Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1922-03-29
German View of
Genoa Conference
Chancellor Wirth Says 1t viii.
Either be a Shining Star or
a viii o the Wisp.

Berlin, March % (By the A. P.N-Thc
Genoa conference will either be shining
star or will the wisp, Chancellor
Wirth told the reichstag today at the
conclusion of an hours discussion of the
decisions Of the reparations commission.
IF the Genoa conference proves a will
O. the wisp instead of shining star
that will brighten the path to reconstruc-
tion," he added, then the problem of
rehabilitating Europe in general and
Germany in. particular, will continue to-
be treated in a spirit of arbitrary dicta-
ton.
Throughout his speech the chancellor
was unusually frank in his criticism of
the allies treatment of the reparatfons
problem charging that not only had the
reparations decision aroused national in
dignation, but incidentally it had added
28, 600 100000 marks to the German bud
get in CONSEQUENCE Of the unprecedented
slump Of the mark which set in auto
matically with the notes arrival
In the course of his analysis of the
various points in the reparations decis-
ion, DIR. Wirth rejected the demand that
the German government levy an addi-
tional, tax of 10000 10000 marks on the
ground that it was both a financial and
technical impossibility.
Applause greeted the declaration that
the German government must politely
decline the suggestion of financial and
economic guardianship
This" declared the chancellor "is in
| compatible with the dignity of the ma
! tion and is opposed to the spirit of de-
mocracy which we founded at the en-
tente's, behest. Such an invasion of a
sovereign state is also in violation of the
people of self-determination. We already
have had our fill of unsatisfactory ex-
perience with control commissions of all
sorts, and must summarily reject the
proposal that the reparations commits
sion be given a still wider latitude than
already has been conceded 1t in connec-
! ton with its supervisory functions
Denying that the German government
was wastefui in the conduct of its ad-
| ministrstiye organism, organism, the
speaker pointed out that two entente
generals are receiving more pay than
President Ebert and the entire cabinet.
He estimated that two-thirds of the bud
get as now computed was reserved for
the ententes demands. leaving one-third
for the nations internal needs.
With regard to the question of an in
/ ternational loan, DR.. Wirth hoped the
| government soon would be able to start
active, but ne feared the barriers reared
| by world capitar' in the Versailles trea-
|. .ty, would effectively initiate against
| 'Germany's ability to obtain financial re-
| lief abroad under tolerable conditions. A
moratorium. he said, would have def
nitely stabilized German exchange
We are badly in need of a breathing
SPELL" he continued "in. order to coor-
idinate our affairs and put the financial
and economic measures adopted into ac-
tive practice
The only comfort afforded the repsra,
tions commission by the government's
statement was conveyed in the promise
that Germany would proceed to inaugu-
| rate the most stringent economy in al
governmental departments. She woult
endeavor to extract the maximum reve
nue. from. the various tax sources to b.
opened through the laws about to be pu
into execution: The government wouli
also subject the commissions recommen,
! dations to a further scrutiny in an en-
deavor to arrive at a mutual workinf
basis.
/ Gernnany'sl direct taxation, he declared
was developing on scale unparalleled
in the world
1 The chancellor then emphasized the ex
hanstion following the war, to whicl
must be added the unseen burdens fall
ing on the nation through the exchang
conditions.
| The reichstag was crowded and tn
chancellor frequently was applauded, hi
speech apparently winning favor wit
all except the communist party.