Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-09-11
BY SIR PHILIP GIBBS.

BY Cable to The Star.
GENEVA. September 11.-When
Germany was received as a member
of the League Of Nations the scene
in that plain and ugly hall where the
assembly meets was lifted Tar above
its commonplace aspect by spiritual
which stirred all the dele
gates and spectators, and gave
sense of greatness and historical
meaning to this solemn act among
the nations of the world.
All little episodes of recent contro-
versy, all intrigues and small prioes
and jealousies were forgotten. IL
was one Of those moments In his
tory, happening rarely through cen
turtles, when men are conscious tnat
some act of theirs marks a new
epoch in human destiny. and for
good or evil will shape the future OF
mankind. For a little while in that
assembly every man and woman
present was aware that this entry
of Germany into the council OF ma
tons. sitting on equality with those
who were her enemies, pledged to
co-operation in, the work OF world
peace, received fraternally by those
who not long ago were allied against
her in a deadly conflict, gives a new
hope to the common people OF the
world, raises a new faith In human
progress and holds out a promise OF
life to generations yet unborn.
Hall Crowded for Event.
If that is falsified. then all is lost:
Visitors from all the countries OF
G4f
in the wooden galleries above the
body of the hall where the delegates
took their places a half hour before
the assembly opened. Hundreds or
others, unable to obtain seats, stood
on each side of the presidential
tribune. Many persons of different
nationalities shook hands warmly. as
though some personal joy had need
of expression. g
Outside the people of Geneva
crowded the streets to see the GER
man delegation enter for the first
time. They were absent when Pres
ident Nintchich took his chair.
President Nintchich rose and spoke
in very formal words, announcing
that the credentials OF the German
delegates had been examined and
It seemed to me a strange
that this Serbian. whose
people had been first to receive the
ultimatum of war. should now pre-
side over this ceremony which calls
Of world peace. A long. pale-faced,
dark-eyed man. somberly dressed in
black, he remained silent for a mo-
ment before stretching out his hand
and turning toward the door on his
left side.
81 will now call upon the dele
gates of Germany to take their
places among U.S., he said slowly and
with dignity. For several seconds
we waited and it seemed a long time
Then through the lane of the on
lockers crowded about the doorway
the German delegation, led by Herr
Stresemann, made their appearance
and instantly volleys Of clapping rose
with deafening noise from all parts
of the assembly.
Applaud Despite Warning. =
Visitors had been ordered to avoid
all demonstration. but that order
was utterly disregarded and tire.
mendous applause long maintained
came from the galleries. Herr
Stresemann was intensely pale as
he advanced to his seat and his emo
ton was visible. ~:
On the previous night l had heard
him describe how many difficulties
and how many prejudtces and pas
sions he had had to overcome in
his own country in order to obtain
German consent to take part in the
League of Nations. Ever since the
war l have studied the mentality
of Germany and it's conflict between
a spirit of revenge and this League
spirit Of international good will In
the cause of peace.
Stresemann had to struggle against
a wounded pride and a deprecated
suspicion of nationalist tradition be-
fore he could bring his people to this
council of nations which had ap-
peared so often as a council Of vic
tors.
Now all that drama must have
been in the mind Of that little bald
headed man with a frock coat button
ed tightly around his plump little body
and applause. While President
Nintchich spoke his welcome in
formal phrases describing this entry
Of another great European power as
happy augury of a peaceful future
for the countries which had been
most sorely tried by war, Herr Strese-
mann sat, glancing around on that
crowded hall. twisting and untw1sting
his hands with nervous tension.
First German Speech There. -
Several times he mopped his shin
ing head with his silk handkerchief
as though overcome by heat, but
when the president called upon him
to speak he advanced to the tribune
will full command of himself and his
voice rang out clearly and sharply
1t was the first time that the German
language had been heard in the as
sembly Of the League. but there were
many who understood 1t.
Sir Austen Chamberlain, in his
light suit. leaned forward listening
intently. This day was one of personal
the passing of the Locarno pact.
which is his browning work as a
British statesman. BRAND of France
knows no word of German, but he
sat there, hunched up in his chair
watching that German orator thought
fully. In Brands soul also there
must have been a remembrance OF
recent history not ten years old
Now and again, as Stresemann
paused in his speech. applause broke
out from separate groups. and this
enthusiasm seemed to encourage him
because his voice strengthened and
he gave rather noble emphasis to one
fine passage of oratory.
1t was when he spoke Of the Divine
Architect of the World not creating
as one homogeneous whole
but in separate nations with different
qualities and characteristics and
tongues. But he said 1t cannot be
the purpose of divine world power
that men should direct their supreme