INTERNAL GERMANY

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13893, 19 October 1918, Page 5

INTERNAL GERMANY

COUNTRY ON THE EVE OF AN ERA OF BOLSHEVIKISM. ALL THE NECESSARY ELEMENTS FOR A REIGHN OF TERROR. SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT READY IF KAISER'S REGIME OVERTHROWN. KAISER REMOVING MANY OF HIS VALUABLES TO HOLLAND. THE COUNTRY'S ALTERNATIVES: PEACE OR REVOLUTION. (Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association.) Received October 18, 5.5 fun. LONDON, October 17. The Daily News' political correspondent says that the secrecy concerning the German situation and Die tense pause which kept London awaiting far into the evening yesterday, will have, dramatic explanations. The correspondent learns from authoritative quarters that news reached some members of the Government from neutral sources that the German people are convulsed, and state that the country is on the eve of an era of Bolshevism. They fear that this will prove a disaster more dire than defeats, and might last for years; therefore, they are urging the Kaiser to abdicate. The shortage of ammunition, guns and raw materials, together with the demoralisation of the armies, which has been increased by the peace overtures, and also internal turmoil and the fact that her allies are deserting Germany, contribute to a potential reign of terror. The awful casualties sustained since March have caused widespread depression and anger. The soldiers are in, a state of mutiny on parts of the front, wnere a rot has set in, though elsewhere the troops are lighting bravely. There is good authority for stating that the German Socialists are organised for an emergency, and that a Socialist Government is ready to seize the reins if the Kaiser's regime is overthrown. Although the abdication rumours are not confirmed, the correspondent knows from an unimpeachable source that the Kaiser for some time past has been removing many valuables to his *iouse in Holland. Neutrals are now clearing out of Germany as hastily as possible. The Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam correspondent says that a neutral who has arrived from Germany states that it is not an exaggeration to say that Germany is faced with the alternatives of either peace or revolution. THE CHANCELLORSHIP RETAINED BY PRINCE MAX. (Australian and New Zealand Cable Association.) Received October 18, 5.5 p.m. AMSTERDAM, October 17. Prince Max of Baden retains the Imperial Chancellorship of Germany. SOLDIERS REFUSING TO GO TO THE FRONT ARE UNPUNISHED. CROWN PRINCE WARNED NOT TO VISIT BERLIN. THE KAISER OPENLY CALLED "WILHELM THE CULPRIT." RUSSIAN SOVIETS LOOK FOR BOLSHEVISM IN GERMANY. (Australian and New Zealand Cable Association.) Received October 18, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, October 17. The Daily Express' Amsterdam correspondent states that it is reported that the soioiers, with civilian support, are refusing to go to the front, and have caused disorders in many places in Germany. A whole regiment at Aix la Chappelle threw their arms into the canal on Sundav rather than proceed to the Flemish front. They shot the captain, who called them traitors and all went unpunished. It is reported that the Crown Prince has been warned not to visit Berlin. The feeling against the Kaiser is particularly bitter, and he is openly called "Wilhelm the Culprit." The Kaiser, who is reported to be a physical wreck has been informed of his serious position by King Ludwiff, of Bavaria and others. ' The Daily News' Stockholm correspondent says that the Soviet Government expects Germany to shortly become Bolshevik, and hopes that she will link with Russia to tight the Entente. CROWDS RECEIVE ACCEPTANCE OF MR WILSON'S TERMS LISTLEBSLY. DR. SOLF INCLINED TO BLAME GERMAN DIPLOMACY. Received October 18, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, October 17. The Berlin correspondent of a pro-German Swedish journal describes an Interview with Dr. Solf on Sunday before the latter dispatched his reply to Mr Wilson. Dr. Solf expressed the hope that an honourable peace could be obtained, adding: "We must admire our soldiers for what they have don», but we cannot admire our diplomats' share in the war." Outside the Foreign Office waiting throngs listlessly received leaflets announcing that Mr Wilson's conditions had been accepted. Everywhere the people seemed indifferent. Some said that Mr Wilson's conditions were hard, "but what does it matter, we must have peace and work. It will be doubly hard to make up for what we have lost." RUMOURS OF KAISER'S ABDICATION PROCEED FROM AUSTRIA, (The Times.) Received October 18, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, October 17. Diplomatic circles think that the rumours of the Kaiser's abdication proceed from Austrian sources, where the wish is father to the thought. THE CERTAINTY OF DEFEAT AND THE FEARS OF INVASION. LUDENDORFF ATTRIBUTES MILITARY REVERSES TO MUTINY. ABDICATION OF THE KAISER HOPED TO AVERT PUNISHMENT. (Australian and New Zealand Cable Association.) Received October 18, 7.30 p.m. PARIS, October 17. The Ma [in states that all travellers from Germany corroborate the rapid crumbling of the morale of Germany, owing to the certainty of defeat and the fear of invasion. Croups of soldiers traverse Berlin streets singing pacifist hymns and revolutionary couplets, while their officers seek hiding places. Some pan-Germans tried to demonstrate at Hindenburg's statue, but were dispersed by a hooting mob. The populace tore the base from the statue and destroyed a crown which the pan-Germans placed there. Tbe police interrupted and prevented the burning of the idol. Ludendorff informed the Kaiser that ?!• principal cause of the military reverses was mutiny. Divisions decline to obey orders, and soldiers assemble to discuss politics and their commanders. Even the Kaiser's favourites agree that he must abdicate if his person is an obstacle to peace. The population believes that his abdication would be sufficient to prevent the punishment of Germany. When this illusion is dispelled the depression will be terrible. MILITARY DECREES TO BE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE CHANCELLOR. (Australian and New Zealand Cable Association.) Received October" 18, 7.30 p.m. AMSTERDAM, October 17. The Berlin newspapers have discontinued the publication of Allied communiques. Another Kaiser decree, of October 15, says that the Commander-in-Chief must issue his decisions in agreement with the Chancellor. TWO DAYS' SEVERE STREET FIGHTING IN BERLIN. (United Service A Received October 18, 10.55 p.m. HAGUE, October 17. Street fighting occured in Berlin on Friday and Saturday, beginning with Nationalist demonstrations- demanding the continuance of the war. These processions traversed the Wilhelmstrasse and I'nter tier Linden denouncing the Government. Counter-demonstrations were immediately organised on a large scale. At first they were merely noisy, and then heavy fighting took place. The police were outnumbered, some being severely injured. Strong patrols of soldiers and mounted police rode through the crowds until nightfall.