No. 24.
Mr. Delaplaine to Mr. Fish.
Vienna, April 2, 1875. (Received April 21.)
Sir: Yesterday evening the Emperor, accompanied by his two brothers, by several of the ministers of state, and by a numerous suite, left Vienna for Trieste and Venice, having the plan of proceeding subsequently to Pola, and thence to Dalmatia. His presence at the first-named sea-port was chiefly designed to assist at the unveiling of the monument there, erected to his deceased brother, Maximilian, who had, previously to his ill-starred departure in order to assume the imperial power in Mexico, held the command of the Austrian navy, and had fixed his residence at Trieste. There his popularity had been great, and his assiduous and energetic efforts for the advancement and development of the marine service of the empire had been recognized.
The Emperor’s visit to Venice is regarded as a masterly act of policy on the part of Count Andrássy, which, while in semblance only a graceful return of the visit of the King of Italy, in 1873, to this court, might accomplish the important result of effecting a complete reconciliation between the people, as well as the sovereigns, of the two countries, so long bitter adversaries, to be followed not only by a perfect and permanent pacification, but even by a sincere sympathy between them. The interests of the commerce and industry of those nations, as also commerce and industry throughout the world, accompanied by an increase [Page 54] of confidence and an improvement of credit, must moreover be fortified by every fresh assurance that the peace of Europe was in less danger of disturbance. * * * * * * *
It is hereby manifested that not only warm friendship has replaced former animosity, but that Austria has resigned all intention of obtaining future domination in Italy.
This interview, the confirmation of the former apparent reconciliation between the two dynasties of Savoy and Hapsburg, closes a chapter of disasters in the annals of Austria, and will form an episode in history both dignified and illustrative, alike creditable to the magnanimity of the valiant Kaiser and of the Re Galantuomo, while it might command the sympathies of all liberal Europe.
The Emperor’s brief visit to Pola has for its object a personal inspection of that marine arsenal, and a more perfect apprehension of the naval force and resources of the empire, of which but a small portion can be viewed at Trieste, where mainly the commercial marine is harbored.
The Hungarian port of Fiume will also be visited on his return from Dalmatia.
This province, which indeed forms the principal object of his tour, so populous, productive, and flourishing during the rule of imperial Borne, as is attested by the existing vast and magnificent ruins of edifices of that period as well as later, during its subjection to the Venetian Republic, has, since its connection with the Austrian Empire, been unvisited, undeveloped, and half forgotten, although possessing a long line of coast on the Adriatic, provided with some excellent harbors, and being especially valuable to the empire as the cradle and training-school of its seamen.
It is His Majesty’s intention now to fully explore this remote province, the interior of which is almost wholly unprovided with roads or means of communication other than the most primitive; and as he will then be accompanied by men of practical scientific attainments and experience, and among them by the present minister of agriculture, the Chevalier de Chlumecky, (who is, he informed me, a Dalmatian by birth, and familiar with the language of the country,) it is fair to conclude that this exploration will instruct the monarch, and enable him to judge as to the capabilities and necessities of the province. Upon this it may be anticipated that the early introduction of railways will follow, together with an improved system of agriculture, more general education and enlightenment, and increased prosperity as the result.
In conclusion, I may add that it maybe with certainty anticipated that upon the Emperor’s arrival at Cattaro, near the southern limit of Dalmatia, an interview will, in accordance with international courtesy, take place there with the Prince of Montenegro. This small and obscure State, whose rugged country and the valor of its inhabitants have for centuries preserved its independence, although often assailed by its powerful neighbor, has at various times, and even very recently, on the occasion of its provocation, threatened to revive the Eastern question, and to cast a fire-brand of discord in Europe.
It may be assumed that the Prince will learn the pacific policy of Austria-Hungary, while it is hoped that he will decide to imitate it, and that the wild, but brave, mountaineers will in time, exchange their present uncertain life for one of progress and civilization.
I have, &c.,