Boole GojpgM COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. FRANZ JOSEF I. RANZ JOSEF FRANZ JOSEF at the Ag-e of Eigrhty-Five - ■ ". FRANZ JOSEF I EMPEROR-KING A CHARACTER SKETCH By VICTOR von KUBINYI With Twenty-One Photogravures and One Genealogical Table. Copyright, 1917, by Victor von Kubinyi. f; U 23 1317 ©CLA462734 "VvO [ v The Dust Has Cried to the God It Worshipped, And That God Has Proved He Has Not Been Worshipped in Tain. The Author Desires to Express His Gratitude to MRS. MARIAN A. WHITE (LADY MARIAN) for Her Courteous Editorial Cooperation INTRODUCTION We are living in a nervous, restless age: in the EPOCH OF UNEXPECTED HAP- PENINGS. Three years ago who would have thought it possible that Europe would be dripping of blood in 1917? And who knows what other, and, per- haps more staggering surprises Divine Destiny is keeping in store for human- kind? Two things, however, seem quite prob- able: That the time is not far distant when every nation of the earth will sorely, very sorely, need the sympathy of each other: — And that these great United States will have an important mission to fulfill. XV— INTRODUCTION Let us, therefore, sow the seed of love, that which creates mutual understanding. Let us try to understand one another, for this alone will enable us — next to an unflinching faith in Divine Providence — to rise to our opportunities, small or large as they might prove to be. For it does not matter how large or how small our task is. The only thing that matters is: How shall we be able to best perform it? -XVI- LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Franz Josef at the Age of Sixty-Five - Frontispiece Facing Page Imperial Palace at Schoenbrunn - - - 22 Empress Elizabeth as a Bride - - - - 28 Schloss Posenhofen, The Birthplace of Empress Elizabeth - 34 Franz Josef at the Age of Sixty - 38 v Crown Prince Rudolf - - - - - 44 ' Crown Princess Rudolf - - - - - 50 Baroness Marie Vetsera - - - - - 56 Madame Katrina Schratt - - - - - 60 Empress Elizabeth on Horseback - - - 64 Franz Josef's Autographed Picture - - - 66 The Last Picture of Franz Josef - 68', The Last Picture of Empress Elizabeth - - 72 Archduke Karl Ludwig - - - - - 76 Archduke Ferdinand and Sophie von Chotek - 78 Charles I. Emperor-King - - - - - 82 Empress-Queen Zita - - - - - 86 Archduke Otto Franz Josef - - - - - 88 Charles I. as King (Charles IV.) of Hungary - 92 Group of Hungarian Nobles - - - - - 94 Genealogical Table - - - - - - 96 FRANZ JOSEF The demise of Franz Josef, the aged ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, caused much comment. It also gave op- portunity for the revival of former gos- sip. His name was familiar in America; for the unusuallv long period of his reign, which extended over sixty-eight years, as well as the many sorrows that fell to his lot, kept his name constantly before the public. Therefore the personality, the life and career of Franz Josef, should be of interest to the reading public. As the author of this book was privi- leged to know the Emperor personally, that which is here written is not fiction but fact. For the writer's father, the late Johann von Kubinyi, served Franz Josef as one of his chamberlains for nearly 50 years (1862-1910). During this time, Jo- hann von Kubinyi witnessed many inter- —21— FRANZ JOSEF esting events in the career of this royal personage. The reigning house of Austria-Hun- gary, the Habsburgs, is one of the most ancient of royal families. Its first known ancestor was Everard III, Count of the Nordgau (Lower Alsace), who in 898 was elevated to the margraviade of Lorraine ( Lothringen ) . He is also known as Count of Habsburg, which name he took upon himself from his Castle, Habichtsburg ("Castle of Vultures"). His descend- ants became Kings of Germany, then Emperors of the Holy Roman Em- pire, Dukes of Austria, Kings of Bohemia and Kings of Hungary, as well as masters of the principalities of Tyrol, Carinthia (Kaernthen), Carniolia (Krajn) and Salz- burg. Thus the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire extended his reign over Upper and Lower Austria, as well as the prov- inces of Bohemia, Carinthia, Carniolia, Silezia, Moravia (Maehren), Tyrol, Istria, Dalmatia, then Hungary and Croatia. The full title of the Emperor and King of Austria-Hungary would cover a good sized printed page. In 1866 Prussia declared war on Aus- tria, the latter having been defeated at the -22- rr~ i L_ FRANZ JOSEF battle at Koeniggraetz in Bohemia. Then the Holy Roman Empire, of which at that time Bismarck said, "The Holy Roman Empire is neither holy, nor Roman, nor rich" ("das heilige roemische Reich: ist weder heilig, noch roemisch, noch reich"), ceased to exist, and the German Empire of today was established, William I. then King of Prussia, was proclaimed Emperor of Germany. The German principalities of Saxony, Bavaria, Baden, Hesse, Brunswick, Wuerttemberg and their appendages forming the German Empire as known today. Why the Habs- burgs really called themselves Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire is one of the many unsolved puzzles of history. But having used this title for several centuries it became generally recognized. After the battle at Koeniggraetz the German Empire became a distinctly different unit and Austria had, so to speak, to start out all anew. The real name of the reigning house of Austria-Hungary is Habsburg- Lothringen (Habsburg-Lorraine) and not Hapsburg. —23— II Franz Josef, the son of Archduke Franz Karl and Sophie, Duchess of Bavaria, was born on the eighteenth of August, 1830. He spent his earlier years, as was usual, with the Princes of the house of Habs- burg, in training for a military career, lit- tle thinking that it would fall to his lot to ascend the throne. His uncle, Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria, was then occupy- ing the throne with all prospects of a long reign. Austria at that time was at war with Hungary. The latter was fighting for independence. Hungary desired to be re-established as an independent king- dom. It had been founded by Vojk, who first occupied Hungary. Vojk embraced the Catholic faith, was baptized Stephen, and, under the new baptismal title, he as- cended the throne of Hungary in 1000. Since that time Hungary has been known —24— FRANZ JOSEF as a distinctly independent kingdom. Through many adversities this compara- tively small country managed to keep up its existence and render continental Europe many a valuable service by acting as a bulwark against the Turks. After many ups and downs Hungary joined hands with Austria under the reign of Maria-Theresia (1740-1782) and got along fairly well. The Empress, however, was rather inclined to treat Hungary more as a province of her Empire than as an inde- pendent kingdom, nevertheless the peo- ple seemed to acquiesce and they made the best of it. But when Maria-Theresia was succeeded by her son, Josef II, troubles really began. Emperor Josef II, an unusually bril- liant man of advanced ideas, but with ap- parently little respect for the particular traditions of the people over whom he reigned, was dreaming of a great world power, with himself as its head. He thought he could build up such a power by crushing all and any particular nation- al traditions. He wished to amalgamate the Hungarian Kingdom entirely, and went so far as to forbid the Hungarians from using their native language. The —25— FRANZ JOSEF leaders of the Hungarian parliament, therefore, adopted the Latin instead of the German language. Latin became the official language of Hungary until the early forties of the past century. This accounts for the fact that Hungarian nobles until very recently were experts in that language. Not satisfied with thus ex- citing the ire of the Hungarian nation, Josef II began to persecute the Catholics. This again aroused the Hungarians, for their country had ever been an eminently Catholic one. Josef II showed little re- gard or respect for Hungary. He rather sowed the seed of bitter antagonism which steadily developed into hatred. — 26- Ill Thus, when Ferdinand I ascended the throne of Austria, and later when he had himself crowned as King of Hungary, the latter country was aflame with hatred, and the despotic ruler discovered he was unable to cope with the situation. The Austrian Empire in itself, a conglomerate of eighteen different nationalities, also caused him more difficulties than he could contend with, and the uprising of Hungary was the last straw! On December 2, 1848, Emperor-King Ferdinand I summoned the members of the royal household to Pressburg (Poz- sony), at that time the headquarters of nobility, and resigned in favor of his nephew, Archduke Franz Josef. The young prince of eighteen thus became au- tomatically Emperor of Austria, ascended the throne as Franz Josef I, and also as- —27- FRANZ JOSEF sumed rule over Hungary. His situation was anything but enviable or even en- couraging. His accession to the throne came as a surprise to him, a surprise he did not cherish at all. But the iron rule prevailing in the house of Habsburg forced him to obey. The young, inexperienced ruler found himself in the midst of a veritable tur- moil. Austria looked upon him as a stranger, Hungary considered him an usurper, for, according to the Hungarian Constitution, no ruler could be recognized King of Hungary unless invested with the crown of St. Stephen at Of en (Buda). Almost his first act as uncrowned King of Hungary was the execution of thirteen Hungarian nobles accused of rebellion. Austria secured the assistance of Russia, and, with the help of a strong Russian army under the command of General Pashkiewitsch, Hungary was defeated and made a province of the Austrian Em- pire. It should be said in justice to the deceased ruler, that Franz Josef, at that time, was but a helpless tool in the hands of those who either did not know better or else had no feelings nor compassion for the oppressed Hungarian nation. At EMPRESS ELIZABETH as a Bride FRANZ JOSEF any rate, the fact remains, that the execu- tion of the leaders of the Hungarian revo- lution acted as a match dropped into a powder magazine. It took much pa- tience, an undaunted courage, and great diplomacy on the part of Franz Josef to appease the hatred of Hungary. And he proved himself equal to the emergency, for as soon as opportunity presented it- self he resolved to right the wrongs. Un- fortunately, until his very death, he suf- fered greatly from an indiscriminate se- lection of counsellors. This misfortune together with the fact that he never got to know exactly what the grievances of the different nationalities under his rule were, was the greatest handicap of his reign. Franz Deak, Count Julius von Andrassy, and Koloman von Tisza, the brilliant father of the present Premier of Hungary, Count Stephen von Tisza, and Baron Geza von Fejervary, for decades the Hungarian Minister of War, were the only ones who really wanted to, or dared to help him sever what can rightly be called the Gordian knot. — 29— IV While the young ruler was earnestly engaged in an endeavor to right these mat- ters, those about him decided that it was time for him to take a wife. The choice of the Viennese Court fell upon Helene, Duchess of Bavaria. The idea of marry- ing one who had been chosen for him by others was repulsive, and, although he re- sented the proposition, none knew better than himself that remonstrance was im- possible. So, chagrined and annoyed, he repaired to Posenhofen, the royal palace in Bavaria, to woo and to wed a Princess whom he hardly knew. Here the plot to a romance was laid by those who did not consider the interference of fickle Fate. Upon his arrival at Posenhofen Franz Josef abandoned the royal carriage await- ing him, and repaired on foot to the pal- -30- FRANZ JOSEF ace. Upon entering the park surround- ing the palace he encountered a young woman. So entrancing was her beauty that Franz Josef, quite beside himself with admiration, saluted the fair lady. The latter did not know him, however. This proved to be fortunate. Else events might have taken a different turn. The young Emperor, while talking to his charmer, noticed her nervous manner. "What is the matter, mademoiselle?" "There is nothing the matter, but I have to hurry and retire into the little garden house yonder. The Emperor of Austria is expected at the palace. He may arrive at any minute and — " "For what is the Emperor of Austria coming?" "He is going to marry my sister, and I was told I must not meet him. I must go. Good-bye!" The little beauty disappeared. But in due course Franz Josef married the younger of the two sisters. So their mar- riage was a love affair after all. The royal wedding took place at the Bavarian capital, Munich, on the twenty-fourth of April, 1854. But the dream of romance — 31— FRANZ JOSEF was of brief duration. Empress Eliza- beth, although a beautiful, and unusually brilliant, as well as an extremely kind hearted woman, was inclined to be some- what eccentric. Then later she developed those signs of mental derangement char- acteristic of the royal family of Bavaria. -32- How it happened, no one really seems to know, yet they soon grew apart from one another, so much so, that in the later years, months at a time would elapse without their seeing one another. It must be said in justice to both, however, that their estrangement was due more to un- fortunate circumstances than to any- thing else, and, notwithstanding rumors and gossips to the contrary, Franz Josef and Elizabeth lived the life of respectable married folks. It seems that the root of the discord, which later on almost re- sulted in an open breach, lay in the fact that, Elizabeth wished to undertake the full responsibilities of a ruler's wife, and in this desire was thwarted by the high court officials. Little grievances led to se- -33- FRANZ JOSEF rious disagreements. But, in spite of all the opposition Elizabeth was a great help to her husband. For it did not take her long to understand the complication, and with a true woman's intuitive instinct she resolved to perform her part, which she did both nobly and well. The Austro- Hungarian Empire is indebted to this beautiful woman, who with her personal charm of manner often succeeded in pre- venting a political storm. Hungary is particularly indebted to her, for in real- ity it was Elizabeth who began, and who for some time actually took the lead in the negotiations, which ultimately re- sulted in the reconciliation of that nation with their ruler. With a keen sense of justice she found a means by which she might best approach the disgruntled Hun- garian nation. For this purpose she re- solved to learn the Hungarian language; and it should be here stated that in this particular she accomplished more than her royal husband. Max Falk, then, and for many years later the foremost Hun- garian publicist, was appointed to in- struct her Majesty in the rudiments of the language. Those acquainted with the difficulties in acquiring this beautiful but -34- ■* i * K S kQ 8 ? ' * -2 « N © w Z s » ? I a ub a .a © FRANZ JOSEF intricate language, will understand that Elizabeth had undertaken no small task. But after much time spent in study, she found herself able to converse with the leaders of Hungary in their own lan- guage. This effort on the part of the Em- press was accepted as a compliment by the Hungarian nation. For all the Hun- garian nobles were, as they are now, con- versant with several languages. Such little thoughtful courtesies went a long way toward leading the Hungarian na- tion to a realization of the Imperial Court's readiness to remedy matters. Then, when on June 8, 1867, Franz Josef I was crowned King of Hungary every- body felt that the good offices of the kindly Empress were largely responsible for the good results, which followed. After the ceremonies on that memor- able day, Elizabeth whispered to her en- tourage: "This is my happiest day." ("Das ist mein gluecklischster Tag.") She evidently realized the full import- ance of this reconciliation between her husband and Hungary, therefore, she had a right to feel happy, even proud with the thought that she herself had performed no little part in this achievement. She —35— FRANZ JOSEF knew that good would come of it, and this was compensation for all other disap- pointments, which she had so nobly borne. — 36— VI Hungary was overjoyed at the pros- pects of a peaceful development. But the festivities were hardly at an end, when a tragic event made those beautiful June days the more memorable. Arch- duke Ferdinand, the brother of Franz Josef, lured by Napoleon III had con- sented to become Emperor of Mexico. He ascended the Aztec throne under the title of Maximilian I. and was executed on June 19, 1867. The news which spread like wildfire caused uneasiness to many statesmen. But soon the unfortunate Emperor of Mexico and his still more unfortunate widow, Empress Charlotte, a Belgian Princess, were forgotten. The unfortunate Empress Charlotte, whose heart and mind were broken by her hus- band's tragic fate, is still alive spending her sad days at Chateau de Bouchoute in —37— FRANZ JOSEF Louxembourg. But her royal brother- in-law, Franz Josef, never failed to show her every courtesy, and it was chiefly due to his influence that during the present war when German armies invaded Loux- emburg the poor Empress was allowed to remain unmolested. — 38— FRANZ JOSEF at the Age of Sixty VII Franz Josef, although not educated for the throne, was nevertheless brought up in the atmosphere of Spanish etiquette. That is in the maintenance of all the ceremonials that prevailed in mediaeval Madrid. The entire royal household was governed by a rigid etiquette and the quintessence of these ceremonials was the idea that the King's person was sacred and that the other members of the reign- ing house were at least superior beings. It seems unbelievable, but, under these circumstances if a queen should faint in the presence of her courtiers, the latter would hesitate as to touching the "sacred" body. In later years Franz Josef showed a marked tendency toward eliminating some of the perfectly useless and ridicu- lously absurd ceremonials, but at the —39— FRANZ JOSEF time Elizabeth came, the staff of the First Master of Ceremonies was in full sway. Count Kalman von Hunyady, a man of regal appearance, who held this office, was a very important factor of court and state life. Elizabeth, born and brought up in a less rigid and more sensible en- vironment, was first bored, then annoyed by all these theatrical manoeuvres. For- tunately she won the special sympathy of von Hunyady and with his prompt assist- ance she managed to "skip" some of the most annoying details. A sensible woman will do, and endure almost any- thing for the man she loves, and Eliza- beth did love her husband. But it is mat- ter for little wonder if under these try- ing conditions the royal couple gradually became estranged. According to Span- ish etiquette the Emperor of Austria has to extend a formal invitation, conveyed through the First Master of the Court, if he wishes to dine with his Empress. Prince Constantine von Hohenlohe-Schil- lingsfuerst, the First Master of the Court, was most tactful in performing this task; and, in many instances he would simply report to Her Majesty that "dinner was served". But he was found out by a self- -40— FRANZ JOSEF appointed spy and the young Empress thenceforth was denied even this little re- lief. The reconciliation of Hungary with Austria was a most welcome event. For after the war with Italy (1851-1859) Aus- tria found herself in need of a strong ally. Much more good however, might have come of this reconciliation, had not the seed of hatred so skillfully sown previous to the coronation, borne fruit. —41- VIII Louis Kossuth, brilliant man, and born leader as he proved himself, was inclined to selfish interests in spite of his strong patriotism. No one will deny but that he did much for the liberation of the peasantry, although the nobles them- selves had resolved to free their serfs even before Kossuth appeared. As soon as the rumors of the intended abdication of King Ferdinand were known, Kossuth desired that the new King should be crowned immediately upon the latter's accession to the Austrian throne. In this he won the hearty support of the entire Hungarian nation. Having easily won his point, he, mistakenly attributed the triumph solely to his own personality. At the diet held at Debreczen, Kossuth, going one step further, moved the de- — 42- FRANZ JOSEF thronization of the Habsburgs as Kings of Hungary. Hungary does have the con- stitutional right to depose her King, even by force, if needs be. But it so happened that the majority of the leaders had not even dreamed of dethroning the Habs- burgs. They were quite willing to accept King Ferdinand's successor provided he should be crowned immediatelv. So though Kossuth managed to get a follow- ing of hot-headed ultras, he lost the closer touch with the Hungarian nation and his dream of becoming governor, or possibly King, was shattered! Naturally such happenings were well known at Vienna, and, when the young Franz Josef as- cended the throne he could not be ex- pected to be very enthusiastic towards Hungary and the Hungarians. It took years to fully initiate himself into the real conditions. In the meantime Kossuth exiled himself to Italy, lived in wealth in Turin (Torino) and spent his time in harshly criticising Franz Josef and every one else who had had anything to do with the new ruler. The much desired coro- nation was postponed from one year to another until finally the good offices of Elizabeth were enlisted. —43- FRANZ JOSEF The hatred sown by Kossuth proved a great handicap in Franz Josef's success- ful reign, and particularly as the reign- ing monarch of Hungary. The recently freed peasantry, mistakenly giving Kos- suth all the credit for their emancipation, did not display much enthusiasm towards the King. But today every thoughtful Hungarian knows, and will not hesitate to admit that, Franz Josef was not only considerate but just. He not only bravely overcame natural prejudices but he gave many a sign of his anxiety to repair wrongs which had been perpetrated in his name. Count Julius von Andrassy and Count Ferdinand von Zichy, who had been condemned to death in conse- quence of the prominent part they had taken in the Hungarian rebellion of 1848, became Franz Josef's most intimate ad- visers. Andrassy for years held the post of Prime Minister, and Zichy was never omitted or overlooked when there was something of importance going on. On the whole, in spite of his apparent good will Franz Josef's reign was not what one would call a series of successes. The only tangible result of his long reign was the occupation (1878) and later, in 1914, -44 — i »Kia i k auH') CROWN PRINCE RUDOLF FRANZ JOSEF the annexation of Bosnia and Herzego- wina but this too caused him much anx- iety. —45- IX Even though partially estranged from his wife he always was proud of her. For Elizabeth looked her part. She also possessed a personal magnetic charm that won the heart of all. The functions at the Court were always a matter of just pride on behalf of Franz Joseph. The lovely Empress with her correct taste in dress always outshone the beauties of her realm. Naturally this would call forth envy. For deep down in their hearts even ladies of the immediate royal en- tourage, yes, queens themselves are but women. The wife of Count Fredinand von Zichy for years ranked next to Eliza- beth in beauty. At one Ball at Court (Ball bei Hof ) to which only members of the reigning house and their most im- mediate cortege are admitted, the whole assemblage was in attendance waiting for -46- FRANZ JOSEF the arrival of Her Majesty. Then were heard faint raps at the main door. The door swung wide and Elizabeth appeared as if being carried by unseen hands. Even the rigid Spanish etiquette so famil- iar to those present could not suppress a hushed exclamation of wonder! When the expressions of admiration had sub- sided, the courtier standing at Countess Zichy's side whispered: "Your Excel- lency could wear that very same gown to better advantage." This proved too great a temptation for a high-spirited woman. For at the next ball, Elizabeth, upon en- tering the room, spied her "double" and turning quickly she left the room. Countess Zichy accepted the silent rebuke and for a long time she did not dare to appear at the court functions. Eliza- beth, however, forgave her as she always did forgive any one, who managed to out- wit her. Deep down in their hearts, both Franz Josef and Elizabeth were of a democratic nature. Franz Josef felt he owed it to his position as Emepror-King to maintain the prestige of his high office, while Eliza- beth felt that the hearts of the people were more easily reached, and won by -47- FRANZ JOSEF consideration. Franz Josef gave a splen- did proof of his democratic tendencies at the time of Colonel Roosevelt's visit to the Viennese Court. The United States was something of an enigma to Franz Josef. Yet he was diplomatic enough to accept the importance of a visit from a man who had been its President. Therefore when the King was approached with the ques- tion of Roosevelt's impending visit he commanded that the representative of America be received with all due cour- tesy. The Colonel was invited to dine at Franz Josef's table. When Mr. Roosevelt appeared in an English cutaway and a gray four-in-hand tie, some of the high courtiers were ready to faint with con- sternation. But Colonel Roosevelt's ap- pearance was in full accord with Franz Josef's wish. For the King wanted to have Roosevelt dressed in his ordinary way as an American gentleman. Those who have any idea how high etiquette is being held at Vienna will agree that the Emperor paid the United States the high- est compliment within his gift. -48 — X While Franz Josef was busy with na- tional affairs, Elizabeth spent much of her time traveling. She had a veritable wanderlust. Her romantic inclination carried her from one place to another. These extended travels were the cause of much comment and gossip, for the Em- press became such a victim of travel that it amounted to a mania. General von Berzeviczy was appointed her special Master at Court (Obersthofmeister). He was however, her escort and guardian. Later the Empress purchased a site in Greece and built upon it a really classical palace, spending much of her time there. This palace which was called Aquileon has been purchased by Emperor William of Germany. The more Elizabeth became estranged from her husband, the more complicated -49- FRANZ JOSEF the conditions of his empire became, and the greater need Franz Josef felt for a companionable friendship. And Mme. Katrina Schratt came into his life. Their friendship may rightly be compared with that of Michel Angelo and Victoria Co- lonna. Mme. Schratt did not overesti- mate her value to Franz Josef, neither did she undervalue it. If she never used her influence, and never took or asked for anything, and if she kept aloof from state and court affairs, as an intelligent woman she was aware of the fact that her friend- ship was a great relief to Franz Josef. And there is not the least doubt that much good resulted from this beautiful friend- ship. Certain busy-bodies and natural born fault finders however, were horri- fied when the fact was known that when- ever Franz Josef repaired to Ischl, his favorite summer resort, to spend a few weeks in quietude, Mme. Schratt prompt- ly appeared on the scene. She never came of her own accord, however; Franz Josef always sent an invitation, and while Empress Elizabeth was alive, the invitation always went with her consent. Although Franz Josef was severely criti- cized for this friendship, as time passed, -50- ■XJCOOTJil - ... i ipjio Ian ■m ai CROWN PRINCESS RUDOLF PRINCESS STEPHANIE OF BELGIUM at Present COUNTESS ELEMER VON LONYAI FRANZ JOSEF people accepted it as a matter of course, and bore no ill feeling to either. It was Elizabeth herself who introduced Mme. Schratt to her husband. The Empress in- tuitively felt that there was something lacking in herself. She could not stand the atmosphere of the Court, and realiz- ing how lonely her husband felt during her long periods of absence, she provided him with the companionship of Katrina Schratt. Elizabeth chose her for her hus- band's friend, and here it should be stated most emphatically, that Mme. Schratt never betrayed Elizabeth's trust. Some people may not be able to see the point, yet it was so. As to Katrina Schratt her- self, she is a woman of remarkable tact, a lady in every sense of its meaning. She was no more nor less to Franz Josef than a true friend. They were not lovers, as the term is generally understood. If love were there it was of a platonic nature. Recently a newspaper published an arti- cle in which it was stated that the late Em- peror's children had Katrina Schratt prac- tically thrown out of the Palace when the latter came to see the dead Emperor on his bier. This statement, to say the least, was absurd, for Mme. Schratt knew better —51- FRANZ JOSEF than to commit so great a breach of eti- quette, and she is too considerate to cause the late Emperor's family any annoy- ance. And, by the way, Archduchess Marie Valerie, Franz Josef's favorite daughter, showed great friendship to- ward Mme. Schratt. So while the Emper- or's friendship for Mme. Schratt resulted in some awkward complications, all parties intimately concerned resolved to make the best of it. It is said that Franz Josef left Mme. Schratt a legacv of some- thing like $250,000. And why not? Mme. Schratt was not endowed with wealth and during the long friendship existing between herself and the Em- peror, she never accepted anything from her royal friend. So it is in keeping with Franz Josef's generous and appreciative nature to have provided for the old age of the one who helped him to overcome his many sorrows. Frequently of an evening, Franz Josef would repair to Mme. Schratt's house. There they visited, partook of a very sim- ple meal and then indulged in a harmless game of Tarock. A well known financier used to join these parties and he wit- nessed many a time the Emperor's great —52— FRANZ JOSEF joy when he won a game, always played with very small stakes, one Kreuzer the point. Now, that Franz Josef has passed away, Katrina Schratt knows fully well that her mission has come to an end and she will never even dream of embarrass- ing any one, least of all the new ruler and those about him. —53— XI Franz Josef was a man of regular and simple habits. He rose at six A. M. and after a walk or a ride on horseback he would partake of a very simple breakfast and then work at his desk until one o'clock. His luncheon consisted of a plate of soup, some vegetables, some meat, mostly boiled beef (Rindfleisch) and a small glass of Tokay with a biscuit. He had cigars made especially for him- self. For he was an inveterate smoker. The cigars were of selected leaves of vir- gin tobacco. They were about eight inches in length with a straw running through the centre. He would place the cigar upon the edge of his glass, would light the outer end and watch until the smoke would come out at the other end, for he maintained that a cigar should never be put to the lips until the smoke —54— FRANZ JOSEF had penetrated it. He would smoke as many as fifteen of these strong cigars in a day. Some seven years ago at his phy- sician's advice he had to forego this pleas- ure. Franz Josef set an example of punctu- ality, for at dinners, balls and theatre parties he always appeared at the stroke of the hour set for those functions. He thus established the habit of punctuality among the aristocracy of his realm, and when there were no functions scheduled for the evening Franz Josef never retired later than nine o'clock. The Emperor was also courtesy per- sonified and for courtesy's sake he would deliberately break the rules of established etiquette. For example, some fourteen years ago Nazr-Eddin, then Shah of Persia, on his grand tour, visited Vienna. He was the first Oriental potentate to stay at the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace of Vienna. Nazr-Eddin caused the royal household many an uneasy hour, because he assumed that under his distinguishing title "Son of the Sun", both his royal host and the entire household would conform to his desires and whims. At first, Franz Josef, upon receiving some reports as to -55— FRANZ JOSEF his guest's eccentric doings was annoyed beyond expression, for things unheard of for centuries happened at the Hofburg. Baron von Bechtolsheim, the Gentleman of Honor (Ehrencavalier) assigned to the Shah during the latter's stay in Austria- Hungary, had his hands more than full with the double task of pleasing his ruler's guest and in preventing the latter from committing flagrant blunders. Von Bechtolsheim was one of the most stately Generals of the army and just the man for the task, but no one will ever know the sleepless nights he incurred during that critical time. However, after Nazr- Eddin had left, von Bechtolsheim, was asked, in a joking way, what he would consider the most adequate reward for his services. "One week's vacation in bed with cold compresses" ("Eine Woche im Bett mit kalten Umschlaegen") was his reply. But the courtesy and consideration of Franz Josef himself is shown by the fol- lowing episodes: One of the features for the entertain- ment of the Shah was a Gala Perform- ance arranged at the Imperial Opera House at Vienna. Singers of world fame — 56 — AaaeTsr/ auiAi/. saaviOHAH BARONESS MARIE VETSERA HHBS«f?IS!^^ ■»P^B^ FRANZ JOSEF were engaged and a most excellent pro- gram provided. When Franz Josef and his guest arrived they took their seats in the Imperial loge. As soon as they were seated the members of the orchestra, in preparation for the impending overture, tuned their respective instruments. Nazr-Eddin listened intently, then ap- plauded with all his might. The next minute, Franz Josef, with a supreme ef- fort of self-control, suppressed his amazement and followed his guest's ex- ample. The entire audience applauded, and to the astonishment of Herr Strauss, the leader, the experiment had to be re- peated. Again: at the close of the first act refreshments were served to the royal guest and the immediate cortege. Pow- dered lackeys offered delicious ice cream (Gefrorenes) on solid gold plates. The Shah first tasted it with his finger and then proceeded to eat it in the same man- ner. Franz Josef and his courtiers were at first shocked into a rigid dignity. But the Shah's questioning glance soon changed their attitude and it is safe to say that this was the first occasion on which members of the Viennese Court ate ice cream without using spoons. -57- FRANZ JOSEF Another remarkable qualification pos- sessed by Franz Josef was a splendid memory. He inaugurated the custom of granting public audiences. Whether in Vienna or at Budapest, every Monday and Thursday when not otherwise occupied, any one, upon previous application could come to pay homage to the ruler. It hap- pened many times that, at first sight, he would recognize a general whom he had last met as a young Captain during some of the army manoeuvers. People would come from all parts of the realm, and sometimes the list of callers would num- ber 100: courtiers, generals, bishops, nobles, statesmen, foreign diplomats, and others of less pretentious rank. Yet no one left the august presence without hav- ing been spoken to in the most kindly and courteous manner. —51 XII While Elizabeth often found the Court Ceremonials irksome, Franz Josef always enjoyed them. A ball, a dinner, or a re- ception at Court was an important func- tion to him. So was the Corpus Christi procession. On the latter occasion, one might see Franz Josef walking behind the Archbishop of Vienna, the latter carrying the Blessed Sacrament. The Emperor, bareheaded, with devotion de- picted on his countenance and sur- rounded by his cavaliers, carried his candle with the deference of an humble acolyte. Then when the Archbishop stopped to pronounce the benediction, Franz Josef knelt on the bare ground, re- gardless of its condition. He had a deeply religious spirit. There were but few days when he did not attend Mass in his private chapel, and he respected his confessor just as any humble penitent -59— FRANZ JOSEF would do. Franz Josef was a devout Catholic to the core, but a tolerant and most considerate ruler. It was he who brought about the emancipation of the Jews in his lands, doing away with the Ghetto (Segregation) system and open- ing all public offices to that race. When Maurice Wahrmann, a brilliant financier, philanthropist and statesman, and the first Jew to be made a Hungarian Peer, called to thank the ruler for his ele- vation, Franz Josef shook hands with Wahrmann. While this action amounted to a serious breach of etiquette it is also proof of the innate courtesy of the Em- peror. The Order of St. Stephen is a distinc- tion coveted by many. It is the highest decoration in the gift of the King of Hun- gary. It was founded by Maria-Theresia and its bestowal is strictly confined to Catholics only. When the time came to show his gratitude to Koloman von Tisza, the Prime Minister of Hungary, who was a pronounced Lutheran, Franz Josef did not hesitate in bestowing upon him the highest honor, that of the Grand Cross of St. Stephen. -60- TTAHH'Je Ir.Yi md o} MADAME KATRINA 8CHKATT XIII Franz Josef regarded loyalty above all; it was the highest qualification in his esteem. On one occasion Baron von Hengelmueller, then Austro-Hungarian Ambassador at Washington, owing to some misinformation was on the point of being recalled to Vienna. Theodore Roosevelt, who was then President, and also an intimate friend of von Hengel- mueller, fully appreciating the Ambassa- dor's efficiency tried hard to retain him at his post. Both the President and von Hengelmueller were at a loss as to how they might induce Franz Josef to change his mind. Soon their anxiety was re- lieved however, for the President and his wife gave a dinner for the foreign diplo- mats. Baroness von Hengelmueller, nee Countess Dunin-Borkowska, was not only a devoted wife but she was also a —61— FRANZ JOSEF very clever woman. She managed to have it arranged so that at the dinner she was to sit, presumably, next to the Am- bassador from Mexico. Arriving at the festal board, Baroness von Hengelmuel- ler, softly but quite determinedly pro- tested at the idea of sitting next to the Ambassador from the very country that had assassinated her beloved ruler's brother! This incident, of course, was promptly reported to Vienna and von Hengelmuller remained at his post until he retired of his own will. As much as Franz Josef appreciated loyalty, he also laid much stress upon the observance of unconditional subordina- tion. Early in the seventies William I Emperor of Germany visited Vienna. Great and intimate was the friendship of these two rulers, so great, that they would forget that they were anything but friends. Desirous to have an evening all to themselves, the two rulers drove to Baden (Baden bei Wien) a quiet resort. They took their supper on the veranda of the hotel (Kurhaus) and visited until a late hour. Emperor William was suffer- ing from the effects of a bad cold, and as soon as his host noticed that the air was -62— FRANZ JOSEF getting cool he suggested that they return to Vienna. But Emperor William would not hear of it. Finally, Franz Josef, fail- ing of persuasion, rose from the table and said in a commanding voice: "Colonel I order retirement" ("Herr Oberst, ich befehle Aufbruch"). As Emperor Wil- liam wore the Colonel's uniform of the Austrian regiment of which he was hon- orary chief he could do nothing else but obey. -63— XIV In November, 1905, the writer decided to go to the United States to here work for the uplift of his fellow countrymen. My father who was one of the Emperor's chamberlains would at first not hear of it. When I told him of my intention he smiled as one having authority, but spoke little. A few days later he became con- vinced that I was in earnest and as a re- sult, I was summoned to Vienna. When ushered into the Emperor's pres- ence, Franz Josef, as usual, rose from his desk, put on his military cap and his gloves and with his left hand resting upon the hilt of his sword, he bestowed upon me a scrutinizing look, which I as fear- lessly, returned. After a silence that seemed an age to me the Emperor said: "I understand you intend to leave for America?" -64- FRANZ JOSEF In reply I made the deep bow as pre- scribed by court etiquette. "Well, young man," — the Emperor said in a somewhat irritated tone of voice — "do you realize that I have the power to prevent you from going?" This time, I realized, I had to do some- thing more than bow, for had I simply bowed again this would have meant that I took it for granted I could not go. The truth of the matter is, I never dreamed after this, that I should ever reach the United States. But I did want to go. So I resolved to take a chance, anyhow. And a mere chance it appeared to me. I withstood the stern look of the ruler. Then I summoned courage to say: "Indeed, I most humbly realize Your Apostolic Majesty's power to prevent me from going. Yet, I scarcely imagine that Your Apostolic Majesty claims the intui- tive power of changing my mind." Instinctively I closed my eyes for a sec- ond. In my imagination I already felt the hand of the chamberlain on duty leading me, perhaps not any too gently, from the august presence. Yet, nothing of the sort happened. Franz Josef again -65— FRANZ JOSEF gave me one of his clear, straight looks. Then after a brief pause, as if giving me opportunity to retract my words, he rang the bell. The next second the chamberlain on duty appeared. His Majesty whispered something, while I wondered whether I should be carried out or thrown out bodily. But the chamberlain disap- peared. In the meantime the Emperor con- tinued to gaze fixedly on me. In a few moments the chamberlain returned, bear- ing in his hand a gold salver, which he tendered to the Emperor. Franz Josef took a photograph from the salver, and turning to his desk, he autographed the same, and handed it to me. "Well, then, young man, if you are bound to go take this with you. You may find it useful in that strange country." To tell the truth I never knew how I reached my carriage. But I shall always cherish this photo as a ken of Franz Josef's splendid sense of justice. -66- tiiAttaoTOHi aaa^AHooTUA .?**3aoi svjah * FRANZ JOSEF'S AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOGRAPH Oil £?"^ XV Since affairs did not go as well as Franz Josef might have wished, he concentrated his efforts on his duties as Generalissimo (Allerhoechster Kriegsherr) of the army. He was a soldier first and last. His aids, (General- Adjutant), first Philip Count von Gruenne, then later and until the last days, Edward Count von Paar, never knew when they would be called upon to accompany their ruler on one of his oft- extended trips of inspection. They were expected always to have in readiness the Emperor's traveling case, and it hap- pened more than once that he would sum- mon one of his chamberlains in one breath ordering both his carriage and the immediate presence of the aid. Those who knew Franz Josef at close range knew full well how much he de- sired to secure a safe and prosperous fu- ture to the countries entrusted to his care. —67 — FRANZ JOSEF Once, while discussing state affairs with one of his intimates and while alluding to the futility of his many efforts, he re- marked that he was almost sorry the offi- cers of the army did not wear softer col- lars. This was in allusion to an attempt at his assassination in the beginning of his reign, when one morning, while tak- ing a walk with one of his aids around the ancient and since destroyed Bastions of Vienna, a fanatic sprang at the Emperor from behind. It was only the stiff mili- tary collar that frustrated the would-be assassin's knife! Franz Josef was at times inclined to melancholy. At such moments, how- ever, he would seek distraction in hunt- ing, for he was an excellent shot, and even at eighty years of age he would fol- low an antelope with the ease and speed of a very much younger man. Many and great were the sorrows that befell him. The assassination of his brother, Maximilian, was a blow from which he never entirely recovered. Then when the news of Elizabeth's assassination reached him he was beside himself with grief. The tragedy shocked the whole world. It happened that Empress Eliza- —68— IS) * 4) r hi S« V r i> " ., «H ' OB g g -s a i«i 9 P5r 'RSI H H FRANZ JOSEF beth was on one of her extended trips and, as usual, accompanied by General von Berzeviczy. In the afternoon of the 10th of September, 1898, she went aboard the boat that was to carry her from Genf , Switzerland, to St. Martin. While on the gangplank she was stabbed in her heart and died almost immediately after utter- ing: "I feel so strange. What hap- pened?" ("Ich fuehle so komisch. Was ist geschehen?") The beautiful Empress fell a victim to the fanaticism of Luc- cheni, an anarchist, who had been sent to Genf to assassinate the Duke of Orleans, the Bourbon Pretender to the French throne, who was expected on that partic- ular day. As the latter for some un- known reason did not arrive, Luccheni, bound to kill some royal personage, thrust his dagger into the innocent heart of the Empress. -69- XVI Three children were born to this royal couple. Archduchess Gisela, born at Lax- enburg, near Vienna, on the 12th of July, 1856, is living in Bavaria as the happy wife of Leopold Duke of Bavaria. Her sole ambition is to live for her husband and their children. Etiquette in their family is confined to that which is only absolutely necessary and both, Gisela and her husband enjoy associating with the better class of Bavarians. They keep what might be called "open house". At one of their informal afternoon parties (Jause) a young officer of the Bavarian Army, Otto von Seefried, was introduced to the family. He fell in love with the oldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth. It was at the direct intervention of Franz Josef that the two lovers were permitted to marry. Franz Josef's attitude, how- -70— FRANZ JOSEF ever, caused a sensation, for Otto von Seefried was not her equal in rank, only, but he was also a Protestant. They were married at Genua, December 2, 1893, and von Seefried was transferred to the Aus- trian army and received the title of Count. Archduchess Marie Valerie was born at Ofen, on the twenty-second of April, 1868, and was married July 31, 1890, to Arch- duke Franz Salvator. She was Franz Josef's favorite daughter and the aged monarch spent much time with her chil- dren. The family lives rather quietly and very happily, for it is said that the Archduchess is a model mother. -71 — XVII Rudolf, the only son and heir to the double throne, was born at Vienna on August 21, 1858. He was a most promis- ing youth. His early education, under the wise guidance of Bishop Hyacinthus von Ronay, was one well befitting a man with such a great and important future before him, for Rudolf was a man of great ability. He could have made his mark in life either as a soldier or as a lit- erary man. But sad to say, he spent most of his time in idle dissipation. It was a great grief to Elizabeth to see her son frustrating all her hopes. It is said that Rudolf was ambitious and anxious to ascend his father's throne. And again, it is asserted that had Franz Josef been as- sured of his son's ability to succeed him, he would have resigned in Rudolf's favor when the latter had reached his twenty- -72 — uTauAsiia aiena'iu i 10 hi*h re*, i siht THE LAST PHOTOGRAPH OF EMPRESS ELIZABETH FRANZ JOSEF fifth birthday. Once in awhile Rudolf would display an ardent desire for action. He traveled extensively and wrote valu- able books on his travels. A warm friend of Hungary, he composed a liter- ary work on the country entitled "The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy in Words and Pictures", which he published in both German and Hungarian. Much was expected from his marriage which took place in Vienna on the 10th of May, 1881, to Stephanie Princess of Bel- gium. But to the grief of all concerned it soon became apparent that Rudolf and Stephanie were ill-mated. It is hard to do justice in this case, but incidents, how- ever, are decidedly in favor of Stephanie. Her husband loved her in a way, but he neglected her and after the birth of their daughter matters took a turn for the worse. The little Princess, Elizabeth, the picture of her beautiful grandmother, was kept aloof by Stephanie from an at- mosphere which would have degraded her. But the Archduchess Elizabeth be- came the darling of the Court. Both, Franz Josef and his Empress did much for this granddaughter and for Stephanie. -73— FRANZ JOSEF On the 30th day of January, 1889, like a bolt from the blue sky came the news of Rudolf's tragic death, which occurred at Meyerling, the Imperial Hunting lodge within easy riding distance from Vienna. The details of his death will always re- main a mystery. He had a love affair with Baroness Marie von Vetsera, a Vien- nese beauty, and some think he took his own life because he could not wed her. Others assert, however, that Marie von Vetsera killed her lover in a fit of jeal- ousy, while rumor also declared that Rudolf was entangled in a conspiracy which purposed the dethronement of Franz Josef, so that he (Rudolf) might become King. The strangest of all is that each one of the versions seems plausible as proof was not lacking to verify either of them, yet neither of the plots could be positively verified. Those who knew and who could tell, disappeared. There was Archduke Johann, Rudolf's uncle, and most intimate friend, who shortly after his nephew's death resigned his title and rank and married Lori Stubel, a sou- brette. Then under the name of John Orth he left Austria never to return. Rear Admiral Count Bombelles, Rudolf's -74- FRANZ JOSEF chamberlain, the two Baltazzis and Counts von Stockau and Hoyos-Sprinzen- stein, all of Rudolf's most intimate friends, also disappeared as if the earth had swallowed them. But Rudolf's death was the greatest tragedy that ever befell the house of Habsburg. It took months before the consternation in any degree subsided. It was the beautiful Empress who suffered most, for the ter- rible shock unbalanced her mind, and, after her son's death she never again ap- peared in public without two fans held in such manner as to conceal her face. —75- XVIII After Rudolf's death Franz Josef and Elizabeth still held Stephanie in high esti- mation. Her second husband is a Hun- garian noble, Count Elemer von Lonyay. The marriage took place at the bride's castle at Miramare, on the Riviera, on March 22, 1900, and it was considered a love match pure and simple. Stephanie resigned all her previous titles and to- day is known only as the Countess von Lonyay. Yet she is more generally spoken of as "Kronprinzessin Stephanie" and all who know her love and respect her. While her husband Elemer von Lonyay holds a high place in public opin- ion, they are not seen much in public, for they prefer the seclusion of their beauti- ful Hungarian estate. Fate had so ordained that the only daughter of the Crown Prince should also —76— axi :mt h xx'jaitiHi ARCHDUKE KARL LUDWIG Franz Josef's Brother, who, after the tragic death of Crown Prince Rudolf, became Heir-Apparent. FRANZ JOSEF marry below her rank. It was at the coming out of Archduchess Elizabeth that she first met her present husband. Prince Otto von Windisch-Graetz was one of the cavaliers assigned to lead the dances at the Court Ball. The little love- god whispered the word and with no little trepidation the young couple found their hearts in accord. But it was Franz Josef, again, who used his influence in bringing happiness to both, and then on the twen- ty-third of January, 1902, the marriage was consummated in Vienna. —77— XIX The tragedy had produced such con- sternation that no one seemed to think of the question as to who now would be Franz Josef's heir and successor. Ac- cording to the Law of Succession (Prag- matica Sanctio), regulating this question, the Emperor, leaving no male heir, would be naturally and automatically succeeded by his next brother. Archduke Karl Lud- wig, however, the Emperor's next broth- er, was but two years his junior, and evi- dently had never thought of succeeding to the throne. The youngest brother, Ludwig Victor, a bachelor, was altogether out of the question. Karl Ludwig had three sons. Which should it be? Father or son? might have been the question. But there was no discussion of the ques- tion for some time. Karl Ludwig's wife in third marriage, Marie Therese of Por- —78— (ivtAfeiaoara \yf.n-t shimhdjia .Xx'it v>Iviii(t ^ hoy ^titi{'»H i-filnuo')) ARCHDUKE FRANZ FERDINAND Who became Heir upon his father's — Archduke Karl Ludwig's — resignation, and his Morganatic Wife, THE DUCHESS VON HOHENBERG (Countess Sophie von Chotek) Whose assassination is said to have been the imme- diate cause of the war. FRANZ JOSEF tugal, a very beautiful and still more am- bitious woman, pressed the question of her husband's right as a successor but could attain no results. Karl Ludwig would have none of it. He actually re- signed in favor of his eldest son, Arch- duke Franz Ferdinand. This, however, was no simple matter. Franz Josef as well as the entire court knew that among the three sons of Karl Ludwig, namely, Franz Ferdinand, Otto and Ferdinand Karl, the latter, a military genius, would be most fitted to succeed to the throne. Somehow or other, even though the two elder brothers at that time were willing to give up their claims in favor of the youngest, such arrangements never came to pass. Finally, after Karl Ludwig's death, in 1896, Franz Josef sent for Franz Ferdinand and notified him of his inten- tion of making him his heir. Then, for some years, not much was heard of Franz Ferdinand, and he was not spoken of as Crown Prince but simply as Heir Appar- ent. Later on he was made Inspector General of the Austro-Hungarian military forces. — 79— XX Franz Ferdinand, born from his fath- er's second marriage to Annonciade, Princess of Bourbon, at Gratz, on the eighteenth of December, 1863, was of a retiring disposition, therefore he was lit- tle known. But he was a good soldier and a fine sportsman. As Heir Apparent he could not or should not marry any one but a Princess of a reigning house. While undecided what to do, he began visiting his cousin, the Archduke Friedrich, who at that time was commander of the Army Corps at Pressburg (Pozsony). There Archduke Friedrich and his wife, Isabel- la, sister of the King of Spain, entertained on a grand scale. The formerly poor Archduke had just fallen heir to the mil- lions of his uncle, Archduke Albrecht. Besides he had three marriageable daugh- so— FRANZ JOSEF ters. Franz Ferdinand's frequent calls, therefore, were naturally all the more welcome. Who can describe the chagrin of the Archducal parents when they learned that the Heir Apparent's frequent calls were not intended as a courtesy to either of their daughters? The truth of the matter was, Franz Fer- dinand lost his heart to Sophie von Cho- tek, the charming lady-in-waiting to Archduchess Isabella! And, perhaps, Count von Herberstein or Baron Julius von Pronay, at that time Master of the Court and Chamberlain, respectively, to Archduke Friedrich, were the only ones who really knew of the unpleasant de- tails of Countess von Chotek's instant dis- missal. After years of trouble and many diffi- culties Franz Ferdinand finally succeeded in getting Franz Josef's consent to his marriage with Countess Sophie von Cho- tek. But the conditions were humilia- ting, to say the least. Franz Ferdinand had to renounce the claims of both his wife and children to the throne. And his wife not being of royal blood, had to rank -81— FRANZ JOSEF after the youngest Archduchess. Again, she could only be considered as consort and never be called by the title of Arch- duchess, nor later, by that of Queen, or Empress. Franz Ferdinand gallantly stood the test. He gave the required re- nunciation, and married his lady love at Reichstadt, in Bohemia, on July 1, 1900. This union was a very happy one, al- though it was what is termed a morgan- atic marriage, which is really somewhat of an historical freak. It is a marriage entered into by a Prince of a reigning house with a lady whose rank would not permit of her participation in the privi- leges accorded to her husband. It was customary in ancient times on the morn- ing of such marriages for the groom to recompense his bride for the loss of priv- ileges she would have to sustain during her married life, by bestowing upon her gifts of great value. These gifts were called Morgengabe, hence the derivation "Morganatic" marriage. Franz Ferdinand and his wife — who later was elevated to the rank of Duchess of Hohenberg — spent most of their time on their estate Konopist, in Bohemia. —82— jnfil -;< -.-.ji^ * CHARLES I. The New Auntro-Hunsarian Emperor-King FRANZ JOSEF Franz Ferdinand, however, was little seen at public festivals and he never ap- peared at Court accompanied by his wife. He was severely and justly criticized for not having married Sophie von Chotek on equal terms. This, of course, would have necessitated his relinquishment of all title to the throne, but he should have married simply as an Archduke. Then his wife would not have been humiliated by a position, which must have been any- thing but enviable. After Bosnia and Herzegowina had been formally annexed by Austria in 1914, it seemed proper for the ruler to visit his new provinces. Franz Josef made all preparations for this trip, but as his physicians strongly advised against it, it devolved upon Franz Ferdinand, then the full-fledged heir, to perform this duty. There were rumors to the effect that the time for the trip had been illy chosen. However, Franz Ferdinand was determined to go, for this afforded him the first opportunity of taking part in any function as heir to the throne. The more persistent the ominous rumors became the more his wife was determined to join -83- FRANZ JOSEF him, and together they repaired to Bos- nia, and met their death at the hand of an assassin. —84— XXI After Franz Josef's death, November 21, 1916, Archduke Karl Franz Josef as Karl I was proclaimed Emperor of Aus- tria and King of Hungary. The new King is a very amiable young man of twenty- nine years. His wife, Princess Zita of Parma, of the House of Bourbon, is a charming young woman of accomplish- ment. It remains to be seen, however, whether personal charm and amiableness are sufficient to contend with a situation, that is, if anything, very complicated. The new ruler's coronation as Apostol- ic King of Hungary took place at Ofen (Buda), on December 31, 1916. The cor- onation of the King of Hungary always was a brilliant affair, but the coronation of King Karl was the most brilliant ever known or heard of. 15 — FRANZ JOSEF The coronation was entirely a Hungar- ian affair. No foreign princes were pres- ent except King Ferdinand of Bulgaria, who attended in his capacity as a Magyar magnate (Peer), which title is his by birthright, his name before his accession to the Bulgarian throne having been Fer- dinand Prince Koburg-Gotha-Kohary. Frederick C. Penfield, the American Am- bassador, was one of the few neutral dip- lomats present. King Karl was attired in the crimson red Hungarian gala uniform with heavy gold embroidery, with a white mantle lined with red fox and also covered with heavy gold embroidery, black patent leather boots and gold spurs. Queen Zita wore pale blue brocaded silk, with a veil, and the diamond studded crown above a dark blue velvet cap. Otto Franz Josef, the four-year-old crown prince, was the first of the royal family to reach the church. The King and Queen appeared at nine o'clock, and the crown of St. Stephen was placed on the King's head by the Primate Cardinal Csernoch and Premier Count von Tisza at the stroke of 10 o'clock. The service obliged the King to kneel long and fre- —86— EMPRESS-QUEEN ZITA FRANZ JOSEF quently, and he moved uneasily while the Cardinal was celebrating solemn high mass. While wearing the crown the King also put on the ancient coronation cloak of faded purple, covered with odd designs in gold. This cloak was first worn by King St. Stephen. Karl also held the sword of the latter, with which he made the custo- mary passes, symbolizing his intention as monarch to defend the kingdom against all enemies. In making the passes with the sword the King neglected to cut be- hind him until the officiating Primate drew his attention to the omission. King Karl, from the moment of Franz Josef's death showed marked signs of his ardent desire for peace. It seems a safe probability that for the sake of obtaining peace the new King would be ready to cede some territory to Italy. Count Czer- nin, the new foreign secretary, is King Karl's near adviser and the new secretary is known to be one of the leaders of the peace party. The new King's first consid- eration is the welfare of his people and he, no doubt, would readily subordinate his personal ambition to the peaceful and harmonious growth of his empire. 17 — FRANZ JOSEF The unusual splendor of King Karl's coronation seems of great significance. Hungary has suffered tremendously from the war. It is really a war-stricken coun- try in the fullest sense of the word. Yet, from the minute King Karl issued his proclamation, the whole Hungarian na- tion was unanimous in expressing their enthusiasm. Both, King Karl and Hun- gary, may well expect a great deal from each other. It will be decidedly interest- ing to watch developments and to see whether the new King is of strong enough personality to successfully press his point. Who knows but that events might assign to Hungary the leading role within the dual monarchy by which, perhaps, and most likely both Austria as well as Hungary might grow in strength and im- portance? The new ruler's career will very largely depend upon the final outcome of the present war. Even should the war result in the victory of the Central Powers, as Emperor-King Karl I of Austria-Hungary will have an extremely difficult problem to cope with. And who knows but that some day Duke Maximilian of Hohen- berg, Franz Ferdinand's oldest son, might •?^>"Ol SVt-.nt tl'il.t .151 FQi. ARCHDUKE OTTO FRANZ JOSEF The Present Heir FRANZ JOSEF not appear on the scene as pretender? The Hungarian Constitution does not rec- ognize morganatic marriages, and the lawful wife of the King of Hungary be- comes ipso facto Queen and their children heirs. —89— XXII Was Franz Josef responsible for the present war? No! The ultimatum of Austria as sent to Servia was written at the Kaiser's advice. It is generally known, although not much talked about, that for some fifteen years the Kaiser was the leading spirit of Central Europe. He not only was Franz Josef's best friend but also his most valuable adviser. It was the Kaiser's staunch friendship and in- fluence that prevented Austria from get- ting into war some four years ago. This war, however, has been brewing for the last forty or more years and it would have come, at any rate, ultimatum or no ulti- matum. After the declaration of war the Belve- dere Palast, the Viennese residence of the late Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, was transformed into a hospital for wounded — 90 — FRANZ JOSEF officers. The aged monarch was in the habit of going there every morning to call on the newly arrived heroes. One morning upon entering one of the rooms, he recognized one of his favorite aids, Baron von Margutti, who had volunteered to the front. The poor fellow returned to Vienna minus his legs and arms. Franz Josef, deeply shocked, approached his dear officer and with broken voice asked him what he could do for him. "Your Majesty, all I wish for is a bullet through my heart". After this Franz Jo- sef returned to the Palace and asked for his grandchildren's toys. —91— XXIII At midnight of November 30, 1916, a plain black hearse drawn by four black horses halted in front of the main en- trance to the Church of the Capuchin Fathers at Vienna. The hearse was fol- lowed by a carriage. Two gentlemen left the carriage. One of them, the First Mas- ter of the Court, rapped with his staff at the door. "Who is it?" — came the question from inside. It was the Prior (Guardian) of the Capuchin Fathers, who as custodian of the family vaults of the Habsburgs, which are located in the basement of the church, awaited the dead ruler's arrival. "His Most Serene Majesty, Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary." "I know him not." —92 — * a * k ,. . 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