New-York tribune., 1918-11-22
Germany Interested
More in u. S. Food
Relief Than Politics

DEhLlN, NOV. 10 by J ne Associated
Press) Berlin has now had a week
of revolution, yet the streets have the
same appearance they presented on
any Saturday during the war, with the
exception of the absence of newspa-
per reference to events along the
front. A casual visitor would not be
aware that this has been the storm
centre OF gigantic political upheaval.
The mass Of the public appears any
thing but excited over the future prog
ress of events. Its jaded, war-weary
nerves are apparent no longer capa-
hio of responding to thrills, no matter
how inspiring.
1t is no reflection on Germans sense
of patriotic duty to say that news of
American food relief temporarily
eclipses curiosity over the political
drama. After four years of grinding
war the listlcss attitude of the m ddle
class elements in the early stages of
the revolution is typical of the apathy
that prevails.
middle parties beat head ong retreat
when the abdicaton of Emperor Will
lam was announced and left the Soc al
Democrats undisputed masters Of the
tangled situation, the majority of the
middle class citizens appeared oblv-
ious or perpleXed in the face of grave
events. 1t was only after the Social
i0ts had worked feverishly for eight
days to anchor the revolution in the
hearts and minds of the workingmcn
that the middle classes decided tc
issue their first call TO arms.
Still Somewhat Chaotic
The Ebert Haasc Cabinet is appar-
entity in undisputed control, although
its organization is still somewhat
chaotic. 1t has taken over such c.
ment5 of the old bureaucratic regime
as were Indispensable and placed its
party men III strategic positions, with.
out, however. manifcsting inclination
toward party bias. The hastily created
sub Idinatc bodies and committees are
gradually introducing a semb ance OF
method and continuity into thcir work
The conflict of authority and dis
puted Jurisdiction which made the
PaichstoG uilding a Babel early in
the week has now disappeared. The
cX curjyc committee of The Soldiers
and Workmen's organization is sup
posed to be the highest authority in
the present government, but it does
not attain that distinction. 1t is sub
ordinate to the final authority Of the
council formed by the Six Peoples
Comm ssioners. Until the National
Assembly has decreed the structure of
the new republic the present appara
tus must be accepted as a provisional
makeshift. 1t is the best the Social
Democrats have been abe to devise in
the hour of revolutionary travail.
Foods the Problem
At present the Ebert Cabinet is con-
corning itself with the urgent prob
lens Of food and demobilization The
gravity of both is such that the radi-
calls are wisely rofraining from in
dulgng in any utop an experiments.
They have been more than crcumspect,
and their reiteration that thcy pro
pose to convene the National Assem-
by is interpreted to mean that they
do not propose to offer aflront to the
middle classes or place the transi-
tional development in jeopardy
Ebert and Schoi demann arc not
feared. Landsberg is a professional
y lawyer credited with poise and moder-
ation He asserted to-day that he
oocs not favor experiments, and the
present time, above all, is not suited
TO tamnering with capital and indus
try. Haase, Dittmann and Barth have
oeen less satisfactory. Haase is cred
tied with being an extremely astute
politician. Iie inherited party leader,
ship from Ferdinand Aurust Rahel
former Socialist chief in the Reichs
tag but lost command when his party
split four years ago. Haase probqbi,
spters abroad because of his vio'en
utterances in the Rcichstag. He shoul,
not be measured ny them, but should
rather, be given credit for realizu,
his responsibility.
No Serious Friction
During the course Of tho week II.
serious friction in the Cabinets DELHI
crations has been reported, although
the Left wing has not declared for a,
, early convenIng OF the National AS
semby. II deares 10 exp oit the in
, terim in fortitying broIetarian rule
, Ebert and Schoidemanr, on the othe
: nand, are content to rest their caus
! in the elections.
The coming week will bring the mid
T.. die class parties into beated action
y The merger of the National LIBERAL
3 and the Progressives has virtual,
| been effected Leading men and WON
I en- all over the country issued II stir
ring call for the founding Of a ne,
8 democratic party to-day The an
b pointment of Karl Kautsky and Ed
: ward Bernstein as under secretaries O
ForeIQn AUnira and Finance brinre ty,