"QUESTION OF HOURS”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11649, 13 October 1923, Page 5

"QUESTION OF HOURS”

SALVATItN OF CERMANY STRESEMANN TRYING “TO POT THE BRAKES ON.” COACH NEAR THE ABYSS. Bv Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. Australian imd ?3.7., Cablo Association{Received October 12, 6-5 p.m.) LONDON, October 12. The 4 ‘Daily -Express” -correspondent in Berlin telegraphs; “Herr Stresemann gave me an interview this morning. He looked harassed and pale, but epeaks with confidence. He said: ‘lt is no easy task to introduce a new currency without the Ruhr and the Rhineland, or the slightest kelp from outside, hut we have got to have it. Ihe people must have confidenoe in it. You eaw that young fraulein aB you entered. She is my secretary. I give her ten milliard marks. She cays: “Thank you very much!” Next day she -comes back and 6ays: “Herr Chancellor, what shall I -do with the money? I can buy nothing with it.” .So it is all over ’Germany. I have got to put the brakes on before the cbach is over the abyss. It is going to be hard. I have had a struggle since I came into office. Please tell Kngland I am doing my best?.* “Hater, when he received a deputation of German editors, Herr Stresemann said: ‘The salvation of Germany is not a question of days, but of hours.- 9 ” EMERGENCY POWERS REICHSTAG IN A FRENZY. Published In ‘‘lTib Time. ; BERLIN, October 11. The rising opposition to the Dictator. , ship Bill is alarming Herr Stresemann, vrho is trying to arrange a night sitting of the Reichstag, in an attempt to secure the passage of the Bill. It requires a two-thirds majority in the House. The conservative wing of the Chancellor's own party is in revolt, and is braiding more and more towards the Nationalists. The voting may also ho influenced by a split among the So- ; cialiste. The members of the advanced wing of the Socialist Party are likely to vote against the Government, which is anxious to push the Bill through without delay. NATIONALISTS WALK OUT. The Nationalists walked out of the Reichstag as a protest against the Government’s action. Thus the twothirds of the membership necessary to give the Government the emergency powers demanded by the Chancellor was not present. Hie Reichstag has adjourned, and a dissolution has been temporarily avoided. Prior to the Nationalists withdrawing from the Reichstag, the first and second parts of the Emergency Law were passed separately. They took their action when the whole Bill was put to the vote. The Reichstag adjourned till Saturday. THE DICTATORSHIP LAW. The “Dictatorship Law” is probably a law providing for the continuance of the decrees issued by President Ebert a fortnight ago (when he proclaimed a State emergency), providing for the curtailment of constitutional lights, such as the freedom of the Press. and the _ right of assembly, authorising domiciliary searches and seizures; and giving the executive the power with the Minister for Defence, the military commanders, and the civil commissioners, of imposing heavy penalties for infringements, including death. IF LAW NOT PABSED DISSOLUTION ORDERED. ltea*»r« TVWyt^ti BERLIN, October 11. Kerr Stresemann, after the Reichstag had voted, visited President Ebert, who authorised a dissolution if the emergency law was not passed iu its entirety. “INTENSE EXCITEMENT” DECISION ON SATURDAY. Australian and, N.Z. Cable Aimciatiou (Received October 12, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 12. Tbs “Daily Chronicle” correspondent in Berlin describes the Reichstag sitting as the most dramatic ever held The Government early judged the situation to be most critical. Herr Stresemann decided on strong Action, and left the House to interview President Ebert and obtain powers to dissolve the Reichstag should the Bill be defeated. He returned, and told the leaders. Tho news created a sensation. The Socialists hurriedly assembled, and de - cided to vote in favour of the Bill, instead of abstaining from voting, as | they intended, but the news did not affect the Communists or tho Nation alists. The debate was continued,- but few gave it any attention. One party meeting was held after another. The excitement grew more and more intense. The debaters covered every topic, from the dollar to the Dusse-f----dorf negotiations, from the Junkers to the Jews.

A Nationalist charged Herr Strese mann with bluffing. Ho was shouted down.

Between now and Saturday all absent deputies will bo whipped up. It is thus hoped to secure the necessary majority.