The reconstruction of South-Eastern Europe

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF

chaos and confusion which would follow the disruption of Austria, unable to conceive it other than as a formation of feeble little States which must all be drawn into the orbit of Russia, if not actually incorporated with the mighty Slay Empire of the East. Others, especially France, dreaded the dismemberment of Austria for fear that Germany might increase her strength by incorporating Austria’s German provinces. No wonder that many a writer in Western Europe eagerly repeated the words of the Czech historian Palacky, “‘ If Austria-Hungary did not exist, it ought to be created.”

But, independently of the observers interested in the maintenance of Austria-Hungary from national, political or other motives, there was something more about Austria-Hungary, which induced the most impartial student of European relations to desire, or at least to tolerate, a new lease of life to the Hapsburg Monarchy. At first glance it was a country which united in itself many various, but most precious, elements necessary for the prosperity of a State and the welfare of its people. In Austria-Hungary met together all European races represented by so many gifted nations, Latins, Slavs, Teutons and Magyars, who, with their recognised_ brilliant qualities, if harmoniously welded and wisely encouraged, could contribute to the prosperity of the Empire, and to the superiority and brilliancy of its civilisation, which might easily

10