Appointment of a Governor and Celebrations in Bozen for the Accession of Emperor Franz Joseph I

Austrian Monarchy.

Tyrol. Innsbruck, 22 Dec. According to a report in the Innsbrucker Zeitung, Count Kajetan von Bissingen Nippenburg has been appointed Governor of Tyrol and Vorarlberg.

Bozen, 18 Dec. The sentiments of thousands of faithful hearts, stirred by the news of the accession to the throne of His Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I, found today in our town a public expression worthy of the lofty significance of this event. When the proclamation of Emperor Ferdinand the Benign, renouncing the crown, and of His brother Franz Karl appeared simultaneously with the patent of the new ruler, the sentiment concerning this world-historical event was among us, as almost everywhere across the great imperial state, wistful, a mixture of old and new devotion, of gratitude, trust, and hope. In such a mood, man does not reach for the colourful tokens of joy, nor does he gather into merrily cheering crowds; it is not the sound of rousing music, the festive thunder of ordnance, and delicate, colourful festoons that mirror the condition of his soul. The premonition of the imminent sway of higher powers, the feeling of a momentous hour of destiny directs man in such consequential moments to the connection between his being and life and the divine. Religious is the effect of such hours. This became remarkably evident in the extraordinary number of worshippers who gathered for the festive high mass pontificated at 9 o'clock in the morning in the local provost and parish church by Provost Eberle. The sacred spaces were packed to capacity as never before on a similar occasion. His Imperial Highness Archduke Rainer, with his consort, son, and suite, together with the civil and military authorities and the town dignitaries, joined the populace in offering their prayers and blessings to the Ruler of the World for Emperors Franz Joseph and Ferdinand, for the unity and tranquility of Austria and Germany, and for the power and lasting greatness of both. — It was in this that the celebration primarily and properly consisted on this occasion; every right-thinking person among those present felt this and rejoiced in it. The framework within which such festivities are customarily set everywhere, and which usually constitutes the main attraction, was by no means lacking here either; mortar salvos and festive peals of bells, the solemn procession of the authorities in gala dress, parading military and volleys, theatre, and folk song formed the outward accompaniment. Yet, given the contemplative and serious state of mind into which recent times and their great events have pressed people, it was received with quiet contentment merely as an ornament; roughly like the bridal gown on the day of a silver wedding. Our common wish is and remains henceforth: May God crown our youthful Emperor with wisdom, glory, and peace! With each new year of his reign, may the jubilation among the peoples over his accession to the throne grow.