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 the regulation of matters between the
two countries, which shall go into force when the contract expires in
December, 1898.

As soon as this bill had been read, Francis Kossuth (who, as we told
you, is the son of the great Hungarian patriot, Louis Kossuth) asked
leave to make suggestions in regard to the bill.

It being late, the house adjourned, after granting him permission to
speak on the following day.