The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-04-08

either before or after the next cleo
ton, and if ratified at such time we
would become part of the league.
If this is not done the nation can
apply for membership in the league
just as any nation not party to the
Versailles treaty may do and be ac-
copied by the nations that are now
members,
Although Germany has occupied an
eminence conspicuous in the center of
the stage of world events during the
week and considerable light has arisen
from the confiagration raging within
her borders, much mystery rules as to
the true state Of affairs. Dark areas
exist which the spotlights of anxious
international interest and the tele-
scopes of publicity cannot penetrate.
One thing certain is that the revolu-
ton instigated by Kapp, Luettwitz and
others with Kapp as self-appOinted die
tator, has been overthrOwn after five
days Of hectic, febrile existence. The
active agent in bringing about this
speedy demise was general strike OF
workmen conferred in Berlin.
Whether the offspring of militaristic
designs, an effort to administer oxy-
gen to the gasping hopes Of royalty, a
cunning machination of bolshevism, or
deeply laid plot involving all parties
to muddy the waters of international
affairs and so defeat the terms Of the
peace treaty as affecting Germany, Is
not yet evident and may not be clear
for long time. At any rate, the rev.
olution appears to have been feeble
child. When the railroad workers quit,
and also those of the public utilities
including gas, water and electricity.
the life-giving and distributive facili-
ties ceased. A lustier infant could
have lasted longer, but eventually
would have succumbed.
Has the Ebert government been mere
camoufiage? Ebert seems to have
known what was impending and at the
first sound of alarm deserted Berlin
after calling upon the proletariat to
support him by the strike. Earlier adj
vices indicated that Noske,l his minis
ter of defense, the man who has re-
Gently been proclaiming his acceptance
of the principles of the treaty and his
determination to help work them out.
had an understanding with the revolu-
tionaries. Time alone will demonstrate
the truth or falsity of this indication.
With the Russian. Turkish and eastern
situations what they are, added to the
complications of the Adriatic situation
and the internal affairs of France and
England it would seem TO be fairly
opportune time for Germany to stage
muddling and distracting demonstra-
ton. There are elements aplenty In
Germany committed to such intentions.
That which now seems likely is that
the various groups could not work to-
gether tremendously. Ludendorff was
in Moscow intriguing with Lenine and
Trotsky a case indeed of politics max
ing strange 5edfellows. At home there
was movement, if Ebert and his fol-
lowers could be rendered sufficiently
complaisant, to set up Hindenburg as
candidate for president N0twith-
standing that Ludendorff, the embodi-
ment of reactiOnism, was flirting with
the personificatiOn of advanced radi-
calism, and Hindenburg's supporters
were endeavOring to make friends with
the socialistic' adherents of Ebert, re-
dictionary undercurrent was prevalent
011t oil nj 10
revolution went off half cooked, as
seems fairly evident, it was due to hui
man nature and the impOssibility of
combining antagonistic elements and
soothing individual ambitions. Through
out the whole affair there has been de-
ceit, subterfuge and recrimination, a
heritage from the teachings of kultur |;
proving that German leaders cannot
be honest with each other and can
scarcely face their own visages In a
looking glass.
Out of The whole mess has come the
renewed menace of bolshevism. Har-
nessmaker Ebert Is the one figure in
Germany who carries any indications
Of influence and strength on the side
of law and order. He ordered the
strike and it remains to be seen wheth-
error not he can control it, Just now
1t looks as though he. might have Gre
ated Frankenstein destined to crush
him and throw his perhaps the
whole of Europe-into chaos. SOvietS
have been proclaimed in certain places
in Germany. 1t is true that these man.
ifestations are confined largely to Sax
ony and other Industrial centers where
radicalism has been strongest. Ebert
has confidence in his military resources
and in the sober inclinations of the
people; thoroughly sick of war,
anxious to heal internal troubles and
get back to work. The optimistic an