Grey River Argus TUESDAY, August 21st, 1934. PRESIDENT HITLER.

Grey River Argus, 21 August 1934, Page 4

Grey River Argus TUESDAY, August 21st, 1934. PRESIDENT HITLER.

As there was but one eandid■ale, the plebiscite on Sunday in Germany on the Presidency could scarcely be compared to an election such as that for, say, the American Presidency. Nevertheless the majority of something like seven to one in Herr Hitler’s favour may be regarded as a substantial endorsement by the nation of his regime. It is pointed out that counting in non-voters “no” voters, and invalid voters, a total of about seven millions might be regarded as against the Nazi Dictator, but, even so, that total is less than a fifth of the votes which he polled. No doubt, the plebiscite can hardly be regarded as a free vote, because th a riding element had amost a monopoly of the means of propoganda. The electorate would have only the Nazi side of the sacc put ftdly before it, and in probably most places it would be only the determined element among the opponents of Nazism who would give expression to their sentiments at the ballot box. Tn areas, of couse, where opponents are more numerous, the deterrent effect of the Nazi campaign would not be so great. There will have been a large body of voters influenced by the consideration that, although no

alternative to Holer was allowed at the ballot, any possible alternative in the circumstances might have been a more doubtful one than he, seeing that the Nazi Party are in possession of the government of the country, and would naturally prove a formidable obstacle to the rise, of another regime. Recent history shows as

conclusively as events did when Prussia began to rise as an influential State that the German people are little concerned about the forms of democracy, even if they have some ultimate regard for its reality. Il could be argued that Hitler as the chosen of the great majority stands for democracy, but it. remains to be seen if that argument is sound.

His occupancy of the dual post o President and Chancellor was de eided upon to obviate danger o

the Presidency being filled b, anybody who might not co-ope: ate entirely with the dietatorshiy It is not claimed that this ai

langement is meant to last. It is admittedly an expedient to meet a contingency. The position of Hitler is, however, rather less enviable now than it formerly was. Not only is power concentrated in him, but responsibility. If he and his party still act autocratically. they must be able to produce results which justify their claim to act in that way The question is whether they can do so. They are evidently ready to ride rough-shod over all opposition. and yet they have encount ered in the sphere of religion already an obstacle which may eventually bring about their fall. Likewise in industry, they have scarcely effected any improvement, as any reduction of unemployment. has been accompanied by servile conditions. Commercially, also the situation is con strained, whilst it remains to be seen how the new financial policy works out. The chief feat of Hitler and his party has bean that in its realm of polities, and its achievement has been facilitated by a. promise to restore German influence and power in the international as well as in the national sphere. An attitude of non-aggression has been recently proclaimed, but. that assurance must be at least be qualified by an anticipation that as soon as she feels able, Germany may claim as her right what to-day is regarded as the right of other countries. Hitler may be said to have proved himself a leader acceptable to the German people, but he has yet Io prove that he is able to lead the German people ont of the turmoil and insecurity that has made possible his own rise. Opposition to him may be expected to grow, rather than to decline. Nazism may indeed be modified, but its test will be that of attaining a normal and durable equalibrium. If has not yet displayed that ability, and it never tn a v.