The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1921-01-29
STARVNGAUSTRIA
HAS BARTER CRAZE
Even Poor Exchange Part Of
Needed Rations for Neces-
stiles Of Future.
SMALL AID IN BANK NOTES
Ex-AmbassadOr to U. s. Blames
Entente Allies for Present
Plight Of Nation.

Special Gable to TIE New YonK HERALD.
Copyright, 1921, bv THE New York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau,
Paris, Jan. 20.
vienna's misery, which is daily bring
ing Austria nearer revolution, is
largely the result of an era of specula-
ton, both by foreigners and nationals,
which even the prohibitive price asked
for foodstuffs and clothing is unable to
diminish.
While tens Of thousands of persons
are facing starvation in what was
once Europe's gayest capital, thou
sands Of others who are able to rely
on slight income from foreign in
vestments continue to live a life OF
false extravaganza, pouring their
money into what seems a bottomless
pit of investments in Austrian securi-
ties, hoping from day to day they will
find the value Of the grown has i'm
proved suddenly and at least portion
Of their wealth regained.
1t was said to-day that 1t was ex-
tremely improbable that the Allied Su-
preme Council would be able to take
any effective action regarding Austria
at this meeting. The proposal OF NJ.
Loucheur, French Minister Of the Lib
Grated Regions. that an effort be made
to finance Austria through private bank
ers is receiving the most favor.
Travellers returning to Parts from
Austria say the fever of Austrian specu-
lation is spreading to the poorer classes.
who are bartering their household goods
In the hope OF finding articles which.
when life is again normal there. will be
needed by Austrian housewives. One
woman admitted she had sold half her
meagre daily rations to small store.
keeper in return for his stock of sixty
scrubbing brushes and brooms. wisely
prophesying: when they begin to clean
up things in Vienna scrubbing brushes
will be worth their weight in gold"
DR.. Konstantin Dumba, formerly Aus
tro- Hungarian Ambassador In Washing
ton, lays the blame for Austria's social
economic and political catastrophe be-
fore the doors of the Entente Allies. be-
cause "they not only destroyed the Aus
tro-Hungarian empire. but also de-
stroyed the economic and monetary
unity which for centuries provided for
the reciprocal prosperity of all these
resnns." Prejudices and passions
among the new nations formed after the
war prevent Austria's commercial rela-
tions being developed. he declared.
"As q result Austria Is forced to buy
her focdstuffs in America and the
Dutch Indies" Or. Dumba continued.
"The depreciation OF Austria's money
absolutely necessitated the printing OF
new paper crowns increasingly. and this
imitation has resulted In fearful rise
in the cost OF living. The only solution
that has been found Is to increase sal
aries. which are always payable in in
f,ated currency. This Is Austria 8
vicious circle, and so serious is the effect
of II on the Governments finances. the
State is now selling small loaves OF
bread for thirty-seven crowns less than
II paws for the materials which 60 into
the baking.
This state OF Affairs cannot con-
tinue much longer" DR.. Dunnba con-
tinued. THE bankruptcy of Austria
means political consequences OF the
rravest character throughout Europe.
And yet this must result IL England
and France do not md some way 70
relieve the situation. 1t seems incredible
that the two leading nations OF Europe
will allow a sister nation or 6,5VOOo0
inhabitants 70 literally die of hunger
without lifting a hand TO save them,
especially when that nation has stood
for so much In the past in 80 far as
world culture is concerned"