The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-07-13
Will Probably Grant Reforms
Demanded by Progressive
Element of Reichstag
CRISIS NOW AT
AN ACUTE STAGE
Universal Suffrage Proposal
May Be Submitted to Prus-
sian Diet-Bernstorf Looms
Large on Ministerial Horizon

Amsterdam, July 12.-Out OF the
political chaos that Is shaking the
German empire in its foundation
there seemed tonight but one way
out-the resignation not only OF
Chancellor Won -Hollweg.
but OF the entire ministry. Late dis
patches from Berlin indicated that
this was an immediate probability.
The resignation OF Bethmann- Hoi!-
veg has been announced by the Vos-
sische zeitung The emperor is said
to be holding his decision In abey-
ance
The one way out IL not, however.
confined to the mere resignation OF
the present cabinet and acceptance
by the emperor. A supplementary
step of tremendous historic conse-
escape from political revolt complete.
Only one man can take 1.-THE kaiser.
And those who know William II.
and know the gravity OF the crisis.
expect him to take tina sep. In
long nocturnal hear-to-heart talk with
his throne heir in Potsdam Palace.
whittier the crown prince hurried by
in response to his fathers summons.
the momentous decision was reached.
II Is believed.
Believe Hohenzollerns VIII Yield
Close observers here believe that 1t
Is the decision of the proud house OF
ff6h enGoifern to bow to the STsA Of
the people and make the hrst full
concession since Wilhelm's grand
father was crowned German emperor
at Versailles
BY a master stroke, which will cost
;, {rs, Ioo1 ~ 10 IN.
peror William is expected to solve the
situation. When the reichstag meets
tomorrow or Saturday for it's Outpost
poned plenary session. the kaiser will
make II known. II is predicted. by an
imperial message to the German peo-
pie that he leaves to their represent
atives the appointment OF a successor
to Hollweg and the rest
of the cabinet.
Thus-and thus only-can the storm
be silenced. II is believed here. One
of the chiSS demands in the reform
movement is to make the chancellor
and the ministers responsible to the
reichstag. The voluntary granting Of
this concession would inevitably Ap-
pease the opposition. Confronted with
the task of creating a ministerial
body. the four main parties would
promptly get together on this work.
1t is believed. and the other issues
would be temporarily sidetracked
Political dissension would calm down
considerably-temp at least
and with coalition government the
empire would once more show a solid
front against the outside world
Crown Prince Has Liberal Views.
Whatever may have been the out
come of the conference between the
kaiser and his eldest son those IA
miliar with the political principles
of both are certain that they agreed
to heed the handwriting on the wall.
The crown prince particularly In
known to hold extremely liberal
views, due to large extent to his
long experience at the front where.
as he has often emphasized in public
utterances. zone learns to know and
value the worth OF man. from the
highest down to the humblest"
The decision of the emperor and
crown prince. 1t is believed, was sub
mitted later to the crown council. at
which the kaiser presided in person.
In explaining the SUNNI oninG Of his
son from the front, the monarch said
the reforms demanded by the reich
stag affected not only himself but fts
successor on the throne as well.
An official statement to this efsect
was issued In Berlin. Latef4a dis
patch via Basic stated that the kai-
ser has instructed the chancellor that
the reform bill to be submitted to
the Prussian diet must include equal
franchise. This In itself Is q sweep
ing concession and virtually spells the
death knell to one Of the main evils
of the Prussian system. sinces II re-
moves the circular voting In which
wealth. not the majority of the voters.
counts.
American Intervention Cause.
Dispatches from the turmoil-shaken
Teuton capital make 1t more and
more apparent that one Of the main
factors, II not the predominant one,
that led to the whole political up-
heaval il Americas Intervention IN
tho war. The present ministry"
says Berlin's leading editor. Thedor
Woof. In the 1faseblatt. ''must %.
IN the first place because Of the bunI-
ling way Of handling matters which
has brought us into the war with
America"
Curiously enough. Bethrnann-Holi-
veg 10 the -~efy- man wAo-s4eoA- eu&
until the last against the inaugara-
ton of unrestricted U.boat warfare.
DR.. Matthias Ersbergsr. the Ceatxiot
leader who unloosed the sepFna NttGA
~ kaain motive 3er hia a4ee1
the Ec1rn1nenk ~