Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-03-16
World Suspicious of German Revolution


Tr is too early to decide just what will be
1 the outcome OF the coup by Which the
Ebert government in Germany has been sup
| planted The statement of Chancellor Kapp
That the new government is not reactunary,
but takes its stand on democracy, and origi-
mates in patriotic desire TO serve the country
by cftccting speedy Improvement in general
political conditions and the economic stu
alton. however it may appeal to the German
people. Will not be accepted without "rcscr-
Va,IonS by the outside world. particularly
by the 'watchful waiting nations charged
Win enforcing those provisions of The Yer
sailcs treaty designed 10 suppress the least
appearance OF Il rcactionary movement
against complying with its terms
1t was military coup pure and simple.
but that does not necessarily imply that it
may not in its further progress be backed
by the force OF public sentiment dissatisfied
with the irresolute government which it has
overthrown for the time being. at least The
German people want strong government
They do pot enthuse over one lacking the
vital element Of power to enforce its will
with military precision and effectiveness
However, it is hardly to be doubted that they
arc disposed to stand out in opposition to
any movement which has for It's ultimate
purpose tho re-esta bliShmcnt of monarcly
with the seating of iIohcnZolcrn on the
throne. The house of IIohcnzollcru has been
weighed in the balances and found wanting
support to a government suspected Of this de-
sign, and TO that extent they are not unwiIl-
ing TO support that provision OF the treaty
which forbds that form OF reaction in their
retained power OF "self-determination'' in the
matter OF government and to withhold sup
port from any group that seizes power to
effect that purpose. The leaders in the new
government are deeply cognizant of this
spirit and have FASTENED TO disclaim any
such intention.
The fate OF the new government depends
TO d very great extent the attitude of the
organized working classes. II .hev respond
10 the call OF the ousted President and his
Cabinet for general suspension of work
supported as they will be by refusal of the
southern states OF the republic to recognize
the new order. its tenure Of power will be
brief. If, however, the strike call is not gen
orally responded TO, the new government is
amply backed by military power to firmly
establish itself; and If it lives up to it's procla-
nation, may steadily grow in popular favor.
That Jnnkersm just now is tho chief
strength back OF il. is unmistakably evident
nut, even so. If Junkerism is wise to the OBJ
portunity 1t has seized and gives Il more in
telligent direction to public affairs than char
acteriZed the overthrown government avoid
ing break with the allies. it will speedily
overcome all opposition and find itself secure
~ bulwarked to promote its further ambi-
lions, which, If not inimical to the true in
lerest' of the people, may mean Il quicker re-
covcry from the decentralization aud deprcs-
sion resulting from defeat in the war and
the imposition Of the drastic terms or the
treaty than would have occurred had il not
seized the direction of affairs