The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-06
BAVARIA |S HOTBED
 IF REACT|ONAR|ES .OF GE ERMAN MATT
Things Imperial Still Regarded as Sacred by People of Second Largest
 State
By Associated Press

World war swept Ludwig III from his throne. Bavaria's ship of state went careening on a stormy political sea. the turbulence of which has forced a rapid change in the men at its helm. Dr. Eugene von Knilling, who became head of the government last month, is the fifth premier this southern German state has had dur ing the four years since monarchism was abandoned in November 1918.
 The revolution which put the last of the Ludwigs into the discard at the same time installed the socialist. Kurt Esner, in charge of the new regime. Eisner's radical ideas and practices embittered many Bavarians who clang to things imperial, and his term of office was cut short in February 1919, by assassination at the hands of Count Areo-Valley.
 Johannes Hoffman, majority socialist, who had been minister of education under Eisner. next took up the reins of power. but fled the capital in April. 1919, in the face of a red republic" uprising. This movement was crushed about four weeks later and Hoffman returned to the premiership. Under his tenure of office, a new construction declar- ing Bavaria a free state, was adopted the following August.
 NOn kahr in Power
 surge of lssctionary feeling carried in Gustav~Ton Kahr, a nation alist. as Hoffman's successor, dating from May, 1920 Won Kahr figured prominently in various public capacities, one of which was co-or- ganizer of the Bavarian military force known as the Einwohnerweh in company with George Escherich. Political circumstances necessitated new vote for premier on July 16, { 1920. and von Kahr was retained In office forming a coalition cabinet of the bourgeoise parties.
 Differences with the Bavarian peo- ple's party over negotiations for spe- cial considerations of Bavaria within the republic. led to the selection of Count Hugo von Lerchenfeld, mem Der of this party, as premier in September. 1921. Count Lerchenfeld is married to an American. He re- signed from the head of the govern ment early last month, following criticism of the rightists that he had been too weak and submissive in the face of the Berlin government.
 The new premier comes from the same political party as did his pre- decessors and has always lived in Bavaria. Dr. von Knilling was born in Munich. August I, 1885 and was educated here in the public schools, the academy and the university. In 1892 he assumed public office and has been in the public service almost continuously ever since. His opinions at the present time are said to be representative of the middle classes.
 Politics Trying
 Today. with the second largest state in the new German republic. noted as the hotbed of Germany's reactionaries. von Knilling takes over the administration of its 76,42a kilometers and 7.14o.333 in- habitants during the period of most trying politics. His selection has been opposed in the press of the ex treme right on the grounds that Bavaria's present day needs demand rather than an economist than an educa tionalist as premier.
 About him. within the state, na- tionalists and socialists alike have been actually arming. each faction claiming this action necessary for protection. Reports have been frequently circulated during the past few months that "putsch" was con- templated for the purpose of restor- ing the monarchy. The socialists declared November II had been se- lected as "the day" and urged rein forced watchfulness over the re- actionaries after November 5.
 The nationalists. who have come to be known as Bavaria's Fascist, assert they have armed themselves merely to defend the sovereignty of the state and to guarantee public order. Of late their activities have become more open and more vigor- ous, due 70 encouragement from the success ' Fascistism in Italy. A compa ra lively unknown agitator named Hitler has risen as candi- date for the "Mbssoliniship' of the state.
 Centers In Munich
 Munich has long been beehive for the monarchical elements of the republic. The notorious organization consul, which spread Its nationalist tentacles all over Germany, was found to have it's headquarters here. It Is in the south that the socialist government at Berlin sees it's great est danger from domestic quarters. and any coup started here. If only for Bavarian monarchy, 1t is feared, might easily prove all the spark that is needed for the reaction ary Under lying about in other parts of the country.
 Won Knilling's selection was born of a desire on the part of the politi clans in power to present stiffer backbone to Berlin. This attitude already has found a pointed express sion in the states opposition to the way in which the federal govern ment wished to administer the new law for defense of the republic" which was framed after the assas- sination last June of Dr. Walter Rathenau, the foreign minister. Bavaria stood out for the right to