[Born 1830. Still living.]
Succeeded to the throne on the abdication of his uncle Ferdinand, in
1848, (the epoch of revolutions), his father, Francis Charles, having
refused the Crown. At the time of his accession, Vienna had just been
recovered from the insurgents, but Hungary was in arms against Austria.
In 1849, a new constitution, of a more liberal character, was
promulgated by the Emperor, and, in the same year, Hungary was reduced
to submission by the assistance of Russia. In 1850, the young Emperor
returned to the old system of absolute government. In 1852, his life was
attempted by a Hungarian whilst walking on the ramparts of Vienna.
Francis Joseph is personally popular. He is bold and soldier-like,
possessed of strong will and independent judgment. His experience is
beyond his years.
[By Halbig. Marble. 1850. The original is in the Imperial Palace at
Vienna.]
ENGLISH PORTRAITS.