The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-09-27

y
Defense Minister Gessler. under
Presidentt Ebert's proclamation, is
given wide executive powers, becom-
ing virtually dictator Of the German
Reach. Constitutional guarantees are
partly suspended.
The proclamation cancels tempt
rarily laws concerning the freedom Of
speech and the press and freedom Of
assembly.
Existing Avs against treason,
demonstrations and activities danger
Faces Early Civil War
The nation appeared facing
danger of early civil war as both
Bavaria and the Reich martialed their
forces and prepared for action.
The words martial law we're
avoided in both Eberts and the
Bavarian proclamations which util-
lied the German term state of ex-
ception." but to all practical intents
and purposes. limited military rule is
in effect.
The Berlin cabinet. learning Of
BavarfNs high handed action in
making Won Kahr a virtual dictator.
assembled hastily at midnight and
quickly decided on the proclamation
Of "Ausnahme zuztand," or state Of
exception
This proclamation clothes Gessler
With important executive powers.
Power Is Dictatorial
While the defense minister is not
actually named dictator he has almost
dictatorial powers under terms Of the
proclamation which temporarily puts
aside personal liberties which includes
the right Of free expression of opin-
ion in the presses, and also places a
censor-like control on mails, tele-
graph and telephone.
Gessler is permitted to delegate his
executive power 20 military command
ers. In cooperation with the minister
Of interior he can recall civil admin
istrations, replacing them with gov
ernment commisars.
In order the military may not as
sumo super-dictatorial powers. the
proclamation provides any military
orders must be submitted TO and ap-
proved by the civil commisars.
Any persons violating the military
rule. or inciting others to violation of
il. are subject to imprisonment with
fines up to the equivalent Of $4,000
for each offense.
Laws Are Sharpened
Existing laws against high treason
arson. explosions. damaging railways,
violence in classes, etc. are sharpened
so that the death penalty can be ex-
ercised.
The decree provides for formation of
special courts for trial of persons vio-
lating its provisions.
Up to a late hour this morning The
government was without news in
dicsting Bavaria was undertaking any
actual coup against the Reich.
Berlin was quiet a majority of the
population not realizing that the limit
ed state Of siege had been declared.
Some quarters regarded the appoint
ment of Won Kahr and the subse-
quent proclamations in both Bavaria
end the Reich az merely precaution-
ary measures, although there was no
disposition to minimize the danger
Bavaria may attempt to carry out her
separatlst threats or even attempt a
march on Berlin, TO avenge Bavartan
dissatisfaction at abandonment of re-
sistance in the Ruhr.
Munich advices said Herr Hitler,
leader Of the Bavarian Fascist, had
been recalled and had summoned all
the fatherland organization members
to join the storm sections" Of his
consolidated Fascist groups.
HITLER also summoned horsemen
and automobile owners to stand ready
for duty, presumably for a coup d'etat