Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-11-17
ATTEMPT TO FIX CAUSE
OF WAR CAUSES ROW
Former Vicc-Chancellor HcIfrcricll
Refuses to Answer Questions
While on Witness Stand.
HIDES BEHIND LEGAL RIGHTS
Verbal Clash Is Followed by Vice
Chairman Gothcin Leaving His
Scat at Table and Refusing TO
Proceed.
ny KARL H. WOW w1EGANp.

~ KARI. II. Won wIEGAND.
BERLIN. Nov. 16.--Imm ediatc dan
ger Of n nationalstic reaction in Ger
many and probable bloodshcd has been
precipitated by Field Marshal Won Hin
dcnburg's arrival in Berlin. The aged
former war leaders presence here has
UNNECESSARILY strengthened the politi,
cal backbon of the nationalist anu
militarists, and one of the results was
the sensa tional breakup OF saturday
afternoons hearing of the parliament
tary subcommittee investigating peace
possibilities during the war;
Former Vice chancellor HclNerlch,
who has been the nationalists' spear
point against the investigating com
lions from Deputy ohm declaring he
insisted on awaiting himself OF ms ie,
gal rights as u p@ten'inl accused accused a anu
questions put TO him by conn.
impose Fine ON Witness.
The committee took a recess to de-
liberatc the matter On reconHehihS 1t
fused aga!r. and was fined 500 marks
tS75I. whercupon Herr Wermuth, ma
,iona;ist, arose and announced his res
mittces action. IL. icft the tahic ana
e-Chairman Gothein took charge in
the midst OF a heated sHuabbie Cohn
shouted
FOR me ielTsrich IS not witness,
Hencrich jumped up and cried:
leave the room"
SuitinG action to words. he picked
OF approval broke from the spectators.
especially the newspaper men. Goth
paper men and clear the room OF spec
tators and finally he shouted:
The hearing has adjourned"
No Date Decided Upon.
He did not fix a date for rcconven-
ing. Count Won Bernstorff and others
counscled tho committee to break OF
the hearings at this time and &c, Hin
was great danger of nationalistic
coup which would be answered by the
left with general strike which would
ton.
i is understood that the committee
nEs n for at forfhRieht anywas IT'S
Macmillan Harden. discussing the
matter with me tonight, denounced
into the hands OF the nation
II warned the members Of the com
dorn or bring Hindcnburg to Berlin at
this time. but my warnings were not
needed" said the famous editor.
81 also suggested that 1t was poor
tactics to challenge the na1ionalists
at time when anti-Semitism is strong
by letting Jewish members Of the the com on
Eressive part in the interrogation OF
witnesses This breakup OF the hear
inEs is a sensational success for the
eminent"
More Signs Of Danger.
Further signs of the dangerous tide
OF sTeeBnES the and WsTe
city. at which shouts OF Down with
Erzberger! o Down With with the Jew gov
HtNdenberS'S presence here is being
used by the nationalistic propaganda
for purposes of stirring up the popu-
main appeal is to the German love for
law and order as against the present
conditions of insecurity. disorEaniZa-
tion and decentralization.
a meeting OF the league OF nations
society at Philhnrmonic Hall. at which
ing tmember Of the first German peace
delegation to Versailles) We're to
speak. was rushed by nationalists. who
the best hated man in Germany just
now, hot reception: But the Vice
Chancellor evidently had been warned
up in tumult When the chairman ex-
pressed regret Erzberger had not
come. he was greeted by shouts OF:
to livc.'
Plan Is Criticized.
IT is now generally admitted that
the government showed poor strategic
IauSS htut III having ftlndenDurR come
TO Berlin at this time. Vorwaerts. the
ofilciai government organ under a
huge headline. reading. Down with
me reaction!" today dcvotes its whole
'front.' page to an appeal against the
demonstrations threatened for tomor-
row. Clashes between the two main
poIitlcal elements are feared
The atmosphere is one Of uneasiness
intcnsihed by feeling of uncertainty
as 70 the loyalty of a portion OF
NnsEc's troops. many OF whom-both
oihcers and men-took part in last
hiEhts nationalistic dcmonstrations
me nationaliStS are aching TO nro
vokc the already unpopular govern
'nent 10 take some drastic action that
Wonid provide an excuse for further
Ir!nS UP the popuacc.
~ Is not improbable that the gov
,b, rnr nro to save itself will have 10
'tS tinemhcrship Of thirteen
ne Closing down of the industries
at iiamburg through lack of eicc;ric
po"cE The shortage Of coal and TIA
,,nSeltlng bitter cold and widesnremd
nuhEer, all are additional factors ~
spreadine discomfort and opposition 70
inc government 10
mess al signs are misleading Cor
I HS IS racing new political storr,
iMIoefEcr. against whom the n,tion
tentcd n b, rs mainly focused. is pro