GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 December 1918, Page 5

GERMANY.

ELECTING A PRESIDENT. t. : OF GERMAN RM'TIBLKJ. ,^, : SENSATION AT SOVIETS' CONFERENCE, "^ SOLDIERS CAUSE AN UPROAR. Received Dec. 22, 5.5 p.m. Berlin, Dec. 19. The National Workmen's Council is considering plans by which the German Republic will elect a president on Sunday. It argued that prompt action was necessary to show the Allies that Germany has a responsible government when the Peace Conference begins. FToin a general outlook it appears that the Spartaeus group has been checked. Ebert has vigorously acted against the followers of LiebknecM. Just before the Soviets' Conference adjourned, thirty soldiers created a sensation by invading the meeting room and demanding that the delegates should immediately vote to disarm and disqualify all officers, and ploce authority in the hands of the Soldiers' and Workmen's Councils. Their appearance eaused a great uproar. The Congress finally adjourned in confusion. Thß episode is regarded as another attempt by Liebknecht to stampede the Congress.— Reutar Service, via America^

A COUNTER-REVOLUTION. HEADED BY HENDENBBURG. ARROGANCE OF SOVIETS. A PEOPLE'S LEAGUE FORMED. Received Dec. 22, 5.5 p.m. Berne, Deo. 20. Confidential documents laid before the Berlin Congress show that Ebert and Seheidemann favor the counter-revolu-tion which Von Hindenburg is heading The Berlin Congress of Soviets passed a resolution arrogating to its council of six entire political executive power in the Empire, also in Prussia, and the right to appoint or dismiss Ministers. It also passed a resolution abolishing class distinctions and titles. A People's League was inaugurated in Berlin on .Thursday, and those a committee under Prince Max, largely identical with Ebert's Cabinet.—Aus. N.Z Cable Assoc.

TROOPS SUPPORT EBERT. IN ESTABLISHING A REAL DEMOCRACY. A BOLSHEVIK TRICK FAILS. Received Dec. 22, 5.5 p.m. New York, Dec. 20. Mr. Dosch Fleurot, writing from Berlin, says that for the past five days Berlin has been filled with returning troops, fully armed, who are in no mood to trifle with the Bolshevik element. With their support Herr Ebert has been able to take a firm stand for the earliest possible meeting of the Constituent Assembly, which will establish a real democracy. Liebknecht tried a typical Bolshevik trick at the moment of the opening of the National Arbeiter Soldatenrat, with a deplorable result to himself and the Spartacus group. Liebknecht led about 8000 workmen through the streets to the Abgeorgansten Hall, where the president of the Vollzugrat was making a speech to a body of men elected by the Soldiers' and Workers' Council. When Liebknecht's delegation took the stand, making a strong Bolshevik speech, the meeting broke up, • aid this move •would seem to have broken Liebknecht's political change.—Aus. N.2. Cable Association.

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY. DATE OF MEETING FIXED. Received Dec. 22, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 21. The Berlin Congress decided that the National Assembly should be summoned to meet on January 19.—United Service. THE EX-KAISER. EFFECTS OF CONSTANT WORRY. STRANGERS EXCLUDED FROM , GROUNDS.

The Hague, Deo 19.

The constant worry of the past five weeks has changed the Kaiser's appearance. His face is ashen, lis hair grey, and his features deeply lined. Since he has been lying in bed ill during three days his 'beard has added ten year.s to Ms age. The former Empress is almost his sole attendant. Strangers are not permitted in the grounds on any pretext.—fieuter Service, via America.