Democratic Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 March 1888 — Austria’s Remarkable Diplomacy. [ARTICLE]

Austria’s Remarkable Diplomacy.

There is no story in the history of the world more remarkable than that of Austria. It is the history of the triumph of diplomacy over war and yet of a diplomacy dependent always for its power on a certain kind of military strength. To us it seems that though undoubtedly the heterogeneous character of the monarchy, which has always weakened its armies, is more apparent than ever, yet that, in a contest with Russia which should take place a year or two hence, Austria would be practically stronger than she has been at any time in her history. The Austrian armies have probably sustained more defeats than any other troops in Europe, yet over and again she has become the decisive power, whose influence, thrown into the scale, has determined the issues of victorious war.

It was her union with the allies that proved fatal to Napoleon in 1813. Her union with us during the campaigns of Marlborough is connected with some of the most glorious periods of our own military history. The power of recuperation which she has again and again shown after defeat has been marvelous. It is no doubt due to the fact that the population, almost entirely agricultural, has always furnished a vast, supply of hardy, healthy soldiers; while the masses of her rural folk have, despite the socialism of the towns, been less disposed toward revolutionary changes than any others in Europe. Patriotism, except in Hungary, is no doubt difficult for the inhabitants of the agglomerated empire. It is hard to know toward what nation their patriotism should be felt Nevertheless, the loyalty of many races—the Tyrolese, for instance—and generally an attachment to the royal house, if it does not supply all the motive power which armies need, save Austria from many of the risks which some of her neighbors run.— Blackwood’s Magazine.