Evening star., 1925-04-27
LOVE FOR MONARCH AND ARMY
MARK HINDENBURC'S CAREER
Late Years Haze Brought Ideals of Peace and Unity
of German People to Ceneral-Fits
Strangely in Ne,u Post

ing their vote more or less intact, but
during the campaign Thaelmann was
considered a negligible quantity, the
great struggle being between Won
Hindenburg and Marx, the first en-
bodying what was thought to be
nionarchical aspirations and the sec
ond advocating democracy.
Immediately upon the nomination
of Won Hindenburg the German press
and people became divided into two
sharply opposed camps, one lauding
Won Hindenburg to the skies. the 9th
er bitterly objecting that his election
would be backward step. a victory
of reactionary forces, and that the
world would construe it as move
toward possible restoration of the
monarchy. Reports were published
that the former German emperor had
been responsible for the field marshal's
decision to run. but later categorical
denial of this was issued.
Campaign Bitter.
Although Won Hindenburg' per-
sonal activities were comparatively
slight. the campaign was bitterly and
strenuously conducted by both sides
throughout the country. Hordes of
speakers swarmed throughout the
land and there were campaign slogans,
fashioned after the American style,
and shouted and posted everywhere.
The field marshal's final appeal to
the voters was broadcast by radio
Friday night, as was also DIR. Marks
final utterances. Won Hindenburg
renewed his plea for German unity
and solemnly avowed his opposition to
war-then went home to await the
verdict of the people.
The German Presidents term of of
flee is seven years. After he has
served his term he may be reelected.
Any German who has passed his 35th
year is eligible for election.
The oath taken by the President is
as follows: II swear to devote all
my energy to the welfare of the Ger
man people to increase their prosper
ity, to protect them from injury, to
preserve the constitution and the laws
Of the commonwealth, to perform my
duties conscientiously and to deal
justly with all"
In Yesterdays election universal
suffrage prevailed. Man or woman
citizens 20 wears of age or over were
eligible to vote. The ballot was secret.
The election was held on Sunday
because the German constitution re-
ouires that all elections be held either
on Sunday or on a legal holiday.
More than 60 per cent of the Ger
man population. or about 3S,000,00O
persons, were eligible to vote.
Removal Is Provided.
Under article 43 of the constitution
president may be removed before
the end of his term, by vote of the,
people, on proposal of the National
Assembly. The act of the National
Assembly in such case requires two
thirds ma jority vote. When such ac-
ton is taken the President Is sus-
pended from further exercise of his
office. A refusal by the people to re-
move the President has the effect OF a
new election and entails dissolution
of the National Assembly.
The President is not subject to GRIM
inal prosecution without consent OF
the National Assembly. He concludes
in the name of the commonwealth al
liances and other treaties with for
eign powers. Also he names Ambas-
sadors for service abroad and receives
Amba ssadors to Germany.
Under the constitution, war is de-
clared and peace concluded by ma
tional law.
In case Of temporary disability the
President Is represented by the chan
cellor. If such disability seems likely
to continue for any considerable
period he is represented in accordance
with the determination of the Reichs-
tag. The President exercises the right
OF pardon. All orders and directions
Of the President, including those con-
cerning the armed forces, require for
validity the signature Of the cham
cellor.
Commands Armed.
If public safety is endangered, the
President may take the necessary
measures to restore it by ordering, II
necessary, Intervention by force Of
arYns. To this end he may temporarily
suspend, in whole or in part, the
fundamental rights Of the people es-
tablished by the constitution. He has
supreme command over all the armed
forces Of the commonwealth.
The chancellor and other ministers
are appointed and can be dismissed
by the President. He also appoints
and dismisses the civil and military
officers of the commonwealth.
The President may dissolve the Ma.
tional Assembly, but only once for
| the same cause. The chief executive
lacks the direct power to veto legisla-
tion, but he can dissolve the Reichs-
tag and place any of it's legislation be-
fore the people for decision in popu-
lar election.