The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-24
THE POLITICAL DoLDRUMs

It appears that the whole world just now is seriously in the grip of politics or else is affected by politics. In the United States, to be sure, this is a period of uncertainty, due to the presidential race. This uncertainty will be some what allayed if the Democrats nominate standard-bearer who will at once in- vite public confidence. There would then be the knowledge that, whichever party shall be successful at the polls, no serious overturn of established policies may be expected. It is altogether likely that the Democrats will fulfill the party expectation and choose a man on whom the adherents of the party and large portion of the uncertain vote may unite. With such ,an eventuality the business, industrial and commercial situation of the country would at once show@ quick ening. .,1
 The world is far more seriously in the grip of politics, However, than the United States, 1t has long been con- ceded that tKe impasse existing between the allied bowers and Germany has had depressing influence, not only in EWope, but to a greater or less extent in all other nations. This was proved by the thrill of expectation that ran around the world when the business plan for reparations settlement was made public and accepted in general by the powers concerned. For time it looked as if the plan would be forthwith put into execution, and that the releasing of the brakes on all kinds of productive activity would promptly follow.
 This anticipation reckoned without the politicians, Although ample time has elapsed for those animated by real pur- pose of accomplishment to have put the program into operation, there are still the political maneuvering and sparring that have resulted in five hopeless years of European misery. There has as yet been appointed no commission with au- thority to proceed to bring about the economic rehabilitation which experts believe the Dawes plan capable of pro- ducing. Premiers Macdonald and Her riot held conference Sunday, as a re- suit of which it was announced that the two would attend the meeting of the League of Nations in September further to consider the question. Italy and Bel gium, whose participation in the pro- gram is essential to it's success, although they have given it formal approval, have not been invited to any conference which has action as it's object.
 Although the League of Nations is a proper medium for reference of dis putes, there is no indication that the matter is beyond the agreement of the parties intimately concerned. The League of Nations has not been called in on other more serious division with re- spect to reparations; therefore there is all the more surprise that this further excuse for delay should have been ad- vanced. The reparations experts proved to the world that the previous delay had not been due to the difficulties of the problem, but to the shadow-boxing of politicians. The politicians are now anew demonstrating their inability to cope with major, even though simple, situa- tions.
 While the United States will presently emerge from the inhibitions of politics upon business, commerce and industry, there is small hope that Europe will so emerge at any early date. This is great ly to be regretted; for the remedy for Europe's ills is so sensible and so easy of application, and so desperately needed. England boasts of her ability always to "muddle through" but the present situation appears to be muddled through and through.
 RAILWAY EXECUTIVES VIEW It should be no less encouraging than