The Elevation of Archduke Johann's Son to Count of Meran and the Acquisition of Schenna Castle

Austrian Monarchy.

Tyrol.

Meran, 5 March. A recent event has filled the upper Adige Valley, namely our region of Meran, with enthusiasm, causing the spark of ancient love and devotion to the Austrian Imperial House, which had always smouldered in quiet, to burst into a general cry of joy throughout our otherwise so tranquil valley, which will echo just as joyfully across the entire land. We cannot bear in silence this excess of joyful emotion in our surging hearts; we must proclaim this patriotic delight to all regions of the world, so that all may know what inexhaustible feeling of unconditional devotion to Austria lives within us, and how gladly we wish to be bound and tied to this paternal ruling house by ever new bonds and with indissoluble strength. Two years ago, the Archduke Johann of Austria, so highly and universally revered in Tyrol, travelled to the camp of Düsseldorf under the title of Count of Meran. This incognito ran like an electric shock through the inhabitants of the Meran Adige Valley, without, however, awakening a deeper intimation of the hope that, before it could even sprout within us, had already ripened into the sweetest fruit. — Emperor Ferdinand, recognising the thoughtful significance of the incognito assumed by his archducal uncle, out of prevailing love for him raised his son Franz to Count of Meran, and enfeoffed him with several escheated fiefs in the middle Adige Valley near Botzen. Shortly thereafter, the archducal father purchased Schloss Schenna for the Count of Meran, situated scarcely an hour from this ancient capital and residential city upon an elevation commanding an expansive view into the Adige and Vinschgau valleys; and upon this rest the firmest hopes for further property acquisitions for the new young master, whose line is now to take root in the Tyrolean alpine land. Since then, the two beloved names — "Archduke Johann and the Count of Meran" — resound from every lip like a constant refrain, and with eager anticipation people await the moment when we shall be able to greet the illustrious father and his son here with our most heartfelt jubilation.