Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/307

 1899.] Austria-Htrngary. — Foreign Policy. [299

Finally, Count Goluchowski again set forth the numerous causes which had led to Austria-Hungary being left behind in the great race among the nations of the world for the develop- ment of thei* economic existence. The resources at the disposal of the Foreign Office were too limited for that department alone to provide a remedy, but it would be assuming a heavy responsi- bility if it remained indifferent and inactive in presence of such a state of affairs, the continuation of which he condemned both on economic and political grounds. Without adequate effective forces, they would be obliged to remain mere spectators and to abstain from raising their voice at a decisive moment which might influence the position of Austria-Hungary as a great Power. It was high time to look the undeniable fact in the face that the Austro-Hungarian Navy, which scarcely sufficed for the defence of the coast, would be wholly insufficient for any distant action required by the prestige and dignity of the monarchy, or even the protection of its numerous subjects abroad. He had frequently heard it argued that Austria- Hungary had no prospect of becoming a first-class maritime Power, and that consequently the fleet should be kept within the limits of what was necessary for the defence of the coast. He did not share that opinion. A third-class naval Power was by no means as unimportant as might be supposed, yet they were far from being even on that footing, as it was well known that they did not occupy any considerable position among the foreign Navies.

In both halves of the monarchy the question of emigration had become such a grave problem that it appeared to him high time to examine the means of providing a remedy. Thousands of emigrants left their homes to establish themselves in distant parts. The majority were lost for ever to the mother country, and the younger generation completely amalgamated with the native population. As this state of things could not be remedied by repressive means, the question arose whether this loss of productive force at home could not be somewhat compensated for by finding new markets with the assistance of the emigrants themselves. The Minister explained in a general way how, in his opinion, this might be accomplished. The control of emi- gration must in a certain measure be taken in hand by the authorities whom it concerned, and who must also keep a sharp look-out on emigration agencies. The embarkation of emigrants must take place in the native ports under the control of the native authorities, and they must choose countries where a compact settlement is possible and where there is no danger of their dispersing and thus losing their nationality.

The only dispute with a foreign Power in which Austria- Hungary was engaged during the year arose from the shooting of some Austro-Hungarian subjects by the United States police, during a strike of the miners at Hayleton, in Pennsylvania, in September, 1897. The case came before an American court of