Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-07-12

BY the ASSOCIATED iftsS.
BERLIN. July 10. via London, July
fe.-Prof. Hans Delbrueck. head Of the
department of history in the University
of Berlin and one of the most inf1uen-
f1al publicists in Germany, told the AS
ISOLATED Press today that the new
orientation in Prussia was really no
political novelty. as the government
had solemnly proclaimed 1t as part or
its program far back in 1905. The con-
servative forces in Prussia, he added
were 50 powerful. however. that they
Invariably succeeded in frustrating all
attempts to accomplish the desired re-
form.
The we'll known historian and pub
Usher of Prussian year books startled
political and parliamentary circles less
than a week ago by appearing with
other leading conservatives in favor OF
the immediate enactment of Prusstan
electoral reforms. In the course of his
interview he said:
Now that the promise OF this reform
has been reiterated in the emperor's
Easter message the suspicion forthwith
springs up that the conservatives will
make fresh attempts to force its post
Donement or cripple the measure, In
case its enforcement was DELAYED until
after the close OF the war. Enlightened
conservative circles therefore joined
hands with the middle parties in an ur-
gent demand for immediate legislation
in this direction. The declaration of
Preussische 'Jahbucher a few days ago
has given public expression to this
movement. Since then I have freely
been receiving affirmative support from
many sides.
Victory Is Questioned.
Despite ALL this. however. It means
a hard struggle and question very
much whether we will win out AS
England. Belgium and Italy have not
yet possession of general and direct
suffrage, PRUSSIA would be = step in
advance of those countries respecting
democratic development, always assurn-
ing. of course, that we are successful
in forcing the issue. Perhaps 1t would
then develop that Prussia and England.
where similar electoral reforms are
being agitated. would undertake the
same step simultaneously. Gratifying
as this would be. regret to say. that
present Indications point to the proba-
bAity that at this time, too, the eff
forts of our opponents will prevail.
"."It should be remembered that op-
Posing US are not only the influential
landed interests, but also capital and
big industry, in general the elements
which in the progress Of this war have
a1nassed still greater wealth and. In
addition. have now also secured con-
troll of a large section of the press.
They. furthermore. are being supported
ky the attitude of public opinion in
the United States and England. where
fits being loudly proclaimed that peace
with us can only be concluded when
We have finally become internally
&smocratized.
-" Result Of Interference.
......''Such irritating Interference in our
domestic affairs, of course. goAds .
self-conscious people into contradic-
ton. but still more fortihes the reac-
tionary forces. Perhaps this Is exactly
what President Wilson and Mr.. Lloyd
doubtedly desire the existing contrasts
to be still more intensified. for tho pur-
pose Of having the war drag on to the
familiar Knockout"
For the benefit Of Americans, Prof.
Delbrueck explained that in Prussia
suffrage is general. but through divi-