The Austrian problem is strongly akin to that of Turkey. In fact, the fate of these two purely military and autocratic empires is closely intertwined. The downfall of Turkey spells downfall for Austria, since Austria loses her ruling idea and her states men cannot find for her a mission. Austria loses ground progressively, just as Turkey did. Consider only the dissolution of the Austro-Spanish Empire; that later the monarchy lost the greater part of Silesia, and finally was forced completely to abandon Germany by Prussia; that in 1848 she was saved by autocratic Russia; and that in 1859 she lost most of her Italian provinces; and since 1866 she is simply the tool of Berlin.
After all, the world’s statesmanship has made progress and become more idealistic and spiritualized since the days when false theories as to balance of power several tmes saved Turkey. The compromises which the Turkish problem led to will not, must not, be repeated in regard to Austria-Hungary. In the interest of permanent peace, in the interest of justice and fair dealing, in the interest of democracy, Austria-Hungary must go.
No one can be benefited by the preservation of Austria-Hungary in any form except the Hapsburgs themselves. In the last analysis, anyone pleading for the preservation of Austria-Hungary is pleading the cause of the degenerated Hapsburg dynasty. The story goes that ex-Ambassador Gerard, when asked by the President as to his opinion concerning the causes of the war, answered: “Mr. President, it’s this king business.” The preservation of Austria-Hungary means the preservation of the Hapsburgs and the continuation, at least to that extent, of the kings’ and emperors’ business, which has been kept alive by the sacrifice of millions of women and children, and the destruction of untold, unimaginable treasures.
Austria-Hungary preserved, Germany would really remain victorious ,and at least unchastized, as well as in a position to start anew at some time in the future another world conflagration.
For be it remembered that the foundation upon which Germany has built is Germany herself, together with Austria-Hungary. Without the immense reservoir of human material in Austria-Hungary, consisting of enslaved nationalities, Germany could not even now be facing almost the entire civilized world.
After the treaty of Brest-Litowsk, the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Karl sent an emissary to our troops then encamped around Kiev with a promise of complete autonomy, amnesty if they return, and assurances they would not be required to again fight with the Austro-Hungarian Armies. The answer of our troops was: “The Czechoslovaks do not negotiate with the Hapsburgs.” That, I am sure, will be the answer of the United States and the Allies whenever and wherever the Central Empires start their periodical peace offensives. When the war ends, we shall see the civilized world freed from the nightmare of German militarism, we shall witness the disappearance of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the re-establishment of an independent Czechoslovak state, and of a united Poland. There will be a united Jugoslavia: the Rumanian state will contain within its borders all Rumanians, and the process of Italian unity will be completed. With the various nations of the world so freed, we may then take the next step, that of forming a society of nations and an international order worth securing by what has become known as a League of Nations, or perhaps a League to Enforce Peace. But a condition precedent to the formation of any such society is, and must be, the establishment of a just international order, one really worth securing and fighting for.
In his recent peace note, Baron Burian maintains there is no objection to the principles enunciated by President Wilson, presupposing their application is general and reconcilable with the vital interests of the states concerned. It is the vital interest of that dynastic preserve called Austria-Hungary to keep enslaved the Austro-Hungarian nationalities. There is the joker in the note. There is the clause which, if no other, shows we are dealing with a group of still unrepentant criminals with whom there can be no parleying, but upon whom sentence simply must be passed, when they shall have been captured and bound.
In the meantime, let us carry on. Let us not be afraid of whatever efforts may be required, let us not shrink from whatever sacrifices may be necessary. A MAN may lose his soul by living, a man may save it by dying. The civilized powers of the world will save their souls by prosecuting this war to a victorious conclusion, no matter what the cost in lives or treasure.
