The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1917-07-14
MAJORITY IN
RE|CHSTAG To
SWAY KAISER
RumOrS of AbdiCatiOn of KdiS'
er Wilhelm UnC0nfiTmed
Washington Reports
(By United Press.)

WASHINGTON, July 14.-Up to late
this afternoon nothing in the way of
confirming rumors that the kaiser had
abdicated in favor of his son, Prince
Joachim, had been received. Officials
are inclined to doubt the correctness of
the reports.
While the tension growing from the
internal political situation in Germany
was generally regarded as probably in
creasing it was not believed to have
reached the stage where the throne or
the Junker control of the government
was seriously threatened.
Prince Joachim is known as one of the
most popular members of the ruling
family, even more popular than the
crown prince. He was wounded Decem-
Der, 1914. and was recently reported i'll.
Started at Amsterdam.
Cnconfrmed rumors mentioning him
as the successor TO the kaiser recall
United Press dispatches early in the
week that the crown prince had been
summoned to Berlin because the reform
lists insisted that he as heir to the
throne. subscribe to reform pledges SO
that their fulfillment would be made
certain. This gave rise to speculation
on the possibilities that the crown prince.
known as arrogantly Junker in all be-
lief had refused to subscribe to reform
and Prince Jochim had approved.
The source of the rumor was Am
sterdam. long known one of the bus
lest rumor cities in Europe. For this
reason and because the rumor gave no
hint of their source officials were in
clined to regard It wftn~ exceeding doubt.
Why the kaiser's rumored abdication
should be in favor of Prince Joachim
was one of the things not made clear.
Prince Joachim is. the emperor's sixth
son and he is 26 years of age.
Revolt Is Spreading.
There is 10 doubt in the mind of Of
ficials that the parliamentary revolt
in Germany is spreading. The serious
ness of the situation as Washington sees
it is that the reformists have control
of the Reichstag, and thus are able to
postpone or refuse a vote the war
credit bill In such a contingency the
German autocracy has two courses left:
one, to make some concession; the 9TH
er, to prorogue the refractory parlia-
ment. But in the latter event it was
pointed out. new elections must be cal
led within sixty days, under the Ger
man fundamental law. Officials did not
think it likely the Junkers would risk
a general election with its certain pro-
discussion of the whole war situation.
Therefore. they believe the autocracy
would seek to offer special concessions
TO lull the reformers.
by JOHN GEANDENs
(United Press STAFF Correspondent
BERLIN. via London, July 1.-THE
Centres party demand as to Germany's
peace terms is finding support in the
Reichstag because it is felt adoption OF
these suggestions by the government
would be an effective answer to the en-.
tente allies claims that Germany must
be crushed to achieve characterization
If the government approves the Centre
parties policies it is held this act would
show Germany's democracy at this time
For this reason the situation in the
Reichstag today was regarded as hav.
ing an important bearing on the wars
end.
Rumors Of the resignation of Chancel
lor Hollweg arose through the fact thai
prior to the meeting of the Crown Coun
ell he with all other Prussian ministers
rendered his resignation to the emporer
The cabinet officers desired that this
Kaiser be unhampered in dealing witt
the situation. If the Kaiser yields tC
he demands for reformers there is nC
reason why he should resign. The Cen
ire peace program is finding majority