MASS HYSTERIA.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18368, 29 April 1925, Page 9

MASS HYSTERIA.

MONARCHIST ELATION. HINDENBURG ELECTION. SPECULATION AS TO POLICY. (»T CABLE-PRESS Af MCIATIOS--COKWOHI.) (eeuteb's telegrams.) LONDON, April 27. It is unofficially stated that the final figures of the German election are:— Yon Hindenburg .. 14,639,000 Dr. Mars .. .. 13,740,000 Herr Thaelmann ••• 1,789,000

Marshal von Hindenburg awaited the result of the tense, dramatic struggle at his country mansion. Tho scenes in Berlin developed into mass hysteria when twenty-nine out of Germany's thirty-five district* gave Hindenburg an unassailable majority of 900,000. Tho black, white and red flag, the symbol of Monarchist, fluttered from countloss balconies and windows, while the Kepublicans' more beautiful flag of red and gold was scarcely seen. Hindenburg took tho lead from the start and retained it, but an early majority of over 1,000,01)0 votes dwindled until at one time the rig Ores were almost level. After that, every return increased the Monarchist total.

An outstanding feature was Hindenburg's success in the industrial districts. Catholics throughout Germany voted solidly for Dr. Marx.

Message to the Nation. Von Hindenburg has sent the following message to the nation:—"May the Lord grant that all party hatred shall cease. I hope that the German people will learn the unity which alone gives strength."

His supporters arc arranging for the triumphant entry of Hindenburg into Berlin on Thursday, but he is said to hate pomp and probably will try to slip into the city unobserved. He will take the Presidential oath in tho Ecichstag on May sth. "Vorwaerts" sums up tho position thus: "Hindenburg is President by the grace of Thaelmann." Berlin indulged in wild mafficking till an early hour this morning. Even the troops paraded the streets flying flags and singing patriotic songs. The Kepublieans after midnight held a demonstration in tho sports palace, when frenzied cheers greeted the hoisting of the Republican banner. There was an angry outburst when a Koyalist shouted "Wilhelm tho Second will come back." The crowd mobbod the intcrjector, who had protested against violence.

Polling Analysed. Hindenburg's victory by so many as 900,000 votes was unexpected; perhaps it was partly duo to the fact that 3,000,000 more electors voted than on

March 29th, mostly apparently for Hindenburg, for wliom women curiously appear to have voted en masse. Dr. Marx polled 500,000 more votes than on March 29th,.but von Hindenburg's personality was too strong for the Marx programme. Most citic?. including Berlin and the Khineland, voted for Dr. Marx, and East Prussia and the country districts for Hindenburg. The Communist candidate, Herr Thaelmann, held his own as compared with' the figures for March 29th, and even slightly increased his poll in some places, but Communism does not seem to be making the progress its supporters hoped for in Germany.

Foreign Policy and Advisers. Hindenburg heard of his election while staying with a friend in the country near Hanover. He did not show great enthusiasm. He is expected in Berlin on Thursday, and doubtless will be accorded a tremendous reception. It is unlikely that Germany's foreign policy will be strikingly changed during Hindenburg's presidency. His advisers aTC well aware that the only safe foreign policy for Germany is the ono that she followed during the past year. Moreover, the fact that the Eeichstag contains a majority of the Left parties will also tend to check any possible aspirations on the part of Hindenburg's councillors. As regards a change in foreign policy, it is generally thought that Hindenburg will lead a quiet life, but it is feared that hi 3 reactionary entourage may try to change the internal situation. If so, they will be strongly opposed by tho Socialists and Democrats comprising about 50 per cent, of the German electorate.

Opinion in France. French official circles point out that the election of von Hindenburg should at least have the advantage of opening the eyes of the world to tho fact that the Germans are militarists at heart. They express the opinion that Germany unmasked with Hindenburg is preferable to Germany camouflaged with Marx.

"Lc Matin" says that the election will cause tremendous distrust' of Germany in France. "It will be most difficult for M. Painlcvc to urge in tho Chamber a rapprochement with the Keich."

"Le Journal" states that any foreigner witnessing German Nationalist manifestations during the past twentyfour hours can hardly believe that German sentiments arc pacific. The "Echo de Paris" says the election shows that the mentality of the German people is unchanged. There can no longer be any question of a mutual guarantee treat}'. "L'Ere Nouvelle" says: "Germany is rolling down a gradient at the bottom of which lies an abyss of empire and revenge."

Mr Lloyd George's Views. Mr Lloyd Georgo says: "France has most stupidly driven Germany into her present mood The eleetion shows a new spirit, the result of M. Poincari's Nationalist policy. I do not believe von Hindenburg will do anything rash. He will be a steady old man. Further, M. Painleve and M. .Briand, who are tho ablest politicians in France, will not

countenance a policy of pinpricks against Germany." Well-informed circles in London arc reserving their opinions regarding the result of the German election, but arc apparently confident it does not mean a change in German foreign policy, but the tone of certain French newspapers suggests that the election of Hindenburg may not render easier the futuro conversations of Germany with French and other Governments.

The political correspondent of the "Star" says that von Hindenburg's election was due to reaction against Communism, and preference for a staunch Evangelical instead of a Catholic, also to Hindenburg's declaration that tho lie that Germany forced the war must cease.

British diplomatic circles believe that it would have been easier to deal with Dr. Marx, 4 whose policy was known, than with Hindenburg, who will probably bo largely influenced by advisers who hope that the Dawes Plan will remain unaffected.

, "Return of Old Gang." The Berlin correspondent of the "Evening News" says that tho Germans regard von Hindenburg as a man who will lead thorn to triumph. Ho is ready at any moment to abandon office in favour of tho ex-Kaiser. His election means the return of the old gang who precipitated the war. There is much speculation in regard to the appointment of von Hindenburg's advisers. It is pointed out that though President Ebert's advisers exercised profound influence, it was limited and checked by his own personal energy and insight, both of which were most remarkable. Hindenburg, who is advanced in years and not politically trained, cannot be expected to exercise a fraction of the Bame control, and therefore the selection of advisers is of proportionately greater importance. No official indication in this connexion has so far been made available, but various names havo been mentioned. As a result of tho Presidential election, the 7 per cent. German loan, which opened in London at £OB, fell to £97 os, about two points lower than on Friday.'.

British Press Comment. Hindenburg's election caused less surprise in London than in Paris or other capitals. The "Morning Post" says Hindenburg apparently owes his success to the beating up of previously indifferent voters, to the sentimental appeal of his name, and to staunch support from tho country districts. His installation means the virtual hoisting of the old Imperial colours, and is a harbinger of the return of the Hohenzollerns.

The "Daily Telegraph" says Hindenburg 's triumph is largely one of sentiment and of personal hero worship to which the vote of women and inexperienced youth contributed. Politically he is a nonentity. The "Daily Chronicle" says there no occasion for ill-considered criticism;. We recognise that the German people havo the right to choose whom they will for President, and we have no grounds for protest so long as the Treaty obligations are carried out.

The "Daily Herald".says Hindenburg is an honest and fairly sensible old fellow, and not in the least lil&ly to do anything impulsive or foolish. The probability is that he will not do anything at all.

The "Financial Times" says that if, •we exclude his Monarchist leanings, Hindenburg should be regarded as a non-party man and one whose influence is likely to weld the German people together more closely.

Cautious Jubilation. Jubilation tempered by caution is the keynote. The Bight Press comment on Marshal von Hindenburg's election, while the papers of the Left are taking their defeat with remarkable. equanimity, merely expressing a hope that the President will not listen to tho wild counsels of a Monarchist entourage. The Nationalist view, as reflected in the "Kreuz Zeitung," hails tho election as the beginning of Germany's post-war renaissance. , Both look to Hindenburg to restore the respect for Germany among the nations. Herr Strescmann's organ,' "Zeite," expresses the opinion that there is not the slightest danger of a Monarchist roaction, and adds:—"The foreign policy will remain unaltered." The Democratic Berlin paper "Tagcblatt," draws attention to the irony of the fact that a paladin of Wilhelm 11. should have to take the oath to the Eepublican Constitution before a Socialist President of tho Eeichstag under the Bepublican banner. Tho Socialist newspaper, "Vorwaerte," looks to the to lead the' Bepublic from the danger to which it is exposed through the election.

Five Causes of Victory. The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" says that non-Ger-man diplomats in London in closest touch with Germany ascribe Hindenburg's victory—

(1) To his outstanding personality and prestige with the masses. (2) To a feeling that he represents internal order, and will develop a strong hand against Communists.

(3) To confidence that under Hindenburg Germany will be better respected abroad, and that he is unlikely to make concessions unless absolutely necessary and compatible with the national honour.

(4) The annoyance at the adverse foreign opinions during the election. (5) To resentment at the continued occupation of Cologne and tho Allies' delayed report on German armaments.

The correspondent adds it is felt that there is no reason to fear that his election will entail modification of the Security Pact, as it is unlikely Hindenburg will support any coup d'etat or sacrifice the nation for anyone's personal ambition by a war of revenge which, as a soldier, he realises is the merest folly for many years to come.

M. Briand'b Opinion. The Paris correspondent of the "Daily Express" says that M. Briand, in an interview, said: If Great Britain

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and the United States are surprised and shocked at Hindenburg's election, France is not. I believe one of his first moves will be to annex Austria, but on the whole I do not anticipate an immediate change of policy. The "Daily Express" belioves that Hindenburg's election makes certain the advent of a Poincar6-M}llerand Ministry before Christmas.

As a result of the election, the Berlin Bourse has weakened. There has been a heavy fall in industrial shares, Which sometimes are five per cent, lower. Speculators are. waiting to see the foreign attitude towards German loans and securities.

A Disquieting Besult. "The Times," in a leader, says it would be unwise to exaggerate the importance of Hindenburg's cloction, which it cannot be denied must exercise a disquieting influence throughout Europe, and is bound to make Germany suspect not only by Prance but other Continental countries. It is useless to ignore this feeling or minimise it« intensity.

"No Orders From Any Party." "May the Lord grant that tho party of hatred may cease," said Hindenburg to a congratulatory delegation. He added that he hoped Germany would learn that unity alone would bring strength. "I shall not," he said, "accept orders from any party.''

Demand for Disarmament. The Paris newspaper''lntransigeant,'' emphasising Marshal Foch's report, demands complete German disarmament, and says Hindenburg's election forces tho Allies immediately to consider the position. Tho "Journal des Debats" asks whether Great Britain and America now realise that the Germans are an unchanged people. France must immediately assume the defensive, and the Allies must agree on a policy towards Germany. The ex-Kaiser enthusiastically received the news of Hindenburg's election.