Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-09-14
Retirement of Chancellor
Hertling Vies With War
in Interest
QUESTION LEADERSHIP
Pruss ian Conservatives
Charged With Attempting to-
Hinder Franchise Reforms
Special Gable to Erening Public Ledger
Coz yri0ht, 1913, bv Netr York Times Co.
he

COyr1ht, 1913, bv Netc York Times Co.
The Hague, Sept. IA
The question of the Prussan fran
chise bill and possible dissolving of the
Prussian Diet have assumed an i'm
portance which vies with events on the
western front for interest at the mo-
ment. This and the impending min
isterial crisis, which is closely connected
with reforms. are the a!l-absorbing
topics of the press.
Speech-making appears to be the
order Of the day. After the Kaiser's
speech to the Krupp workers. Legien's
reply to Gompers and Burian's speech
10 journalists, two National Liberal
leaders. Won Richthoven and Strese-
mann, have made striking addresses on
the Hertling crisis tthc word crisis Is
now openly used) and the Prussiau re-
form bill.
friederich Nauman has aso made
an extra ordinary sta tement He points
out that in military matters linden
burg and Ludendorff lead. but wants 10
know who leads politically.
Have We a leader?" he asks. "Ac-
cording to constitutional comprehension
we are consolcd with the fact that the
Kaiser is represented by the Chancellor,
who is responsible. but what is the good
of this in questions of the German En-
T,re's existence" When we ask the
Chancellor in committee he does not
know where we are being led or will
not say. That is the situation of today.
We have nothing against the person
of the present Chancellor and his rep
resentative, Won Payer, is a party
friend. The Government has the con-
ftdence of the majority. but can do
nothing .. The majority cannot
prevent constant contradictory utter
ances as public manifestations. All
peace utterances since December, 1916.
have been crossed by opposing parties
or speeches. No one knows which is the
opinion of the leaders,
Stresemann, in his speech at a big
National Liberal meeting at Saar-
brucken. takes up a remarkable atti-
tude, reproving big industrialists.
The Tageblatt says that at Tester-
days meeting of International leaders
Of the Diet, no changes were made in
the attitude of the parties.
The Independent Socialists have ad-
dressed a petition demanding that peace
negotiations be commenced Immediately
Much stress is being laid on Hertling' s
age and health, as during the former
ministerial crisis. when it was rumored
that Hertling would go and when Kuehl-
mann fell. The L0lSal Anzeiger and Ger
mania deny reports that Hertling is to
be replaced by Doctor Solf. both papers
calling them 'misciiievous rumors.'
The Lokal An2eiger says it is impos-
sible to foresee whether from now tc
: October 8. when the main committee
of the Reichstag meets, everything Wi!
remain as before in ruling Government
circles The paper refuses to indulge IN
speculation as to impending ministerial
changes declaring thai Germany car
at present stand anything better thar
fresh unrest in party politics.
The Berliner Tageblatt agrees will
Germania that these reports emanate
from big industrial circles. The Frank
furter Zeitung remarks that the rumors
regarding Solf Erzberger and Scheide.
mann and of the change in Austria
merely condense the idea and discussion:
which have been occupying politicians
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and statesmen fo'
some time owing to the course of events