Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-12-31
S,D;tzer1and's Ne,0 President

change in administrations. new
President will be inaugurated Janu-
airy 1, but the occasion will not disturb the
even tenor of Switzerland's national life or
business. DR.. Robert Haab, who succeeds to
the Presidency, has served as Vice President
Of the Republic for the past year, and his
election few days ago was in harmony and
accord with the usual procedure in Swift
erland-the elevation Oh the Vice President
to the office of President. In defense Of this
system, it can be said at least that the Presi-
Dental honor never overtakes a man una
wares in Switzerland.
Presidential elections in Switzerland cause
little or no commotion among the people,
although, as might be expected, the pollt1-
clans find some interest. if not excitement in
the occasion. The man elected to the office
moves into the executive mansion at Berne
Just as the ordinary citizen moves his resi-
dence. He remains there for the period or
one year and vacates in favor Of the Vice
President. The President and the Vice Presi-
dent are elected, not by the people, but by
che Federal Assembly.
The President Of the Swiss Republic has
no vexatioIs Cabinet problems to give him
concern after his induction into office. The
Federal Assembly attends to this duty for
him. It selects seven members OF the Federal
Council, and these men act as Ministers OF
the several executive departm They are
responsible to the Federal Assembly, and not
the President, so thtt it is all very easy for
the President.
DR.. Haabs tenure of office will be less
interesting and exciting than that of his
immediate predecessors, for things have
quieted down a good deal in Switzerland
and there are no grave public problems
pressing for attention. The fact is, Switzer-
land is in far better shape than other
European countries at this time, despite a
war debt of considerable proportion, which
was incurred during the Republics period of
neutrality. 1t cost pile of money to keep
the Swiss army modified throughout the
period of hostilities-mobilized to preserve
the neutrality of the country.
The war debt, we are told, Is not giving
the Republic any great concern and Presl-
dent Haab will not lose sleep in consequence.
Swiss money today is worth its face value,
which is saying much, but. even SO, this
fact has developed one of the few problems
that is worrying the people-not the gov
eminent directly
The Swiss people have acquired the habit
of carrying good Swiss francs across the bor-
der into Germany and Austria, exchanging
them for marks or kronen and returning to
their homes loaded with foreign wares. OF
course this operates to deprive local Swiss
merchants and manufacturers of business
that rightfully should be theirs.
The new President of the Swiss Republic
has had long experience in public life. He
has held several offices under the Republic
at Berne, and during the war nc was the
diplomatic representative of Switzerland at
Berlin. He has served in the Federal Council
since 1918, excepting only his one year
Vice President. He is familiar with the poll
tics of Switzerland and a recognized author
ity on international law. His administration,
it is predicted, will prove highly successful.