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Show SUFFRAGE FOR AUSTRIA Measure Most Important Presented in Empire in a Generation. VIENNA. March S. Tho CovernmonfH fran-cMm fran-cMm bill, which provides for seneral. equal and direct suffrage for Austria, and which woa Introduced on Fobruory 23 by Premier Gautch-Von Gautch-Von Frankcnthurn, was token up on first reading: read-ing: In the I-ower House of Parliament today. Count Arthur IJylondt-Tlhcldt. Minister of tho Interior, raid that although the principle of a universal aivt eanl franchise mot with no opposition from the majority of tho parties, tho project necessitated a renrninRcmcnt of constituencies con-stituencies and redistribution of acutn. Tho constituencies, h said, would bo rearranged rear-ranged as far as poslblo on the principle of boundaries and according to nationalities, and In ordir to protect National ownership no provlnco would be allotted fewer seals than hlthorto. This bill Is reenrded as tho most Important measuro for Austria presented to tho Houso In the past eenrrotlon. At first It encountered much hoatllo criticism, but It has now won almost universal support, and thore Is every reason to suppose that It will ba paused. Ono after another of tho Important Im-portant clubs, representing the various nationalities nation-alities of Austria, havo recognized tho project as Imperative for the country's good. Tho landed aristocracy, who looo power and prestige Ihrough tho project, naturally arc op-Iiosed op-Iiosed to It, but they will not bo able to materially ma-terially Injuro the proposed law, which will be dlscucsert energetically and at great length. No fowcr than SM bpeaknrs. half of them In favor of the measuro and half against It, havo announced their Intention of engaging In the discussion. Each party Is desirous of protecting Its Interests In-terests anJ those of I la nationality at th expense ex-pense of other nationalities. It Is generally believed that tho discussion will end In mutual ct-mpromlf s. Tho Lower House will bo dissolved during the summer and the next House will be elected under tho new suffrage law. |