Metternich, Clemens Wenzel, Prince von. A great Austrian diplomatist and statesman. Born in Coblenz, 1773. After a distinguished diplomatic career, became foreign minister of the empire in 1809. This high office he held with consummate ability for a period of thirty years, exercising, almost without control, the highest authority in Austria. The Revolution of 1848 sent him into exile, from which he returned three years after. Died, 1859. Prince Metternich was an adroit intriguer, and exercised in his day a powerful influence upon the cabinets of Europe.

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