HINDENBURG AT HELM.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 May 1925, Page 7

HINDENBURG AT HELM.

PRESIDENT OF GERMANY. INSTALLATION CEREMONY. SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE. By Telegraph.—‘Press Assn.—‘Copyright. - Berlin, May 12. Marshal von Hindenburg, on taking over the chief command in accordance with the constitution, issued a manifesto to the army and navy, greeting them with pride. He says they have led the German people along the road on which reconstruction is possible, namely, hard discipline and loyalty. They built up on the old principle of duty and sacrifice their activity which was intended to be of service to the people and State. True to the tasks imposed by the constitution, Hindenburg took the oath to the Republican constitution in the Reichstag, standing at a table covered with the Republican flag. The building was packed and the approaches to the Reichstag were thronged. When Hindenburg entered all arose except the Communists, who shouted in unison “Down with the MonarchistPresident,” and then went out in a body. . After Hindenburg had taken the oath the Socialist president of the Reichstag, Herr Loebe, spoke, saying he hoped the economic reconstruction of Germany, begun under Herr Ebert, also the policy of mutual understanding in foreign affairs, would be continued. Hindenburg read a statement affirming that he would devote himself to the united German people. The deputies, rising in their seats, gave three cheers for the German Republic. Hindenburg then left, accompanied by the Ministers. He took the salute from a regiment of Reichswehr; the crowd chanted “Deutschland über Alles.” Hindenburg, in a manifesto to the German people, says: “True to my oath, I will devote all my energies to guarding th© constitution and laws. Let us strive through honest, peaceful work to gain the recognition of other nations to which we are entitled, and free the German name from the unjust stain still lying on it to-day.” The oath that Hindenburg took on his assumption of the seven years’ office as President of the Republic runs; I swear to dedicate my powers to the Welfare of the German people, to enlarge their sphere of usefulness, to guard them from injury, and observe the constitution and laws of the federation? to fulfil my duties conscientiously ami to do justice to every man. The President’s powers under th© constitution are strictly defined and limited. Anyhow, they require the counter signature of the Chancellor or of a competent Federal Minister. The declaration of war or the conclusion of peace with foreign countries is dependent on the passing of a Federal law. ATTITUDE OF AMERICA. Washington, May 12. Officials do not expect any occasion to arise requiring formal transmission of congratulations to President Hin* denburg. The American Ambassador will verbally tender such expressions as he deems necessary.