THE CENTRAL POWERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3382, 8 January 1919, Page 15

THE CENTRAL POWERS

CONDITIONS STILL CHAOTIC. THE FIGHT FOR POWER. - (By Cable.) THE GERMAN MINISTRY. German newspapers state that the Ebert Government has not fallen, though the fepariacuG group threatened to overthrow ft. The government may be removed to another city, leaving Berlin in the hands of the Spartacusians. As the result of a meeting of the people's delegates and the Central Council, Herr Ebert decided not to resign, but to make every effort to maintain himself in power, peacefully, if possible. A New York Times Berlin message reports that Herren Haase, Barth, and Dittmann have returned to the Cabinet. The impression is that the Majority Socialists ■will form, a new Government* Berlin reports state that the Central Council has appointed Herren Noske, Loebe, and Wissell members of the Cabinet, replacing Herren Haase, Dittman, and Bath, who resigned. Herr Schiedemann becomes Foreign Minister, Herr Noske Minister of Military Affairs, and Herr Wissell Minister of Social and Political Affairs. The United Press Berlin correspondent pays the new German Government consists pf: Herr Ebert, Chancellor* and Minister pf the Interior; Herr Schiedemann, Foreign Minister; Herr Noske, Minister of Army and Navy; Herr Landsberg, Minister of Finance; Herr Wessel, Minister of Social Affairs.

The Government has announced the following policies:—To prepare for the Rational Assembly; to provide food; Jocialise public institutions", seize war proits, provide universal employment, proEote national defence, disarm unautnorad' persons, bring about a quick and vourable peace, and reform German diplomacy abroad. The death is reported of ex-Chancellor von Hertling, at Ruhpolding (Bavaria), after six days' illness. CHRISTMAS RIOTING. The most serious episode, in the Christmas rioting was the arrest of Herr Ebert {Premier) and his colleagues. They were leld captive in their own offices. They gaggled over the marines' terms, but finally accepted them. The Government's position was further weakened when the Guards sought to overpower the marines, but Herr Ebert, bearing a coup d'etat, intervened, and requested the troops to return to Potsdam. The whole affair is a victory for the sailors and a defeat for the Government, whose loss of prestige is so great that a Cabinet crisis is inevitable. The Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam correspondent states that strong military posts are placed at all the public buildings and street corners in Berlin, armed with machine guns and grenades. Undoubtedly jboth sides are ready for battle. There was much desultory fighting at the funeral of the sailors who were killed in fighting at the Roval Palace at Berlin on December 8. The Spartacus group Organised a procession of at least 100,000. They hooted the Government. Naval aeroplanes dropped flowers. There was a counter-demonstration bv the Majority Socialists, numbering 300,000 or 400,000. Berlin troops joined in. It was the most impressive political demonstration ever .witnessed in Berlin. STRIKES. . Silesian troubles are being reproduced in the Rhine Westphalian coal' districts. Strikers disarmed the troops, and raided the banks. Armed with machine guns. they have taken possession of the mines. There is a great hotel and restaurant waiters' strike in Berlin, due to the demand for fixed salaries instead of tips. The employers refused, and ordered a general lock-out if the waiters persisted. The strikers have joined disorderly elements, and much looting of restaurants resulted. THE NEW CONSTITUTION. Vorwarts, in an authorised statement, 'details the new Constitution, which will s>e beaded by a Pi'esident, who will be Ajiosen by the people's direct vote. The President will be assisted by a Cabinet jbttUar to that of Britain. The Parlia*

ment will consist of two Houses —one the People's House, and the other the State's House. Members of the State's House, or Upper Chamber, will really be delegates chosen by the Parliaments of the Federal States. In the event of disagreement between the two Houses, or between the President and the Houses, the matter will be decided by a national referendum. Prussia will no longer enjoy a predominance of power, which will be curtailed by a subdivision of the electorates. SPARTACUS CONGRESS. One hundred delegates, representing the whole of Germany, attended the Spartacus Congress at Berlin. The congress passed a resolution of antagonism to the Independent Socialists, and also resolved on the formation of a new party called the Communistic Labour Party, or the Spartacus Band. The dramatic appearance of Radek, who arrived secretly, caused a sensation in the congress. The Spartacus Congress, by 63 votes to 23, rejected Herr Liebknecht's motion in favour of participating in the elections for a National Assembly. A resolution was adopted favouring all means being used to prevent the Assembly from meeting. The Morning Post's Amsterdam correspondent states that at the Spartacus conference in Berlin Dr Liebknecht disapproved of endeavours to use German troops against the Bolshevists. He urged that these troops should shoot their officers if ordered to do their duty. M. Radek, the Russian Soviet delegate, in a speech at the Spartacus Congress at Berlin, declared that the German Government -had rejected the offer of two train loads of breadstuffs. The Russians were willing to share what little they had with the German proletariat. He ridiculed the idea of the Entente sending troops furtherinto Russia, because they.became infected with Bolshevism. He declared that the Russian workmen were ready to fight alongside their German comrades on the Rhine against British capitalism. He proposed a world Soviet congress at Berlin to negotiate a world peace. RIVAL PARTIES. The Daily Express Berlin correspondent has interviewed Herr Barth (Minister of Social Policy), who said that he foresaw the possibility of two counter-revolutions—-one from the Extreme Left, or Spartacus Group, and the other from the Extreme Right, or Military Party. Barth (?), who succeeded von Ludendorff as Leader of the Military Party, admitted that he had given certain secret orders. The military caste probably intended to re-establish a monarchy. The Independent Socialists left the Ebert Gbvernment owing to the manner in which the Majority Socialists handled the soldiers' outbreak. The Independent Socialists' programme consists of the. immediate demobilisation of all troops and the nationalisation of industries, but not on Russian lines. .Capitalism would not be swept away at one blow, but co-operation with employers would be used. Herr Ledebour and two of his prominent colleagues have formed a new Socialistic party, in consequence of their expulsion from the Independent Socialists and of being also disowned by the Spartacusians. INTRIGUES IN BAVARIA. The Munich correspondent of the Daily News states that a Monarchist plot, centred in Munich, has been discovered. Forty arrests have been made, including influential officers. The conspirators plotted to seize the arsenal and arrest members of the Soviet. The Daily Chronicle's Geneva correspondent states that the Spartacusians in Bavaria are very active. They possess machine guns and plenty of ammunition, purchased by the money of the Prussian Bolshevists. The Spartacusians are bitterest against Herr Eisner.and are openly preparing to overthrow him. The Centre Party in Bavaria is intriguing with Prince Rupprecht for the Bavarian throne. Prince Rupprecht is now entrenched in one of the mad King Ludwig's mountain castles, surrounded by a bodyguard of several hundred royal officers. It is certain that Prince Rupprecht is conspiring against Herr Eisner, whom the Catholics hate because he is a Jew.

Seventeen leading citizens at Munich were arrested on Sunday night, when the police raided a big hotel, where a Duke was presiding over a secret gatheringor plotters against the Eisner regime. The

duke and the other persons arrested declared that the intention was to form a town militia, but when the place was raided the plotters made desperate efforts to destroy compromising documents and drawings. The Governments of Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Baden, and Hesse have decided to co-operate in the reorganisation of Germany on the basis of a Federal Government, with a National Assembly. They will also take joint action with regard to food supplies from abroad. Bavarian advices state that a movement has started for the consolidation of a Ger-man-Austrian Constitution, under the Emperor Charles, who is becoming increasingly popular. The Bavarian Roman Catholics, however, opposed the monarchical system. A Zurich telegram states that the Communists have decreed the execution of the Archbishop of Munich, using the cathedral bell-rope to hang him. A NEW CONFEDERATION. The Daily Express Vienna correspondent states that Dr Masaryk, the new President of the Czecho-Slovak Republic, has announced that President Wilson, Mr Lloyd George, and M. Clemenceau have agreed to the creation of a new German Confederation, under the direction of Bavaria, and to the destruction of Prussian supremacy, by the separation of all the non-Hungarian-speaking lands, and the establishment of a Danube Confederation under the Czeoho-Slovaks, with the adhesion (?) of the Austro-Germans. THE FOOD QUESTION. The Express learns that President Wilson submitted a plan to feed the German and Austrian peoples. The plan includes the utilisation of German and Austrian tonnage. The Swiss Government has begun the shipment of more than 10,000 tons of foodstuffs to Vienna for the relief of the civil population. These provisions will be replaced in Switzerland by the United States Government. The United Press correspondent at Berlin learns that 400,000 Germans are without work. THE HOB[ENZOLLERNS. An Amsterdam message states that, according to Berlin Vorwarts, an attendant attempted to kill the Kaiser. He fired four shots, none of which was effective. Reports from Berlin state that a League of German Men and Women has been formed for the protection of life. It appeals to diplomats and the exKaiser's former advisers to provide information permitting of the publication of a White Book proving that the ex-Kaiser was. not personaly responsible for the war. Prince Henry of Prussia declined the presidency of the league, as he. may be called as a witness, and suggested von Hindenburg as president. The Telegraaf publishes despatches from ( ) saying that the British and Dutch Governments have reached .an agreement regarding the ex-Kaiser's status. Reports from Holland state that the exKaiser has a cold, with high fever, and is unable to leave his bed.

The Chicago News correspondent at The Hague interviewed M. Hemmiskerk, Dutch Minister of Justice, who said the Dutch Government did not arrange for the coming of the ex-Kaiser to Holland. Dutchmen deplored his presence in Holland, and would regard it as a good thing if a St. Helena could be found for him.

The Dutch press states that the exKaiser and Kaiserin have regained their health, but the Kaiser lies in the strictest seclusion because of rumours that conspirators have arrived at Amerongen with a plan for his assassination. Consequently the Kaiser is strongly guarded. He apparently retains an incurable love for the limelight. He recently told his attending physician that at first he meditated assembling the Royal troops and making a last great attack on the Allies arid dying gloriously, but he could not reconcile it with his conscience to sacrifice further lives. He also thought of collecting trusty troops and marching to Berlin to quell incipient revolution, but he feared to unchain civil war. The Daily Express states that the international difficulties in connection with the trial of the ex-Kaiser have been overcome, and means have been found whereby he may be called on to answer definite charges preferred against him by the Allies in conformity with international law. Professor Lanz has successfully operated on the ex-Kaiser's ear. Dr Lanz states that the ex-Kaiser intended to remain with the German troops at the front to the last, but this plan was rendered futile by a revolution among the troops on the lines of communication, including Brussels, Liege, and Aix-la-Chapelle. When the garrisons along the Rhine joined the movement, the ex-Kaiser was cut off from the rest of Germany. He could have gathered his faithful troops together and marched on Berlin in order to re-establish himself, but would have had to capture Coblenz, Cologne, and other towns, which meant civil war. The ex-Kaiser therefore consulted von Hindenburg and others, and thej unanimously said "Go to Holland."

THE CROWN PRINCE AND HIS SON. The New York Times correspondent at Geneva says: A Berlin correspondent informs me that Prince Wilhelm, the exCrown Prince's eldest son, was kidnapped by Prussian Monarchist officers at Pots-, dam, and is being kept hidden. Efforts of the Berlin Government to discover his whereabouts are unavailing. The hopes of the Prussian junkers centre round the young prince. Being only 13 years of age, the boy cannot legally nor can anyone renounce his rights to the Prussian throne for him. The Monarchists hope to be able to produce the prince at the opportune moment. The United Press Wieringen correspondent states that it is reported that the exCrown Prince of Germany unsuccessfully

attempted to escape from his exile in the Zuider See. THE ORIGIN OF THE WAR. Many important documents relating to the origin of the war were discovered at Lille and the Hohenzollern Museum at Charlottenburg. These include letters in the ex-Kaiser's handwriting and others addressed to him. Apparently the exKaiser regarded the documents as too important to be 'included in the Foreign Office archives. -^ The private apartments of the and Empress were looted during last week's disturbances. Five hundred persons invaded the rooms, stealing hundreds of articles of value, emptying the wardrobes, breaking uhe ex-Kaiser's private desk, and annexing the contents. One of the thieves dressed in one of the ex-Kaiser's uniforms, and left his own dirty clothes on the floor. BOLSHEVIST ACTIVITY. The Daily Express Berlin correspondent states that Bolshevism has broken loose in Silesia. The miners forced the proprietors to sign all sorts of documents. One agreement involves the distribution among the miners of £4,000,000. The miners are pillaging and killing. They have declared a Bolshevist republic. There is evidence of the Bolshevist propaganda spreading in Westphalia. The Politiken's Berlin correspondent says Marshal Foch's representative Armistice Commission has declared that if the Bolshevist element in Germany prevails the Allies will break off preliminary peace negotiations. According to the Berlin Deutsche Tages Zeitung the British Government has sent, an ultimatum to the German Government demanding that German troops shall prevent further advances by Bolshevist forces, and that Valk Vonden must be recaptured. English newspapers continue to demand the Government's intentions, owing to the advance of Bolshevists towards Germany and the inability of German forces to stay their progress. The Chicago Tribune's Budapest correspondent says : The city is terrorised by Bolshevists. Riots rule, and law and order are tottering. Hundreds of men have been released from the prisons, and when they refused to re.turn the guards fired pointblank into their ranks.

The Bolshevist movement is being led by the Russian agitator Delakun, who is reputed to control large sums to foster Bolshevism. He says that if he is further opposed . a thousand Bolshevists from the surrounding provincial districts -will invade the city. Many citizens fear wholesale massacres. . PRESSURE ON THE ALLIES. A United Press Berlin telegram says that Police Prefect Eichorn has declared, that American and British newspaper cor- 1 respondents might be arrested in order to force on the Allied occupation of Berlin. Reports from Germany state that von Hindenburg telegraphed to the industrial magnates that he would be willing to see British troops occupy Berlin. FIGHTING IN. BUDAPEST. Communist demonstrations at Budapesth resulted in bloodshed, several being killed. Troops from the barracks are now besieging the Government buildings. HUNGARIAN TROUBLES. It is reported that Czech troops have arrived at Pressburg" (where the Danuba leaves Austria and enters Hungary), and have cut the Vienna-Budapest Railway (which rus through Pressburg) and the telegraphs. Mobs are looting the food stores. MACKENSEN. ARRESTED. The French commander in Hungary, ignoring Marshal von Mackensen's protest, arrested him at Count Karolyi's castle, where he has lately been interned. Von Mackensen has applied for the Hungarian Government's protection. POLES CAPTURE POSEN. The Poles have captured Posen. Polish committees conferring in Posen propose to establish a republic, with Paderewski as first President. Bolshevist sympathisers marched to the Hotel Bruhlim, and demanded the release of Bolshevist agents. Polish troops shot into the crowd, killing many. The Tagblatt reports that messages from Posen state that there we're over 200 casualties in street, fighting. Martial law has been proclaimed. A Coalition Government is being formed. Accounts of the fighting at Posen state that German officers after firing their revolvers at a motor carrying the American flag, stopped it, and threw the flag on the ground. The Polish Guards drove off the Germans, after fighting till midnight. It is reported that 38 women and children and about 100 men were killed. The Poles now control the public buildings. They have dismissed the Workmen's and Soldiers' Council, and are disarming returning troop 3 as they arrive, but have seen some resistance and some severe fighting. The British Mission has protested against the disorder ruling, and General Schimelpfeing declared that he had no control over the soldiers, arid added: I could not permit enemy flags in Prussia The German press is insistent that German troops should restore order in Poland. Fighting continues between the Germans and the Poles. Paderewski is commanding the latter. Posen is officially declared to be in a state of siege. The Poles are storming the public buildings, boys of 15 being armed with rifles against the Germans. A thousand Poles stormed the artillery depots and distributed ammunition. They took possession of the railways, and sent to the German garrison at Posen to demand their surrender, as otherwise airmen would bombard the barracks.

ATTACK ON JEWS. Pogroms occurred at Posen on the 29th, and a number of Jews were killed and the synagogues damaged by machine-gun fire, while numerous houses were pillaged. The Anglo-Jewish Association has published a report showing that the recent pogroms in Poland are the result of a proclamation declaring that Jewish gold is financing the Polish Social Democrats, and that the Jewish League is organising Bolshevism. General Urtoldorski, the Polish Com* mander-in-chief, has issued an order to arrest Jew hostages, who will be shot if Bolshevist outrages occurred. Pogroma followed in many centres. A DARING PROJECT. Polish advices state that Polish cavalry raiding Germany from Posen have reached Frankfuft-on-Oder. The Daily Express Geneva correspondent says the Polish Agency at Lausanne is advised from Posen that a Polish army of from 30,000 to 40,000 Polish infantry, well armed, and supported by cavalry, has begun a daring raid into Germany, its ultimate objective being Berlin. Tho cavalry has already entered Frankfort-on-Oder, while the infantry has occupied the railway centres at Deuthen, Gnesen, and Bromberg, capturing much railway stock and other booty almost without resistance. The Germans are reasoning with their demobilised troops, but many refused to serve. The railways are disori ganised, therefore it is possible that the Poles may reach Berlin. The New York Times Rotterdam corre ? spondent learns on excellent authority that the new German Government will organise a volunteer army of veterans, who will be sent to the eastern front to fight the Poles. The Minister .of the Army and Navy (Herr Noske), in a statement on the uk vasion, said: "The Government will not allow the Poles to invade German terri-. tory." - A United Press message from Copenhagen states that, according to despatches from Berlin, the Germans defeated the invading Poles at Lissa Bakol. The Posen correspondent of the National Tidende states that the situation is growing worse. The German frontier troops are fighting the Poles at various points, and are driving them back by artillerv fire.A United Press message from The Hague states that despatches from Berlin report that Polish troops are steadily ad* vancing towards Berlin. CZECHO SLOVAKIA. The United Press correspondent at Prague interviewed M. Marsayki, who said Czecho-Slovakia's greatest problem was the dispute between the Poles and Germans. He added: We will give none the right to occupy our borders. Militarily, Bolshevism is a great danger, but order reigns in Czecho-Slovakia. There have been unsuccessful attempts to send 801-. shevist agitators to make trouble. Our national programme includes separation of the Church from the State. As regards food, we temporarily need fats and minerals. Our mines and factories have been utterly destroyed or robbed by Austria. We will demand reparation from Austria. Meanwhile we need help from the Allies to start our mines and factories. VARIOUS ITEMS. Vorwarts appeared on Friday under the title " Red Vorwarts," stating that it is in the hands of the revolutionary workers, the people, and the navy. Pillaging on a large scale continues in Frankfort, and the authorities are poweri less. The troops refuse to fire upon the rioters. Advices from Berlin state that Admiral von Scheer, Chief of the Naval Staff, has resigned.