spital was attacked, and pelted with stones until all the windows were
broken. The poor little invalids were for hours subjected to the
freezing cold, and all because the doctors and nurses were Austrian
Germans. In another part of the city an ambulance with a sick man in it
was attacked by the mob, because the doctor riding with the patient was
known to be a German.

* * * * *

While these horrors have been going forward in Prague, matters have not
improved much in Vienna.

The two parties are more furious against each other than ever. It is
asserted that if the Reichsrath reassembles with the same president, the
previous disgraceful riots will be repeated.

It is said, however, that there is a chance of an understanding on the
language question, but it is thought that it will be impossible to pass
the Austro-Hungarian Compromise Bill in the Reichsrath.

This bill is the contract which holds Austria and Hungary together as
one country, and which, as we have told you, expires on December 31st of
this year.

If it is not renewed, Austria and Hungary must be separated.

As it has been impossible for the two nations to agree as to the terms
of the new contract, it has, as we have told you, been suggested to make
a temporary one for one year, which will bind the kingdoms while the
permanent contract is being prepared.

It is this one-year agreement which it is supposed cannot be passed by
the Reichsrath.

If it becomes evident that the Reichsrath will not pass this necessary
bill, it is thought that the Emperor will finally take advantage of his
right under the constitution, and, dissolving the Reichsrath, act on his
own authority, and accept a one-year's agreement with Hungary.

If Francis Joseph is forced to take such a step it is likely that he may
not call a new parliament for some time, but govern the country himself.

In the mean while, Baron Banffy, the Hungarian Prime Minister, has
offered a bill in the Hungarian Reichstag (parliament) on this vexed
question.

The Austrian parliament is called the "Reichsrath," the Hungarian the
"Reichstag."

This bill provides that the contract between Hungary and Austria shall
remain in force for another year, till December, 1898, and that if new
arrangements have not been made by that time the compact shall be
finally broken.

If nothing satisfactory has been proposed by May, 1898, the Government
promises to submit proposals for th