 Railway Company, and this route must materially 
 enhance the value of their property.
 
 45 
 
 And, what is still more important, the nucleus of 
 the merchant marine already exists. In the limited 
 commerce by sea, in which Austria has been hitherto 
 engaged, about 10,000 vessels, most of them, however, 
 of small capacity, have been employed. Her river, 
 and sea traffic has been performed by seventy steamers, 
 the average tonnage being under four hundred tons. 
 Her royal navy consists of about fifty vessels, ten of 
 which are steam-ships, none of them however of any 
 size. As far as this branch of the marine is con- 
 cerned, the work must be entirely recommenced, if 
 the empire is to assume that rank, as a naval power, 
 to which 'she is by her position, as well as by her 
 extensive interests, entitled. It is indeed a question 
 of existence; she must either accept the requisite 
 conditions, or renounce her claims to power. 
 
 I have in this chapter explained what I believe to 
 be the chief desideratum of Austria. Elaborate argu- 
 ments are not required, to enable an intelligent public 
 to agree with me in the conclusion at which I have 
 arrived. The matter is self-evident. The Emperor 
 of Austria, the government, and the people are fully 
 alive to its importance. One member of the imperial 
 family has placed the subject in its clearest light. I 
 think I may say that earnest efforts are being made 
 to supply the deficiency. In the present emergency 
 half measures will not answer; what is to be done, 
 must be done well and at once.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE LINE OF STEAM SHIPS FROM TRIESTE TO ENGLAND, (a) 
 
 Though much' may have been sacrificed to negli- 
 gence or delay, something may always be redeemed, 
 by diligent efforts to atone for past omissions. 
 Austria has discovered her mistake, and is labouring 
 zealously to make amends. The truth had been 
 forced upon her, that she must develope her naval 
 resources. The prosperity of her people, the defence 
 of her coasts, the integrity of her possessions, the 
 extension of her foreign commerce, and her inde- 
 pendence as a great power, depend upon the im- 
 mediate adoption of this course of action. 
 
 This being admitted, the manner in which an 
 object of such importance is to be accomplished be- 
 comes the next question for consideration. Are the 
 measures for carrying out the improvement, calculated 
 to command public confidence ? Much, doubtless 
 depends upon the first step ; I do not mean by the 
 first step, the earlier efforts in Ministerial departments, 
 the orders to do this or to do that, generally issued 
 on a sudden emergency, but the first public act by 
 
 (a) The undertaking to which this chapter refers, is an ocean line of 
 steam-ships which will shortly commence running between Trieste and 
 England. As full particulars will be published in the newspapers, and other 
 periodicals, I need scarcely enter very fully into the subject in this place.
 
 47 
 
 which the new policy is inaugurated. It is this that 
 will enable men to form an opinion on the chances of 
 ultimate success. 
 
 It often happens that when any great change is to 
 be accomplished, or any important undertaking 
 earned out, differences of opinion prevail respecting 
 what should be done. The mode of execution, as 
 well as the point of departure, excite controversy. 
 The case now under consideration appears to me to 
 form an exception to the general rule. I do not 
 imagine that any diversity of opinion can exist. 
 Austria, like Peter the Great, must go direct to the 
 fountain head. Her primary duty is to establish 
 steam navigation between her principal port, and 
 the centre of the world's commerce. She must put 
 herself in communication with ocean trade and its 
 innumerable interests. She is a non-naval power, 
 and she must, therefore, be brought into closer con- 
 nection with the leading maritime power of the 
 universe. By this means she at once obtains markets 
 for her varied productions, remunerative labour for 
 her populace, facilities for forming a navy, a com- 
 mercial marine, and opportunities for the improve- 
 ment of her sailors. It is scarcely necessary for me 
 to enumerate the incalculable advantages, that must 
 flow from such a connection. They may be summed 
 up as constituting everything that Austria requires, 
 to give development to her resources, her influence 
 and her power.
 
 "48 
 
 The situation of the Mediterranean sea, and this 
 of course includes the Adriatic, which is indeed its 
 chief arm, is so admirable, that in every period of 
 history, one or other of its ports has formed a central 
 mart for the commerce of the three quarters of the 
 globe, the shores of which it washes. Ragusa, Genoa, 
 and Venice have, each in turn, contended for the em- 
 pire of the sea, whilst the first navies of which we have 
 any record, sailed upon these well-known waters. Here, 
 ocean commerce was, as it were, cradled and nursed 
 into existence, and beyond the pillars of Hercules, or 
 the Straits of Gibraltar, the earliest navigators did 
 not venture to sail. It is under these circumstances, 
 somewhat remarkable, that the discoveries and in- 
 ventions of the present century, have not led to a 
 revival of the prosperity of some of these Adriatic 
 and Mediterranean ports. Improvements in ship- 
 building, and the application of steam, as a motive 
 power, have here, as elsewhere, produced a change, 
 but the progression has not been so marked, nor so 
 decided, as in other parts of the world. There is not 
 a single port in the Mediterranean occupying to-day 
 the position enjoyed by Venice or Ragusa, in the 
 height of then 1 prosperity. Nor can this be attri- 
 buted to want of opportunity, or to the decay of 
 trade. The commodities in request amongst civilized 
 nations, are still found in this part of the world. 
 It is the great high road to India and the East, and 
 forms the centre, towards which those who desire either
 
 49 
 
 to purchase or to sell, naturally direct their attention. 
 
 An opening, therefore, of an unusual character 
 presents itself, for the rise of another great commercial 
 emporium, in this quarter of Europe. And from all 
 the ports, whose inhabitants and rulers are endeavour- 
 ing to secure for them the desired supremacy, Trieste 
 undoubtedly bears away the palm. Nor has this fact 
 escaped the notice of various enterprising men. In 
 1855, Mr. Charles F. Loosey, the Austrian consul 
 general at New York,' projected a line of steamers to 
 ply between the United States and Trieste, from which 
 the most important advantages were anticipated. It 
 was proposed, by the establishment of regular com- 
 munication by means of powerful ocean steamers, to 
 connect the trading ports of the four quarters of the 
 world ; and there can be no doubt that innumerable 
 advantages must have flowed from such an under- 
 taking, had not the complications arising from the war, 
 and the disturbed state of Europe, led to its abandon- 
 ment. 
 
 The most glowing anticipations were formed by 
 commercial men, both in America and in Europe, of 
 the advantages to be derived from this project. And 
 if this was the case with regard to an ocean line from 
 Trieste to New York, how incalculable must be the 
 benefits that will be secured, by a direct ocean line 
 from Trieste to England, the real centre of maritime 
 commerce ! This will at once place a girdle round the 
 
 world, connecting Trieste with all great commercial 
 
 E
 
 50 
 
 gtates and cities, and securing for merchants of all 
 trading countries, rapid and certain means of com- 
 munication. It will supply in fact the link that has 
 been so long wanting, to complete the circle of regular 
 intercourse by steam with every railroad and shipping 
 company in the world. It will bring an accession of 
 .traffic, and impart activity to many commercial in- 
 terests, that have long suffered from stagnation. 
 
 The enlarged and economical commercial steam 
 service, that will shortly be opened, between Trieste 
 and England, must give an impetus to commerce 
 which will be universally felt ; and in this respect it 
 commands and it deserves to command, the general 
 support of the exporting community. But to Austria 
 herself it is in reality the commencement of a new 
 era. It offers her opportunities for the creation of 
 wealth, of which even its most zealous promoters 
 have but a feeble conception. It will connect her 
 with the activity, the enterprise, the trade of all 
 civilized nations. It will open innumerable marts 
 for her immense stores of natural productions, giving 
 employment, and with employment, contentment, to 
 the various races of which her empire is composed. 
 This is indeed the restorer, of which her most ardent 
 reformers have long been in search. And it will 
 prove the parent of other undertakings of a similar 
 character. The success of the ocean line to England, 
 will show what are the real requirements of the 
 Austrian empire, and how these requirements may
 
 51 
 
 be converted into prosperous enterprises. No sooner 
 is a fresh outlet for capital discovered, than specula- 
 tors, capitalists, and merchants, are eager to avail 
 themselves of its advantages, flocking as earnestly to 
 the new arena of their operations, as the gold diggers 
 in Australia and California rush to some new and 
 richer vein, or to some more prolific stream. 
 
 As a necessary and rapid consequence, the port 
 of Trieste must immediately rise to the rank of one 
 of the most influential marts of commerce in Europe ; 
 while trade at present directed into other channels,- 
 will at once return to its natural course. The ac- 
 commodation afforded by the Southern and Lombardo- 
 Venetian Railway, and the approaching completion 
 of the Trieste Sissek line, which communicates with the 
 Banat,will enable the port of Trieste to command ample 
 supplies of grain. It will become the most convenient 
 point for shipment to different European countries, and 
 to England in particular. The resources of Trieste, 
 properly developed, will secure for the producers in 
 the corn-growing plains, watered by the Danube, 
 certain, and easily accessible markets for their crops. 
 Bosnia, Dalmatia, the Banat and Herzegovina will be 
 truly opened up, while the inhabitants of Hungary and 
 Transylvania will participate in the advantages of a 
 steadily increasing trade. And the opening out of this 
 trade will be the best olive branch that the Austrian 
 government could offer to Hungary. To all classes of 
 
 her people, whether landowners, tenants, small traders, 
 
 E 2
 
 52 
 
 or labourers, it must prove a constant source of 
 wealth and improvement. Their isolated situation has 
 proved the great obstacle against which this people 
 have hitherto had to contend. Profits have been 
 consumed hi expense of transport, and a remunerative 
 trade has been rendered all but impossible by the 
 incessant interruptions in the traffic. 
 
 Foreign commerce creates an inland trade and 
 moreover multiplies itself. Wherever large exports 
 are made, imports of necessity follow. Trieste was 
 at one time the centre of a flourishing commerce in 
 foreign wares and productions, and though this has 
 of late years, and from unavoidable circumstances, 
 declined, the effect of a rapid, cheap, and direct 
 commercial line of steam ships to England, will lead 
 to its restoration. The proximity of the port to Egypt, 
 independent of other important considerations, renders 
 Trieste the best channel for rapid communication 
 with British India. Were proper arrangements 
 made, many passengers, and a considerable amount 
 of goods would pass by this route. The position 
 of the port is admirable. Situated in the south of 
 Europe, it is within easy reach of both Asia and 
 Africa, and appears in truth, to be expressly formed 
 for the centre of ocean commerce in the Mediter- 
 ranean and the Adriatic seas. 
 
 While the inhabitants of all portions of the 
 Austrian empire, and every interest, whether political, 
 financial, or commercial, must reap great benefits from
 
 53 
 
 the establishment of the line of steam-ships now 
 referred to, I may mention particular undertakings, 
 the prosperity of which will be increased to an almost 
 unparalleled extent. The Southern and Lombardo- 
 Venetian Railway, and the Austrian Lloyds are enter- 
 prises that admit of considerable extension. And 
 I have no doubt that this ocean line from Trieste to 
 England, will secure their natural and complete 
 development. 
 
 The increase of traffic on the Southern and Lom- 
 bardo-Venetian Railway, will raise the dividends to 
 an amount that might, if stated, appear incredible. 
 The capabilities of the line for traffic have not 
 yet been put to the test. Everything travels by 
 the northern route, finding outlets at Stettin, Ham- 
 burg, and Bremen. Take for instance one article of 
 Austrian produce, grain, and it will be found that last 
 year five million cwt. were shipped by the northern 
 route, in the short space of two months, as reported 
 by the Times correspondent! Yet the most prolific 
 grain-growing districts are situated to the south, and 
 the proper outlet for the bulk of this produce is 
 Trieste. Nothing, but a well-organized system of 
 ocean transport, is required to secure the shipment 
 of this produce at its natural port. Had the grain, 
 to which I have already referred, been conveyed by 
 fast ocean steamers from Trieste, the Southern and 
 Lombard-Venetian Railway must have received a 
 large share of the profits derived from that exporta-
 
 54 
 
 tion. Trieste, moreover, offers abundant accommoda- 
 tion for storing corn. The ocean line once established, 
 large quantities would be accumulated in its granaries, 
 and a certain market for the great staple of life would 
 be at once formed. From this depot merchants and 
 importers conld draw their supplies to meet the demand 
 as it arose. Traffic increases the number of pas- 
 sengers on a line, because when large commercial 
 transactions are carried on, speculators, merchants, 
 traders and agents are continually passing from point 
 to point. A railway is, moreover, greatly influenced 
 by the condition of the population of the district 
 through which it passes. In their prosperity the 
 shareholders are certain to participate. 
 
 Nothing will tend so directly to create activity in 
 all the provinces bordering upon the Adriatic, as 
 rapid and regular steam communication with England. 
 For all kinds of produce, good markets are at once 
 secured. The inhabitants, from the necessities of 
 trade, and then* own improved circumstances, will 
 move about much more frequently than at present, 
 and both the passenger and the goods traffic of the 
 Southern and Lombardo- Venetian line, will be there- 
 by increased beyond the most sanguine expectations 
 of its directors. Nor is it only the produce of the 
 neighbouring districts that will be conveyed by this 
 route. For the larger portion of the Austrian domi- 
 nions, the outlet at Trieste will prove more convenient, 
 and less expensive, than ports closed by ice during 
 the winter months.
 
 55 
 
 In addition to the advantages already noticed, for 
 the transport of grain, I may mention another of 
 incalculable importance. It frequently happens that, 
 as soon as the crops have been secured, and the grain 
 is in a fit state to be forwarded to the markets beyond 
 the sea, the ports through which it is now shipped 
 are closed by the ice, and enormous losses are entailed 
 upon the speculator. Hence the producer receives a 
 much smaller return for his labour, than he might 
 obtain if certain and regular means of transport were 
 always at his command. 
 
 The advantages that must accrue to the Austrian 
 Lloyds, placed by the ocean line to England, in direct 
 communication with all the steam lines and railroads 
 of the world, are self-evident. This company, like 
 the Southern and Lombardo- Venetian Railway Com- 
 pany, will, I have no doubt, find a difficulty in provid- 
 ing means of conveyance for the freights collected at its 
 various stations. The goods-traffic of both under- 
 takings will be limited only, by their capabilities of 
 transport. The result of this prosperity will be the 
 creation of additional facilities in other directions, 
 which will act as feeders to the older and better 
 established undertakings.
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 ADDITIONAL REQUIRE MENTS. 
 
 The high position taken, and most justly, by 
 Austria, at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the extreme 
 beauty of many of her industrial products, and the 
 number of prizes which she earned off, excited con- 
 siderable surprise, more especially amongst that por- 
 tion of the public who have not the slightest concep- 
 tion of the extent of her resources. Great changes 
 have ensued since that memorable competition. In- 
 vention has carried improvement to an extraordinary 
 pitch. Everywhere there has been rivalry. All the 
 nations of Europe have been making the most strenuous 
 efforts to occupy the first rank. Another trial of 
 skill is approaching, at which Austria must exert her- 
 self, in order to maintain the position she has already 
 secured. 
 
 The mighty agent, by which the most wonderful 
 improvements have been effected, is steam. The 
 application of its power, in a thousand different ways, 
 has multiplied the resources of man, and imparted 
 delicacy as well as strength to the work of his hands. 
 One of the chief results, and most assuredly one of
 
 57 
 
 the greatest successes, which has followed the appli- 
 cation of this power, is the annihilation of space, and 
 the acceleration of intercourse between nations. 
 Steam by land and sea, and the Electric Telegraph, 
 are the most potent ministers of this age of commerce 
 and civilization. They have bridged oceans, and 
 converted desert regions into populous places. They 
 have brought distant lands into close communication, 
 and have enabled people dwelling in opposite quarters 
 of the universe to become neighbours and friends. 
 They have triumphed over what were once termed 
 impossibilities, and enlarged the spheres of human 
 enterprise and activity. 
 
 For these and other reasons, I have hitherto con- 
 fined my remarks to the necessity that exists for the 
 immediate establishment of communication by steam- 
 ships, between Austria and the great markets of the 
 world. The formation of the direct steam line 
 between Trieste and England is undoubtedly the first 
 step. There are, however, other measures the adop- 
 tion of which will not only give additional value to 
 this important improvement, but will enable Austria 
 to establish other steam lines, that must have a mate- 
 rial effect upon her prosperity and her influence, as 
 one of the great powers of Europe. 
 
 Doubtless, the way has already been prepared by 
 many salutary changes. Impediments to the free 
 operations of trade have been in some instances 
 removed. The customs-system, that separated
 
 58 
 
 Hungary and other provinces from the rest of the 
 empire, was abolished in 1851. The tolls on the 
 Danube, and other rivers have been modified, and 
 prohibition has been in some cases replaced by a 
 protective tariff. Further reforms are, however, 
 indispensable, and one of the most urgent has refer- 
 ence to the financial position of Austria. 
 
 The state of the currency has more to do with the 
 sluggishness of trade in some parts of Europe, than 
 legislators and political economists generally suppose. 
 It is true that they are aware of the fact, that a 
 restricted currency fetters the operations of com- 
 merce, but they have scarcely an idea of the extent 
 of the mischief caused, or of the wonderful nature of 
 the relief that remedial measures would secure. They 
 perceive its fatal influences at work, in exchanges, 
 and upon large commercial undertakings, but do 
 not trace their paralysing effect upon the energies of 
 those whose labour is their only capital ; thus, in fact, 
 making poverty and its attendant discontent, the sole 
 birthright of a people. 
 
 Yet it is from this source, labour, that the 
 wealth of the capitalist, and, with that wealth, his 
 power, invariably springs. His stores are the accu- 
 mulation of numerous small rills, fed by the industry 
 of those who earn their bread by the sweat of their 
 brow. It is one of the first duties of every govern- 
 ment to provide a circulating medium to answer the 
 wants of the labourer, and of the small trader. a>
 
 59 
 
 well as those of the large capitalist. The former 
 require coin of small but of fixed and well ascer- 
 tained value; and the latter the means of making 
 large payments with facility. People, who have 
 transacted business in the different German states, 
 know how the want of certainty and of system inter- 
 feres with the operations of trade. The general 
 confusion that prevails, destroys confidence, and while 
 their capitalists appear at a disadvantage in the great 
 markets of the world, their operatives cannot turn 
 their labour to the best account. The true remedy 
 for this, is to be found in a well-regulated currency, 
 the selection of the best standard of value, and a 
 proper supply of the circulating medium. 
 
 Austria has suffered much from want of attention 
 to questions of this important character, and her 
 inability to resume cash payments was partially owing 
 to this cause. Silver is her standard, and but a small 
 quantity is in use. Without entering into arguments 
 respecting the necessity for a change in the legal 
 tender, it is evident that for an empire so extensive, 
 an increase in the gold coinage is required. The 
 course adopted by France, affords a strong illustration 
 on this point. In that country, as in Austria, silver 
 is the standard of value ; and until very recently, that 
 is to say, within the last twelve years, only a small 
 quantity of gold was in circulation. The conse- 
 quence was, gold coin was at a high premium. The 
 inconveniences caused by this scarcity became so
 
 60 
 
 apparent that the French Government, availing them- 
 selves of the increased supply, obtained from the 
 mines of California, and Australia, provided and 
 issued a large quantity of gold coin. They did not 
 carry the reform to such an extent as to alter the 
 standard of value, but they relieved trade, and facili- 
 tated mercantile operations, by supplying a dangerous 
 deficiency in one portion of the circulating medium. 
 
 This salutary measure has, in a commercial sense, 
 proved the salvation of France. Had the sagacity of 
 her legislators failed on this point, she could not have 
 emerged with unimpaired credit from the bankruptcy, 
 and the prostration, into which she was plunged by 
 revolutionary troubles; much less could she have 
 borne the expenditure of the Crimean campaign, of 
 the expedition to China, or of the numerous public 
 works recently erected in so many parts of the empire. 
 This enabled her to surmount numerous embarrass- 
 ments, to enter upon a prosperous career, to amend 
 her tariffs, and to induce her people to look to trade, 
 as the surest source of wealth. 
 
 The influence of Austria, as one of the leading 
 powers of Europe, would be materially augmented 
 were she to provide a better and a more regular 
 supply of gold, without even going so far as to effect 
 a change in her legal tender. At present nearly the 
 whole of the gold coinage of Austria, is absorbed in 
 transactions with a few merchants at Galatz, Semlin, 
 Bucharest, and places on the lower Danube ; and it
 
 61 
 
 is not even sufficient for their limited trade. This metal 
 is treated as an article of merchandise, and thus an 
 unfavourable effect is produced in every operation 
 in which her traders are engaged. This, in connec- 
 tion with its scarcity, in some degree accounts for the 
 absence of mercantile activity in a country, which 
 possesses all the elements required, to render it one 
 of the most flourishing states of Europe. Moderate 
 improvements in the currency of Austria, would be 
 followed by immediate benefits ; and were it possible 
 for some general arrangement to be made in this 
 matter, between all the German states, one decided 
 advance towards that union, so essential for their 
 welfare and security, would be obtained. 
 
 The encouragement of the Lottery Loans, which 
 are regularly quoted on the Vienna Exchange, has a 
 demoralising influence upon the people, and impairs 
 the credit of Austria abroad. It is greatly to be 
 desired that, in their earnest endeavours to effect a 
 complete reform, the Austrian Government will 
 abolish this fatal system. Though the apparent 
 sacrifice of revenue may amount to 700,000 per 
 annum, it will in the end be a great gain. A dan- 
 gerous taste for gambling not only diverts money 
 from channels in which it might be employed with 
 general advantage, but encourages idleness amongst 
 the people, and renders them unwilling, if not en- 
 tirely unfit, to make any continued exertion. 
 
 Though the currency question is regarded with
 
 62 
 
 indifference in some quarters, it is in reality second 
 to none in point of importance. If commerce is to 
 flourish, circulation must at least be free. I am 
 afraid that the financial reformers of Austria lack 
 boldness, or some more energetic measures would 
 have been long since adopted. Nothing can, how- 
 ever, be accomplished in this direction without 
 courage. Monopolists and usurers must be con- 
 fronted, and their selfish aims frustrated. I look 
 forward with anxiety to the happy day, when 
 Austrian finance shall be elevated above the influ- 
 ence of grasping money-lenders, and narrow-minded 
 cliques, who are altogether blind to their own inter- 
 ests, and placed upon an imperial basis. It ought to 
 be made subservient to nothing but the general in- 
 terest of the people. 
 
 In common with the other nations of Europe, 
 Austria must revise her tariffs, and adapt them to an 
 altered state of affairs. The old machinery has been 
 everywhere discarded. Experience has proved, that 
 as a source of revenue, low rates of duty are more 
 productive than high charges. In order to secure 
 this object, her statesmen will act wisely by com- 
 mencing negotiations with England for a commercial 
 treaty. 
 
 By liberal subsidies, she ought to encourage the 
 formation of Steam-ship lines, and Telegraph Com- 
 panies. They are the real pioneers of commerce, and 
 in this age of activity, extended trade can only be
 
 63 
 
 obtained by their agency. I may mention two points, 
 one having reference to the electric telegraph, and 
 the other to the encouragement of ocean steam-ships, 
 that will fully illustrate my meaning. By a proper 
 attention to the requirements of the former, a con- 
 siderable portion of the profits arising out of tele- 
 graphic communication between England and India, 
 would be secured to Austria. And were adequate 
 steam communication between Trieste and Alexandria, 
 via Corfu, established, in connection with the ocean 
 line from Trieste to England, by far the largest portion 
 of the passenger traffic, provided the government 
 made arrangements to convey passengers at cheap 
 rates, or in other words established a third class com- 
 mercial line between Great Britain and the East 
 Indies, would be induced to take this route. Our 
 traffic with India, China, Japan, Australia, and 
 countries in the Pacific, is continually increasing, 
 and the improvements in the means of intercom- 
 munication have scarcely kept pace with the require- 
 ments of the public. The day is not far distant when 
 we shall have a direct overland route to India 
 through the Austrian empire. At present an overland 
 route to India is a misnomer. It cannot with justice 
 be said to have been established, so long as the prin- 
 cipal part of the journey is performed by steam-ships. 
 The British and Austrian governments, however, 
 have it in their power to open a real overland route, 
 by which mails, passengers, and valuable merchandise
 
 64 
 
 would be enabled to reach India within eight days. 
 Railroads already exist for about one-third of the 
 distance. Were the communication completed, third 
 class passengers might be conveyed at an expense 
 of eight pounds sterling per head. Such an 
 improvement in the means of communication can 
 only be effected by a direct line of rail to the East 
 Indies. 
 
 Were such a line established through a friendly 
 state, the length of time consumed in the transit from 
 London to Calcutta and other places in India, might 
 be calculated with the same precision as in a journey 
 to Paris. The long and difficult passage of the Red 
 Sea would be avoided. The new route would speedily 
 become the great highway to China, Japan, and 
 Australia, and can alone meet the requirements of 
 that important commerce which is now in its infancy. 
 The increased traffic which this line must call into 
 existence, would by setting in motion springs of indus- 
 try that have hitherto lain dormant, render Austria 
 from her central position one of the richest countries 
 in Europe. In the mean time, as an auxiliary I feel 
 assured, that a line of suitable commercial steam- 
 ships to Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta for third class 
 passengers, and light goods, viz : via Trieste and the 
 Red Sea, would meet with very great encouragement 
 from the public. It would be of such importance to 
 Germany, and to Austria in particular, that the 
 Emperor's ministers would act wisely were they at
 
 65 
 
 once to take measures for its early and permanent 
 establishment. 
 
 The encouragement of mail lines, and the conclu- 
 sion of postal contracts, would contribute to the pros-- 
 perity of Austria. Whilst such extraordinary efforts, 
 to provide necessary accommodation for the public in 
 these matters, are being made by various European 
 powers, this, the largest central state in Europe must 
 suffer, if she does not actively follow the example of 
 her peaceful rivals. Within the last few days, a small 
 work has been placed in my hands, which contains 
 ample confirmation of the justice of my views on the 
 importance of subsidised mail steam-ship lines. It 
 is entitled "United States and Mexican Mail Steam- 
 ship Line, and Statistics of Mexico." The author, 
 after alluding to the remarkable development of the 
 commerce of Great Britain, that has followed in 
 every instance in which mail steamers, with a liberal 
 subsidy have commenced running, urges the Govern- 
 ment of the United States to adopt the same wise 
 
 plan. 
 
 From statistics in my possession, I can confidently 
 
 assert that the development of commerce, consequent 
 upon the establishment of mail steam-ship lines, is 
 altogether unprecedented. In some places, exports 
 that in no previous year had attained an increase of 
 five per cent., were doubled in less than six years, 
 after the mail steamers commenced their voyages. 
 An ocean line from Austria to England, will set a
 
 66 
 
 thousand springs of industry in motion, and call forth 
 new sources of wealth in different parts of the empire. 
 
 In England four hundred millions is invested 
 in railways, those arteries by which the free circula- 
 tion of commerce is maintained. In Austria railways 
 have also been constructed, and nothing but the silver 
 link the bridge across the ocean, is required to con- 
 nect these important channels of intercommunication. 
 This once established, home industry will spring up, 
 and foreign commerce, which gives value both to land 
 and to labour, will revive. By such powerful aids the 
 British people are enabled to pay the interest on the 
 national debt, and to provide for their increased 
 expenditure. 
 
 In this review of the additional requirements of 
 the Austrian empire, I must not pass over one in- 
 fluence that is perhaps the most important of all, in 
 shaping the destinies of a people, I allude of course 
 to the press, of which the Emperor's government 
 has hitherto been so negligent. No state has suf- 
 fered more from misrepresentation ; none had more 
 to gain from the dissemination of the truth. In the 
 public opinion of Europe, Austria has in reality no 
 representative, and therefore she has been completely 
 abandoned to the attacks of her opponents. Many 
 of the calumnies heaped upon her, the absurd stories 
 circulated to her discredit, and the false accusations 
 brought against her leading men, would have been 
 neutralized, and swept away, had she possessed an
 
 67 
 
 impartial, and a disinterested organ to defend her 
 cause against her numerous assailants. It is true 
 that there are able and efficient journals within her 
 own empire, but she cannot boast of a representative 
 that commands the ear of Europe, or that can operate 
 on the public opinion of the world at large. 
 
 Due attention to these and other matters, the in- 
 troduction of machinery, the vigorous working of coal 
 and other mines, the encouragement of trade and 
 commerce, would secur6 to the various provinces of 
 which the Austrian empire is composed, unexampled 
 prosperity. Although these resources have been long 
 neglected it is not too late to turn them to account. 
 The people once convinced that great opportunities 
 existed, would enter on the struggle of competition, 
 and energy would prevail from one extremity of 
 the empire to the other.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 COMMERCE THE LINK REQUIRED TO CEMENT THAT 
 ALLIANCE BETWEEN AUSTRIA AND ENGLAND SO 
 ESSENTIAL TO THE WELFARE OF BOTH. 
 
 If there be two powers in Europe, that may be 
 regarded as natural allies, England and Austria are 
 those states. Interest in these matters is all powerful, 
 and there is not a single point on which their interests 
 come into collision. Austria maintains a large army, 
 England a small one ; Austria does not possess a fleet, 
 England is the greatest naval power in the world ; 
 Austria yields grain, wool, flax, hemp, tobacco, wine, 
 and other natural productions in abundance, and for 
 these England is obliged to become a purchaser on a 
 very extensive scale. Their interests are in fact never 
 opposed, if not altogether identical, hence the annals 
 of the past contain no record of wars between them. 
 
 There is in addition to all this a strong similarity 
 in the tastes and habits of the two people. During 
 the recent changes in the Government, the constitu- 
 tional mode of proceeding, sanctioned by the example 
 and the practice of England, has been observed in 
 Austria. Our institutions, our laws, our literature,
 
 69 
 
 are studied, admired, and in many instances imitated 
 by the Austrian people. There is, in fact, a natural 
 tendency towards friendship, and an intimate alliance. 
 And this would have been formed and cemented, had 
 it not been for the calumnies continually circulated 
 through the press, by the enemies of Austria. Self 
 interest is believed to be a strong motive. Yet how 
 often do we see nations as well as individuals, com- 
 mitting themselves to a course that must prove not 
 only detrimental, but positively ruinous, to the objects 
 which they have most at heart ! So it has been with 
 England and with Austria. The people have suffered 
 themselves to be misled by the enemies of both states, 
 and have blindly pursued a line of conduct fraught 
 with peril. 
 
 Truth will however prevail in the end, and even 
 in the present case it would have vindicated its 
 supremacy long ago, had the public, abandoning their 
 prejudiced instructors, taken the trouble to inquire for 
 themselves. When the people of England understand 
 that an extensive trade with Austria only requires 
 development, and when the inhabitants of the different 
 provinces of that empire feel that the best markets 
 for their produce is to be found in this island, they 
 will quickly overcome the prejudices which have 
 sprung up, and a better feeling will prevail on both 
 sides. 
 
 The interests both of the English and of the 
 Austrian people will be advanced by an intimate
 
 commercial alliance. Community of interest is the sole 
 permanent bond of union between powerful states. 
 Search through ancient and modern history, and you 
 will not find endurance in alliances, that grew out 
 of mere sentimental attraction, or were the develop- 
 ment of an idea ! The links that bind nations together 
 are made of sterner stuff. The moment a shock 
 comes, such insubstantial friendships vanish ; whereas 
 so long as a community of interests lasts, the true and 
 natural alliance will endure. It often happens that 
 nations, like individuals, are blind to their real 
 interests, but let them once be enlightened on the 
 point, and they will give their inclinations the right 
 direction. 
 
 Austria offers, in addition to other advantages, food 
 for our populace and employment for our mercantile 
 marine ; we give in return manufactures, the produce 
 of our looms and of the spindles of Lancashire and 
 Yorkshire, as well as the products of Birmingham and 
 Sheffield, Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Glasgow, Dub- 
 lin, Belfast, and other important towns. What then 
 can prevent an alliance between two states, that have 
 nothing that can possibly create jealously or raise a 
 controversy between them? They both have something 
 to offer, and something to seek. By obtaining large 
 supplies of grain direct from Austria, the drain of gold 
 from this country will be checked, because Austria will 
 take our manufactures, and employ our shipping in 
 return. The balance of trade between the two king- 
 doms will be in fact restored.
 
 71 
 
 As this proposed intercourse grows more intimate, 
 other advantages must follow. Trieste will become 
 the point of departure for India, and both Austria 
 and England will be greatly benefitted by that result. 
 The former country will be enriched by the trade 
 arising from the constant traffic through her territo- 
 ries, and England will possess a direct route to her 
 empire in the east, through a friendly state, and one 
 whose friendship is not likely to be suddenly alienated. 
 
 From England, Austria may obtain the latest 
 improvements in machinery, and learn how to utilize 
 her immense stores of coal, and iron. She will more- 
 over perceive, how the resources of a country may be 
 increased, by the proper application of new powers. 
 Her people, anxious to secure the rewards of honest 
 toil, will willingly embark in the struggle, and by 
 practice will gain an insight into the real value of 
 labour, and its systematic sub-division. Thus their 
 energies will be directed to the attainment of legiti- 
 mate objects, and the general contentment which must 
 follow will form the surest defence against the sophis- 
 tries of greedy and rapacious agitators. Freedom of 
 trade, freedom of internal circulation, and freedom of 
 egress, and ingress as one improvement naturally 
 leads to another may be speedily looked for. 
 
 I have not referred to the political advantages 
 that might be secured, by zealous co-operation between 
 the two powers, because the union I most strongly 
 advocate, is that which has the development of com-
 
 72 
 
 merce, and the maintenance of peace, for its principal 
 objects. The more eagerly it is pursued, the stronger 
 it will become, and the best guarantees for its preser- 
 vation will be found, in the benefits it secures for the 
 people and governments concerned. Let it once be 
 fairly established, and all apprehension as to the result 
 must disappear. If the whole community in both of 
 these countries once appreciate its true value, no con- 
 vulsion will be permitted to disturb a union so firmly 
 and wisely formed. 
 
 The importance of such an alliance has been 
 always recognised in this country, though it has not 
 always been acted upon. Various obstacles have 
 interfered to prevent the adoption of this policy in its 
 integrity. Statesmen of every political school have 
 borne testimony to its value. I do not desire to 
 reproduce opinions current in bygone days, or I might 
 fill pages with quotations, confirming my statement, 
 from the writings and the speeches of some of our 
 wisest legislators. 
 
 Even during the present session of Parliament, 
 members of the Government, and members of the 
 Opposition, have displayed a certain unanimity in 
 their views, with respect to the services rendered by 
 Austria in the great cause of European progression, 
 and the high position which she fills, as a member of 
 the European confederacy. During a debate in the 
 House of Commons on the 7th of March, Mr. 
 Gladstone observed : " When I speak of Austria, I
 
 73 
 
 " draw a wide distinction between Austria in Italy, 
 " and Austria beyond it. Beyond Italy I wish her 
 " well with all my heart, and regard her as the main- 
 " stay of the peace and order of Europe." 
 
 On the same occasion Lord John Russell remarked : 
 " I should be very glad to see Austria maintained, 
 " because I quite agree with my right honourable 
 " friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that during 
 " many contests in Europe for two centuries past, we 
 " have often contended in the same cause, and against 
 " the preponderance of other powers, with Austria. 
 " I agree with him that Austria is a great, regular, 
 " and conservative power in the middle of Europe, 
 " that tends to preserve many of the political and 
 " social advantages which Europe enjoys." 
 
 In a remarkable discussion brought on in the 
 House of Lords, on Friday the 19th of April, by the 
 Earl of Ellenborough, similar views were expressed 
 by members sitting on opposite sides of the house. 
 Lord Ellenborough himself in the course of an 
 eloquent speech declared : " Austria, in her integrity, 
 " and in her strength, is absolutely necessary to the 
 " safety of every state in Europe. It would be im- 
 " possible to preserve the balance of power, if her 
 " integrity were assailed, and any man who entertains 
 " a desire of creating a war against Austria in 
 " Hungary, would be criminal in the presence of 
 " Europe, and the enemy of every man within its 
 " boundaries."
 
 Grappling with the Italian question Lord Ellen- 
 borough, an ardent supporter of the emancipation of 
 Italy, and of the new kingdom, remarked " Austria 
 " has not been fairly treated in this matter. At the 
 " Congress of Vienna she gave up the Netherlands, and 
 " in exchange received Italy, I say Italy, because though 
 " Austria herself only got a portion of that country, 
 " princes of the Austrian house, were established in 
 " other portions, and it was perfectly understood that 
 " it was the mission of Austria to maintain Italy against 
 " the French. Genoa was given to Piedmont for the 
 *' same purpose. The Italian territory of Piedmont 
 " was to be the advanced guard of Austria, against 
 " France. That was the intention of the Congress of 
 " Vienna. Whether it was a wise one or not, I shall not 
 " now inquire, but with that intention Austria was es- 
 " tablished in Italy, and in endeavouring to maintain, 
 " and extend her influence in that country she only 
 " performed her original mission, and fulfilled obliga- 
 " tions which she contracted in Vienna."
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE ADVANTAGES THAT ENGLAND WILL DERIVE FROM 
 THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE INTIMATE COMMERCIAL 
 RELATIONS WITH AUSTRIA. 
 
 The opening out, and the establishment of new 
 markets in the centre of Europe, cannot fail to give 
 an impetus to the prosperity of a commercial, and an 
 industrial country like England. She requires not 
 only markets for the different fabrics produced in 
 such abundance, but also markets, in which her people 
 may obtain those raw materials, which they know 
 how to employ to such advantage, and to convert to 
 so many useful purposes. It is in this respect, there- 
 fore, that Austria presents such a field for enterprise. 
 Her markets are invaluable, both to those who desire 
 to purchase, and to those who have wares to sell. 
 The vessel which carries out the produce of our 
 looms, of our furnaces, and of our workshops, will 
 return with food for our people, and with productions 
 which will give employment to the labourer, the 
 mechanic, and the artizan. 
 
 At this critical period, such a consideration is all 
 important. Complications in both hemispheres, have
 
 76 
 
 already disturbed the balance between demand and 
 supply, and many branches of trade, are unusually 
 depressed. Our industrial population run some risk 
 of not having sufficient work. This is, therefore, 
 essentially a poor man's question ; and more particu- 
 larly so, in the manufacturing districts. America, 
 temporarily excludes our wares from her markets, by 
 rigorous tariffs. Her citizens have unfortunately ex- 
 changed the implements of peaceful industry for those 
 of war. The wisest amongst us, can scarcely venture 
 to assign limits to the quarrel which has now unhap- 
 pily broken out, or to say how long the rupture may 
 last. Be its duration long or short, and all philan- 
 thropists earnestly desire the speedy restoration of 
 tranquillity, some time must necessarily elapse before 
 commerce returns to its accustomed channels, and 
 things are re-established upon their former basis. 
 
 The development of the immense resources of 
 Austria, and the cultivation of our trade with that 
 country, which would, under ordinary circumstances, 
 and even in times of general prosperity, be objects 
 worthy of our most anxious attention and endeavours, 
 become at this moment of paramount importance. 
 They afford a remedy, and the only remedy be it 
 clearly understood, for evils, and perils that are rapidly 
 gaining upon us. Mr. Canning, on a celebrated oc- 
 casion declared, that he called the New World into 
 existence to redress the balance of the Old. In like 
 manner, it behoves our statesmen, our financiers, and
 
 77 
 
 our leading commercial men, to endeavour to call new 
 markets into existence, to restore the balance so vio- 
 lently disturbed by the closing of olden marts, and to 
 preserve that relationship between supply and demand, 
 so necessary for the maintenance of prosperity in this, 
 and in other countries of the world. 
 
 The question, moreover, is one that appeals directly, 
 and eloquently to every interest, and to every class. 
 To all who toil, it will secure increase of employment, 
 and higher wages; to all who buy or sell, it will 
 bring increased profits. Commerce, like mercy, is 
 twice blessed, it blesses him that gives and him that 
 takes. When it once springs up and takes root, no 
 limits can be placed to the amount of good it ac- 
 complishes, or to the benefits it scatters among the 
 people. 
 
 Though it is hardly necessary for me to enter into 
 details on this point, I will mention certain interests, 
 which will be more particularly benefitted, by the 
 establishment of intimate commercial relations between 
 Great Britain and Austria. And foremost amongst 
 these is the capitalist, who of late years, has been 
 sorely perplexed to find good investments. The 
 undeveloped resources of the Austrian empire, offer 
 extraordinary opportunities for the rapid realization 
 of safe, and large profits. There are openings for the 
 investment of capital, in various projects connected 
 with that extensive empire, which might with care and 
 under judicious management, be converted into mines
 
 78 
 
 of wealth. I hardly know of any country in which 
 capital, under certain conditions, could at this moment 
 be employed with so much advantage, and, what is more 
 important still, in undertakings, the success of which 
 has been tested in other states. Thus with experience 
 as a guide, uncertainty is banished from the calcula- 
 tion, and the capitalist has only to do in Austria, that 
 which has been done in other parts of Europe, in order 
 to secure an ample return upon the money which he 
 invests. 
 
 While many of our manufactures are suffering 
 from stagnation, caused by an inadequate supply of 
 the raw material, the advantages which Austria offers 
 to this important interest, must be self-evident. As 
 a producing country, she is altogether without a rival 
 in this quarter of the globe. Whether the raw ma- 
 terial required, be grain, timber, wool, hemp, flax, 
 minerals, or the useful earths, a supply may be 
 obtained from one or other of her provinces. The 
 cotton and the woollen spinners of Lancashire and of 
 Yorkshire, the hardware manufacturers of Birming- 
 ham, Sheffield, and other places, the proprietors of 
 the Staffordshire potteries, and manufacturers of 
 every kind in England, in Ireland, and in Scotland, 
 will secure important advantages by availing them- 
 selves of the virgin markets of Austria. 
 
 Nor is it only as the storehouse of natural produc- 
 tions and of raw materials that Austria will prove so 
 useful, but as a consumer. She will purchase the maim-
 
 79 
 
 factured article, which she sent to this country in a raw 
 state. Until her people obtain an adequate knowledge 
 of mining operations, and this will require at least an 
 interval of twenty years, her principal supplies of iron 
 and of coal will be drawn from these islands. Milford 
 Haven and South Wales must derive peculiar advan- 
 tages from the opening out of this trade. In the Aus- 
 trian markets there is a constant demand for English 
 manufactures, and the more our traders buy of raw 
 products, the more they will be able to sell of manu- 
 factured articles. Increase of trade will bring increase 
 of wealth, for it is only the want of facilities, that 
 prevents the inhabitants of Austria from taking a 
 much larger quantity of English goods, than that 
 which they at present consume. 
 
 The supplies of timber of all kinds that might be 
 obtained from Austria, would have a beneficial effect 
 upon every trade and handicraft in which wood is 
 employed. This, therefore, is a question in which the 
 builder, the shipwright, the furniture and cabinet- 
 maker, and the cooper, have more than ordinary 
 interest. The difficulty in obtaining well-seasoned 
 wood for various purposes, is too generally known to 
 require further explanation on my part. The activity 
 of these, and of other trades, would receive a favour- 
 able impulse, from the increased demand that must 
 necessarily ensue, and the aid of the ship -builder in 
 particular, would be called in request, to enable Austria 
 to construct a navy, and a mercantile marine. These
 
 80 
 
 are objects on the possession of which her rulers have 
 set their hearts, and they are objects which all classes 
 in the empire are determined to obtain. Their im- 
 portance as elements of power and of independence, 
 are fully recognised, and for their attainment the 
 efforts of Austria will keep pace with her means. 
 
 To our wine merchants, as well as our wine con- 
 sumers, Austria can offer advantages, which no other 
 European country has at command. The capabilities 
 of France, of Spain, and of Portugal, as wine produc- 
 ing countries, have been already tested, and from 
 certain provinces of the Austrian empire, a supply of 
 sound wine can be obtained to meet the increased 
 demand that has arisen from altered tastes, and more 
 liberal tariffs, of which Austria will not be slow to 
 avail herself. Imperfect means of intercommunication 
 and difficulties of transport have, hitherto, excluded 
 the rich vintages of Hungary, of Transylvania, and of 
 the Southern provinces from the English markets, 
 where, when they are once well known, they will 
 command a ready sale. 
 
 Foreign cattle enter largely into our consump- 
 tion, and when cheap through rates by rail and steam- 
 ship, are established between Austria and England, our 
 graziers and purveyors will obtain large supplies of 
 live stock from different parts of the Austrian domi- 
 nions. The breeding of horses has, also, been much 
 improved in that country, and large numbers of those 
 useful animals will be drawn from this source. Thus
 
 81 
 
 the grazier, the horse-dealer, and the purveyor, will 
 obtain a due share of the advantages to be derived 
 from the establishment of closer relations with this 
 country. 
 
 The question, in fact, as I before remarked, affects 
 the interests of above sixty millions of people. It is 
 one that appeals forcibly to members of every class, 
 both in Austria, and in England. Taken in its true 
 sense, it means increase of trade, increase of wealth, 
 and increase of happiness. The three are links of a 
 single chain if one be lost, the others will soon be 
 found wanting. 
 
 I have referred to certain interests that must 
 receive an extraordinary extension, if the policy 
 which I have advocated, be honestly and promptly 
 adopted. I say promptly, because other nations are 
 not altogether ignorant of the opportunity that 
 presents itself, and by delay, our prospects will be 
 imperilled. It is not only, however, certain interests, 
 but the whole nation that will reap the benefit of the 
 opening out of fresh sources of trade, and the estab- 
 lishment of a profitable commerce. Every man, both 
 in Austria and in England, will find a greater demand, 
 and consequently, a better market for his labour. It 
 will be a boon to the masses, and by affording employ- 
 ment to the working population, will be a guarantee 
 of contentment, and of continued prosperity, and 
 progression. 
 
 G
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 THE BENEFITS THE PEOPLE OF AUSTRIA WILL DERIVE 
 FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR RESOURCES, 
 BY MEANS OF AN INTIMATE COMMERCIAL ALLIANCE 
 WITH ENGLAND. 
 
 It will not be difficult for the rulers and the 
 people of Austria, to obtain a clear and distinct 
 notion of the innumerable advantages, that must 
 immediately follow an intimate commercial alliance, 
 between their country and Great Britain. They have 
 but to look around them, and observe what trade, and 
 the industry it nourishes, have accomplished in other 
 directions. They need not examine into the records 
 of a past age, in search of a precedent ; the process is 
 going on under their eyes. If they direct their 
 attention to Russia, and ask how it is that she is 
 enabled to maintain her position, and keep her 
 extensive empire together, they will be told that it is 
 by the cultivation, imperfect though it be, of trade. 
 If they inquire how France has been enabled to 
 recover from the prostration, consequent upon revolu- 
 tion and anarchy, and is able to bear an extraordinary 
 annual expenditure, they will be informed that it is
 
 83 
 
 because a strong commercial element has arisen in that 
 state. Even Spain, by the encouragement of trade, 
 is enabled to make an effort that revives the glories 
 of that era in her history, when her ships were found 
 on every sea, and her colonial empire was the admi- 
 ration of the world. 
 
 These, however, are only examples of what com- 
 merce imperfectly developed can accomplish. For its 
 higher triumphs, and more extraordinary results, the 
 rulers and the people of Austria, will do well to study 
 the rise, the progress, and the commercial ascendancy 
 of Great Britain. And if they desire to measure the 
 question by a somewhat smaller scale, they may study 
 the history of the United States of America. Pos- 
 sessing resources more extensive and various than 
 those of any other European state, energy alone is 
 required in the Austrian people, to enable them to 
 turn their varied elements of power to the best 
 account The materials of wealth, and of influence, 
 are accumulated in the different provinces of the 
 Austrian empire ; and the proper use and employ- 
 ment of these resources, will secure deliverance from 
 present embarrassment, and a widely extending pros- 
 perity for the future. 
 
 For the purposes of trade, a more extended cur- 
 rency must be at once introduced, 'and this would 
 give a death blow to that monopoly, which, as I have 
 observed, is at this moment, one of the most grievous 
 
 obstacles to the progress of Austria. The capitalist 
 
 G 2
 
 84 
 
 would no longer send all his money to foreign coun- 
 tries, but would find in undertakings at home, more 
 legitimate channels for its employment. He would 
 also obtain higher rates of interest, and thus be in 
 every respect a gainer. 
 
 If these views are correct, one of the first effects 
 of a better commercial system in Austria, would be 
 to liberate the capitalist, and enable him to advance 
 the welfare of his country, at the same time that he 
 secured his own. The land-owners would obtain 
 higher rentals, and would be thereby enabled to 
 carry out improvements which* are so essential for the 
 proper development of the resources of the soil. In 
 many parts of Austria, little attention is paid to cul- 
 tivation. Regular markets, and adequate means of 
 intercommunication, must secure enhanced prices, and 
 these would act as an incentive to renewed exertion 
 both in landlord and tenant. The owner and the tiller 
 of the land would have a common interest. Per- 
 sons who have travelled in Austria will understand, 
 how much might be accomplished in this respect, 
 by comparing the neglected state of some districts, 
 which they must have noticed in their progress, with 
 the high cultivation attained, between the Bavarian 
 and the Saxon frontier, and the city of Vienna. 
 There is ample room for improvement in many pro- 
 vinces, and the results attained in the localities to 
 which I have referred, show what might be accom- 
 plished, so far as the cultivation of the soil is con-
 
 85 
 
 cerned, were inducements for the expenditure of 
 capital, and the application of labour, afforded, 
 
 It is not only the grain grower who will be 
 affected by the change. The producer of hemp, of 
 flax, in fact of everything derived from the cultivation 
 of the soil, would share in the prosperity that trade 
 must create. One of the Austrian provinces, Bohe- 
 mia, at present supplies the Paris markets with game. 
 There would be a constant demand, and regular mar- 
 kets for whatever this rich country could produce. 
 
 Austria possesses many manufactures in which 
 much skill is exhibited, and superior articles are 
 produced, and yet they are shut out from the great 
 marts of the world by wares of an inferior kind. 
 This arises from the absence of that commercial 
 activity, which would enable her producers to make 
 the most of the advantages which they enjoy. What- 
 ever increases price unnecessarily, must greatly pre- 
 judice, if it does not entirely arrest the sale. Manu- 
 facturers, therefore, whose welfare depends upon trade, 
 are deeply interested in securing for themselves and 
 their fellow countrymen, that extended commerce 
 which will at once flow from freer intercourse with 
 foreign markets. 
 
 At present the wine producer of Hungary, and 
 of other provinces of the Austrian empire, has no 
 foreign market for his growths. The quantity of 
 wine that finds its way from the Austrian vineyards 
 to other countries is so small that it is scarcely worth
 
 notice. Yet wine of excellent quality is grown, and 
 in large quantities, mid were ready access to the 
 markets of Europe obtained, the quality might be 
 much improved, and the produce increased, by more 
 careful, and extended culture. I cannot believe that 
 the Austrian wine grower will neglect the opportu- 
 nity, which the reduction of the duty on wine by the 
 English government, has placed within his grasp. 
 Many of the wines produced in Austria, are of a 
 character admirably suited to the tastes of the English 
 people, and are better able than many continental 
 wines to bear transport and the changes of climate. . 
 
 The timber, which abounds in her immense forests, 
 and the minerals that are obtained from her extensive 
 mines, might all be converted into sources of national 
 wealth. And it is not only the actual possessors of 
 these productions who would be enriched, were they 
 turned to their legitimate use. It is the daily labourer, 
 the man who earns his bread by the sweat of his 
 brow, who would find a better reward for his toil. 
 His condition would be improved, and he would be 
 raised out of that of abject poverty, in which content- 
 ment is impossible. 
 
 I appeal, therefore, with confidence to members of 
 every class in the Austrian empire. I advocate the 
 interests of all, from the Emperor on his tlirone, to 
 the peasant in his cabin. I know that one thought is 
 ever present to the Emperor's active and enlightened 
 mind, and that is, how he may secure the welfare and
 
 87 
 
 happiness of his subjects. I have endeavoured to point 
 out a course by which I believe this may be accom- 
 plished. I have shewn that if trade is promoted, and 
 facilities are afforded for increased traffic, prosperity 
 will soon be established upon a firm basis. The 
 inhabitants of the various provinces of Austria, will 
 be induced to enter into the competitive struggle and 
 to put forth all their energies. In this matter, 
 interest and duty, go hand in hand. It is clearly 
 the duty of every man to work energetically in the 
 good cause of progress, and civilization. It is un- 
 doubtedly his interest to obtain a competency, if not 
 to grow rich. 
 
 Commerce is the ladder by which states rise to 
 eminence. If we consider which are the wealthiest, 
 the most powerful, and the most highly civilized 
 nations in the world, we shall find it is those states 
 in which trade is most fostered, intercourse is most 
 encouraged, and commerce is unfettered. Such 
 nations enjoy the largest measure of intellectual as 
 well as of material wealth.
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 REMARKS ON THE BALANCE OF POWER; AND GENERAL 
 REVIEW ON THE SUBJECT. 
 
 That Austria possesses immense resources which 
 only require development is sufficiently evident from 
 the facts adduced in the foregoing pages. I have 
 shewn what a future awaits her if her rulers follow, 
 as I have not the slightest doubt they will do, 
 the right path, and turn her capabilities to good 
 account. And though I have passed in review some 
 of the more important advantages that must accrue 
 to England, and to Austria, from an alliance that is in 
 reality one of the great requirements of this age of 
 progression, I desire to offer a few remarks upon the 
 general bearings of the question, and the benefits that 
 it must confer upon the world at large. Much has 
 been written and spoken upon the balance of power, 
 yet erroneous views prevail on this subject and 
 some modern politicians even go so far as to deny 
 that the preservation of any such balance in Europe 
 is a matter of much importance. A notion so er- 
 roneous must be attributed to want of proper infor- 
 mation. Persons are too apt to consider, that the
 
 89 
 
 term balance of power is one of those convenient 
 phrases which diplomatists have invented for interested 
 purposes. They do not remember and perhaps they 
 really are not aware, that it is the offspring of neces- 
 sity; that it is one of those safeguards introduced 
 into the European system, against real, and not im- 
 aginary dangers. 
 
 Its origin has been clearly traced by the great 
 historian Dr. Robertson, and I feel that I cannot do 
 better than refer to his testimony in support of its 
 value. 
 
 When Charles VIII. of France, in 1494, marched 
 at the head of his legions into Italy, he found nothing 
 able to resist his progress. Florence, Pisa, Rome, and 
 other towns opened their gates to the French soldiers 
 and everything promised success to his ambitious 
 schemes. As Robertson remarks, "The Italians 
 quickly perceived that no single power which they 
 could rouse into action, was an equal match for a 
 monarch who ruled over such extensive territories, 
 and was at the head of such a martial people, but 
 that a confederacy might accomplish what the 
 separate members of it durst not attempt." To 
 preserve, therefore, the independence of the different 
 states, the idea of the system of the balance of 
 power owes its origin. It was the Magna Charta of 
 the European confederacy, the real corner stone on 
 which all their liberties rest. 
 
 In 1495, the Italian states combined for the pre-
 
 90 
 
 serration of the balance of power and with the aid of 
 the Emperor Maximilian, and Ferdinand of Aragon 
 they formed that confederacy which speedily relieved 
 them from the yoke of the oppressor. " They had " as 
 Dr. Robertson remarks, "extended on this occasion to 
 the affairs of Europe the maxims of that political 
 science which had hitherto been applied only to regu- 
 late the operations of the petty states in their own 
 country. They had discovered the method of prevent- 
 ing any monarch from rising to such a degree of 
 strength as was inconsistent with general liberty, and 
 had manifested the importance of attending to that 
 great secret in modern policy, the preservation of a 
 proper distribution of power among all members of 
 the system into which the states of Europe have formed 
 themselves. During all the wars of which Italy was 
 at that time the theatre, and amidst the hostile opera- 
 tions which the imprudence of Louis XII. and the 
 ambition of Ferdinand of Aragon carried on in that 
 country, with little interruption from the close of the 
 fifteenth century to the period at which the subsequent 
 history commences, the maintenance of a proper 
 balance of power between the contending parties, 
 became the great object of attention to the statesmen 
 of Italy." 
 
 Having clearly pointed out the origin of the im- 
 portant principle and its application in one particular 
 direction, the historian comments upon the results of its 
 use in a more extended sphere. " Nor was," Dr.
 
 91 
 
 Robertson continues, "the idea confined to them. 
 Self-preservation taught other powers to adopt it. It 
 grew to be fashionable and universal. From this era 
 we can trace the progress of that intercourse between 
 nations which has linked the powers of Europe so 
 closely together, and can discern the operations of that 
 benevolent policy which during peace, guards against 
 remote and contingent dangers and in war has pre- 
 vented rapid and destructive conquests." 
 
 Such then was the origin, and such the progress 
 of that benevolent policy which enabled different 
 European nations to become great, without trenching 
 upon the rights of others, and which for four centuries 
 has formed a permanent bond of union. No sooner 
 were its numerous advantages recognised and ap- 
 preciated, than the policy was at once accepted. The 
 germ might appear insignificant, the results however, 
 soon shewed what a mighty change had been accom- 
 plished. The conclusion of the celebrated league of 
 Venice, March 31st, 1495, was the first act in this 
 auspicious change. Its authors had but a faint idea 
 of the benefits they were conferring upon mankind. 
 While they were carrying on their conferences by 
 night, and doing all they could to keep the matter 
 secret, they little imagined that the principles on 
 which they were acting, would speedily become the 
 guiding policy of Europe. The necessity for preserv- 
 ing the balance of power was gradually acknowledged. 
 At the pacification of Europe, settled by the treaty
 
 92 
 
 of Westphalia, Oct. 23, 1648; the principle of the 
 preservation of the balance of power was received as a 
 fundamental part of international law. And from 
 that day to this, it has proved the sole defence of the 
 weak against the rapacity of the strong, and the best 
 safe-guard of modern progress and civilization. 
 
 Those who have traced the origin of this policy 
 cannot fail to be familiar with the innumerable bene- 
 fits which it has during the last three centuries secured 
 to Europe ; and those who understand the nature of the 
 perils with which modern civilization is even at this 
 hour menaced, will not be led astray by the fallacy, 
 that this international understanding is an empty ex- 
 pression. This restraint once removed, war becomes 
 inevitable, and one of the first essentials of its pre- 
 servation is the maintenance of the Austrian empire 
 in full strength and integrity. She stands as a barrier 
 between France and Russia a barrier which every 
 European kingdom, and England in particular has 
 the deepest interest in upholding. 
 
 Occupying the position she does Austria should be 
 strong, and the surest way to add to her strength, is 
 by enabling her to develope her resources. Were this 
 once accomplished the panics by which commerce is 
 now too frequently paralysed would cease, because 
 Austria would wield her rightful influence in the 
 councils of Europe, and that influence would be 
 exerted for the preservation of peace. The wealth, 
 and the activity to which extended trade must give
 
 93 
 
 rise would at the same time afford her people the 
 strongest interest in maintaining a peaceful policy, 
 and render them dangerous to those who sought to 
 disturb the general harmony in the pursuit of selfish 
 aims or schemes of special aggrandizement. 
 
 As one of the great powers of Europe, the in- 
 fluence of Austria must be materially augmented by 
 a liberal policy both in her political and her com- 
 mercial system. This will be best attained by the 
 adoption of measures such as those which I have 
 advocated, and which I am happy to say are being 
 adopted, and I therefore feel justified in considering 
 my views for the development of the resources of 
 this influential empire, calculated to render it a 
 powerful agent in the good cause of progress and 
 civilization. It is something in the furtherance, and 
 in the success of which all Europe, and even the 
 world at large, have an interest, and as such I look 
 forward with confidence to the result. 
 
 We may now once more turn our attention from that 
 aspect of the question in which the balance of power in 
 Europe and the general well-being of the world are 
 concerned, to the consideration of the advantages 
 that must accrue to particular powers and interests. 
 This again brings us to the benefits to be derived 
 by both countries, from the conclusion of a treaty of 
 commerce between England and Austria, and the 
 establishment of an active trade. 
 
 To Austria herself the gain will be incalculabl
 
 94 
 
 it means life, activity, energy, instead of embarrass- 
 ment, decrepitude, decay. By being placed in direct 
 communication with the first naval and manufacturing 
 country in the world, an impetus will be imparted to 
 every interest in her widely extending dominions. 
 She has but to follow the example of England. By 
 substituting motive for animal power, and by availing 
 herself of the aids of invention, and enterprise, she 
 has multiplied all her resources. Her power is not 
 limited by the number of her population. New 
 agents have been called into existence, and the thirty 
 millions of people are served by hundreds of millions 
 of inanimate producers. 
 
 It is impossible that the advantages to which I 
 have referred, can be much longer neglected. I call 
 upon the people of England, the people of Austria, 
 nay, even the inhabitants of Europe to make some 
 use of the opportunities offered them, to turn to 
 account the mines of wealth lying at their feet. Open 
 the map of Europe, and observe the position occupied 
 by Austria ! Consult any source whence trustworthy 
 information may be obtained ; and you will learn 
 what treasures are buried in her territories. Draw a 
 line from her ports in the Adriatic to the great centre 
 of the world's commerce, England, and you trace a 
 channel which once opened, will by the facility it 
 affords for the constant interchange of products, add 
 to the riches and to the gratification of mankind ! 
 
 And how shall I describe the increase of wealth and
 
 power that additional means of intercommunication 
 must secure to Austria herself ! How can the benefits 
 which that connecting link with the great world will 
 ensure be enumerated or described ? I have already 
 pointed out a few of them. It will call forth activity 
 from one end of her dominions to the other. It will 
 set in motion the fertilizing current of trade and 
 industry that has long been frozen up. It will place 
 before men the objects that induce them to enter into 
 the struggle of honourable competition. It will be 
 to Austria not only a source of wealth, but an element 
 of power. It will enable her to enter upon that active 
 life by which alone the progression of a great empire 
 can be maintained. The Austria of the past may be 
 compared to a giant asleep, the Austria of the future, 
 if these changes are fully and fairly carried out, will 
 be a giant aroused, exercising all his energies and 
 putting forth all his strength.
 
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