The Washington herald., 1920-05-09
Economic and Political Op-
timism Rife in New Peace
Treaty State.
LEADS CENTRAL EUROPE
Food, Exports and Teschen
Plebiscite Problems Still
To Be Solved.
cspecIaI Cable to The HeraIdJ

with conditions since the armlstlce
is the improved physical condition
of the people on the streets OF the
cities, the rehabilitation OF their
raiment and the vigOr OF their
muscles.
There can be no question of the
fact that the Czechs have pulled up
better than anyone in Central Eu-
rope. There has been more food,
more work, more clothing, and this
has resulted in an augmentation OF
vigor in the physical sense and In
a positive optimism in the economic
and political sense.
Politics DiscOneerting.
This optimism in part outruns
the facts, but 1t represents an ex-
cellent asset
The political conditions appear
rather disconcerting to an outsider.
The Slovaks are slipping backwards.
While it is a gross exaggeration to
say the Czechs have succeeded in
accomplishing what the Hungarians
could never do, namely, make the
SIOvaks love the Magyars. 1t Is.
nevertheless, clear the national feel
ing of the Slovaks for the CZechs
is becoming distinctly chilled. This
is seen in the inability of the Cen
trail government to secure supplies
from SIoyakfa, in the aversion of
the Slovaks to participation in ma
tional affairs and in the dog-in-the-
mangcr policy exhibited on both
sides.
1t may be seriously questioned
whether the Slovaks would resist
Hungarian invasion from the south.
The Czechs' relations with their
other neighbors are also unsatis-
factory. There is continuous frtc-
tion with Austria on account OF in
i ability or refusal of the CZechs to
maintain commitments of coal to
Austria. Czech relations with Ger
many have been improved. but
those with Poland are worse than
they were a year ago.
Outlook Is Forecast.
Until the plebiscite in Teschen is
concluded, friction between the two
countries must be anticipated and
il is not out of the question to fear
that when the result of the plebis-
cite is announced, one or the other
side may indulge in an impetuous
military outbreak.
The Czechs have extended their
territorial control eastward by seiz-
ing a tongue of land projecting into
d.
north and the present Ruman anian
territory of occupation to the south.
Included in this isthmus that may
be said to connect Czecho-Slovakia
with the Ukraine. live. according to
different statements, between 400,-
900 and 500. 900 Ruthenians who are
being decimated by starvation and
typhus The military and political
purpose of this extension of terri
tory is alleged to lie in the sup
posed necessity OF a direct Slav con-
tact.
Just why a Slav contact with the
Ukranians is a necessary protection
against Teutonic aggression Is a
question that is difficult of compre-
hension to an outsider. The posi-
tion of this portion of Euthenia
only exaggerates the differences in
the point of view between the Czech
and the Pole.
Agriculture Lags.
Agricultural conditions do not
represent an improvement over
those of last year. On account of
beets was greatly interfered with
and thus the amount of refined
sugar secured for purposes of ex-
portation was greatly reduced. 1t
was the possession of 100000 or
100000 tons of sugar for export
that constituted the largest eco
nomic hope of the people during
this year. The cereal crops did not
reach the expected figures and the
requisitions from Slovakia have
fallen below the anticipated volume
Under these circumstances the
Czechs may face a reduction in ra-
tion during the summer months. As
against this, they have their people
IN the best condition INTENTIONALLY
Of any nation in Europe. The Ger
mans in the ,Erzgebirg and the
mixed inhabitants of Eastern Slo-
yakia and the seized portions of
Ruthenia are. however. in bad
shape.
Czecho-Slovakia should be self
supporting in food-stuffs, exchang-
ing excess of sugar. hops and ami
NAL products for any bread grains
that must be imported. 1t is, how
ever. doubtful whether the normal
plane of agricultural production
can be expected for several years.
Certainly with the low acreage
m bread grains. no such production
- to be anticipated during the
present year. Nevertheless, Czecho-
slovakia possesses a buying power
Tor the Importation of whatever
Yoodstuffs she may require vastly
In excess Of that possessed by any
Of her neighbors except Germany
Labor Called Conservative.
Political conditions are relatively
stable. Labor organizations have
become more conservative and show
4 willingness to work more hours
rather than less hours Here a.
elsewhere, the system of food wage
has been introduced and there is a
continuous Improvement in morale.
Cabinets come and go but they all
exhibit a forceful economic policy
and the beneficent guidance of the
wisdom of Masaryk is everywhere
70 be observed.
To an outsider the lack of rap
prochement with Poland would seem
10 constitute a serious political
menace, but the outsider must be
careful not to jump at conclusions
Working agreement with Austria
IS certain to be attained and is, in
fact. in process of formation. As
already stated, the Czechs are
working in an almost amazing har-
nony with the Germans.
The production of coal represents
With each month a most gratifying
Improvement. During several weeks
n March the output of the Ostrau-
Sarwin mines was over 90 per cent
II the pre-war output. representing
he best coal output of any pits of
Europe Scarcity of cars Is the de-
eermining factor. not scarcity or
Inwillingness of workers. This
soal the Czechs naturally hold as
closely as possible for themselves