The sun., 1919-02-03
BERLIN .SOVIETS
CALL CONGRESS-
MalcOntents TO Set Up Rival
to Governments Parlia-
ment at Weimar.
TO MEET AT SAME TIME
Development Considered Men
acing and May Lead to
More Fighting.
TO MEET AT SAME TIME
Bv the Associated Press.

BERLIN. Jan. 81 delayed With the
time for the convening of the German
National Assembly only six days Off.
the political situation has suddenly
taken on an aspect which must be con-
eidered menacing to the Government.
The Spartacans and their Independent
Socialist followers, using as their tools
the Soldiers and Workmens Councils
in different parts of the country, are
conducting n campaign which at best
seriously can embarrass and handicap
all forces working for an orderly demo-
cratic government and at worst make
the attempt at this ideal impossible, at
least for the next few weeks or months.
BY vote Of 492 to 362 a stormy
meeting of the Workmens Councils Of
Greater Berlin adopted a resolution In
favor OF the Central Council convening
national congress OF Soldiers and
Workers Councils to take action on the
question OF n national assembly and
a new constitution and the future posi-
ton Of the Soviet boards.
Though no attempt will be made to
tlisperse the National Assembly at
Weimar. 1t is expected that the Soviet
congress will be held at the same time
in Berlin thus assuring what virtu-
ally amounts to a rival Parliament.
The vote indicates the real strength
of the adherents of Soviet rule because
It is certain that the independents will
marshal councils outside of Berlin to
the support of the movement
Want soviets Retained.
Radical speakers at the meeting In
sisted on the necessity OF retention OF
the Soviet rule as a check on attempts
al restoration of the dynasty and de-
manded that their power be enlarged
The meeting also demanded by large
majority the immediate liberation OF
Georg Ledebour. the Social Democratic
leader, who has been under arres. since
Bolshevik week on the charge OF !ncit-
ing to instruction
Among those who have followed the
activities of the councils SINCE the re-
cent revolt. and particularly IN the last
week. there Is little doubt. however. that
the Congress will afford the Spartacans
Independent Socialists and other rad!-
calls an opportunity to insist on the re-
tention OF the Soviet system. alone II
possible. but in any event as Il Govern
ment department having equal rights
with any eventual Parliament or other
governmental body.
, Slim az the chances for pure Soviet
form OF government still appear to be.
observers view II as in no wise impos-
sible that the councils might be able TO
compel their retention IN some form, be-
cause even many OF the Majority So
ciallsts, who reject the methods of the
Russian Government. are inclined to
compromise by permitting the councils
to have some role In the future govern
ment. No less a parsonage than Chair
man Le!nert of the Central Executive
Committee declared last week that II
might be advisable TO retain the coun-
cils in some form.
Councils Favor Meeting.
| It should he noted further. as bearing
on this question, that although the deci-
sion TO hold this congress In obviously
vote of lack OF confidence IN the Cen
trail Committee, the latter permits 1t TO
ne unoffcially announced that II is "in-
disposed to grant this wish
/ The resolution demanding the sum
moning OF the congress was adopted at
meetings OF the Berlin soldiers councils
by a vote ii l4S to A.. after many
speakers had attacked the Government
hotly in connection swith War Minister
Reinharhts recent order regarding the
relations between the councils and OFF,
GERS
/ The resolution declared that this order
"is calculated to reduce the councils to
a position OF impotence and insignia
canoe" An opinion which the Berlin
council had strikingly Illustrated this
week when they sent a demand to the
Cabinet to appear before them and de-
fend their recent course, and particularly
their attitude during Bolshevik week.
| The Government. in a written reply,
declined TO appear before a local council,
Continued on Fourth Page.