Reception of the Imperial Constitutional Proclamation in Bozen

Austrian Monarchy.

Tyrol.

Botzen, 19 March. What could only be guessed at for two days from private letters regarding the movements that have arisen in Vienna surprised us today as joyfully as it did generally. The eternally memorable proclamation of the Emperor of the 15th of this month, granting the peoples of Austria freedom of the press as in the German regions, a national guard established on the foundations of property and intelligence, and finally the earliest convocation of deputies of all provincial estates for the purpose of the constitution of the fatherland resolved upon by His Majesty, was found posted publicly here in the early afternoon hours; it was greeted with joyful acclamation, discussed, and explained. The countenance of the entire population brightened as joyfully as on the finest spring morning; people gave themselves over to the happiest notions, and it was quickly decided to use today's fortuitously scheduled theatrical performance to express joy and gratitude. At 7 o'clock in the evening, everyone crowded into the rooms of the theatre, which, brilliantly illuminated, were filled to overflowing with the joyous inhabitants of the town from all estates. In front of the portrait of His Majesty, decorated with red-and-white flags and the Tyrolean provincial colours, the festively adorned crowd erupted into the loudest cheers, and the national anthem enthusiastically resounded from every lip: “Segen Oesterreichs hohem Sohne!” The heads and members of the imperial and municipal authorities, the officers of the garrison and of a currently present squadron of Lichtenstein Chevaulegers, the dignitaries, and citizens were seen united in the same sentiments, and the greater part of the civilians adorned with red-and-white cockades, ribbons, flowers, and badges. In the finest harmony and calm, this day became a splendid celebration, closing amid fiery cheers for the beloved Emperor, to which on many lips and in every heart the heartfelt blessing was joined: Germany united and great forever!