The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-14
WORLD HOPES FOR THE BEST

The failure of the government headed by Wilhelm Cuno, recently re- signed from the administration of Germany's affairs, is one of the enig mas of politics. AS a business man and industrial executive Cuno com pares favorably with Hugo Shines, and his business career is marked by a long line of distinguished successes. When he accepted the chancellorship of Germany Cuno announced that there would be "business admins tration" of public affairs. For some reason that administration has mis- erably failed.
 Undoubtedly the chancellor was greatly hampered by the social unrest pervading his country, but, as busi- ness man and an industrial leader, he should have perceived that the best cure for popular unrest is work at living wage. He should at once have perceived that the depreciation of the national currency must be halted and remedied. He should have perceived that the policy of passive resistance, while acting as temporary check on France, would react with far more disaster upon Germany. As busi- ness man he should have accepted the basic principle of business, which is that obligations must be met or ad- justed in manner satisfactory to the creditor. He should have perceived l that the voice of the agitator is heard whenever it is not drowned out by the noise of busy mills and factories. As a business man Herr Cuno should have done almost the opposite of what he did do. Therefore, there is ground for the conclusion that the "business administration" of Cuno failed be- cause Cuno forsook the very prin- ciples that had formerly contributed to his previous unvaried successes.
 The new government will in all likelihood be political government that is, a government in which the po- | litical game will be played according to the rules. Gustav Stresamann is leader of the Peoples party, that is to say, he is demagogue who has risen to eminence through brilliant oratory and an appeal to popular emotions. The dimensions of his ability are un- certain. He may be big man; he may be small one. If he continues the policy of inflaming the people against the French and against the payment of legitimate reparations claims, it is unpleasant to contemplate the further chaos into which Germany shall fall. If he makes an honest and sincere effort to resume the payment of separations, he will undoubtedly at once tighten instead of make heavier the burden of his people. If he dis plays the proper attitude towards Germany's obligations, he will likely earn the sympathy of the nations and will render less tenable Frances pres ent policy of occupation and forcible collection of reparations. But France has left the door open behind her, and has declared that withdrawal will be- gin as soon as there is resumption of payments. A wise government in Germany would seize upon that promise, would herald it to the world, and would at once begin to test it by making initial payments.
 As has before been remarked. what Germany needs is real statesman. a man who can rise above all national prejudices and purblindness, and per- ceive the German situation with a dispassionate eye. Germany's reform must come from within and through a leader who is of the Germans. One earnest cabinet composed of honest men and headed by statesman of out standing ability and integrity can do more for Germany than all the pro- posed international councils put to- gether. Time will tell, with the whole world hoping for the best possible.