GERMANY: Dark Days

The political situation in Germany was extremely obscure. As is usual in such circumstances, rumor succeeded rumor with startling rapidity, in incomprehensible order and with confused contradictions.

Dictators. Herr Doktor Otto Gessler, Military Dictator for the entire German Reich, was unable to exercise to any appreciable extent the powers conferred upon him by the Stresemann Government (TIME, Oct. 8). This was due to the great opposition to the Government displayed by Nationalists and Communists alike. Herr Doktor von Kahr, the Bavarian Dictator, was able to consolidate considerably his position and secured much popularity among the workers by reducing the price of beer by 20%. He denied that Bavaria had any intention of seceding from the Reich. On analysis of the Bavarian situation it appears that Bavaria is trying to secure a predominant position in the German State such as was enjoyed by Prussia before the War.

Stresemann Out and In. When the Social Democrat members of the Reichstag held a caucus and voted to withdraw from the Coalition Government (Stresemann Cabinet), Chancellor Stresemann forthwith presented his and the Cabinet’s resignations to Herr Friedrich Ebert, President of the German Republic. The President accepted the resignations, but charged Herr Stresemann with forming a new Cabinet. The following Cabinet was chosen: Chancellor—Dr. Gustav Stresemann. Minister of Interior—Wilhelm Sollmann. Finance—Dr. Hans Luther. Labor—Heinrich Brauns. Public Economy—Dr. Koeth. Justice—Gustav Redbruch. Reichswehr—Dr. Otto Gessler. Posts—Herr Hoefe. Communications—Rudolph Oeser. Occupied Regions—Johanness Fuchs. Reconstruction—Robert Schmidt.

Government’s Position. The position of the Government was precarious in the extreme. It was considered that it could not possibly last longer than a few weeks. From the Right and from the Left Chancellor Stresemann was assailed chiefly on account of his Ruhr policy, but he succeeded in obtaining a vote of confidence in the Reichstag against both Monarchists and Communists. It was expected that he would obtain dictatorial powers for the Cabinet by giving a sop to the Socialists—a promise not to interfere with the eight-hour working day. How far the Chancellor will be able to exercise dictatorial powers is problematical.

Monarchists. On the arrival of a courier from Munich, capital of Bavaria,Prince Wilhelm of Hohenzollern, former Crown Prince, scurried away from Wieringen, his Dutch island home, bound for an unknown destination. Bavaria is virtually a Monarchy and Prince Rupprecht is hailed everywhere as King. The need for a real leader in Germany was said to be getting greater every day and it seems that a restoration of the Monarchy is not an impossible feat. Moreover, it appears that Great Britain and Italy would be willing to recognize a Monarchy in Germany, providing that a Hohenzollern were not chosen.

Stinnes. The great, black, mysterious figure of Herr Hugo Stinnes appeared once more and proved itself the most potent factor in that area of pandemonium known as Germany. Of all men to make a settlement with the Allies, Stinnes is preëminently competent. He practically controls the real wealth of Germany, and he is ready to finance a settlement with France—but he must have a commission and still more political power. At present he is drawing closer and closer to the Monarchists. His wholehearted support of the Monarchical cause would be decisive at such a time. He is still ” Master of Coke,” hard and unfeeling, dark and unbending.