Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-25
German Dictatorship Linked
With Young Financial Plan

Tenn orary dictatorship for Germany
under constitutional provision turns
American attention to the present con-
dition of representative government in
that country. The conflict between the
executive and legislative departments Is
based upon financial measures which
i the ReichStag failed to approve, with
the result that Chancellor Bruening, in
agreement with President. Won linden
burg. has decreed their enactment and
ordered the legislative body dissolved
until after the Fall elections. Blocs,
instead of two-party system, are
blamed for the situation, which revolveS
about the taxation intended to meet the
requirements following adoption of the
Young plan and final reparations settle
ment.
1.-THE legislation over which the con-
troversy has arisen" according to the
finances of the nation and Is regarded
by Chancellor Bruening and by Presi-
dent Hindenburg as essential to carry
ing on the government. Opposition
comes principally from the Socialist
party, which appears to have very
powerful hold in the country, and may
acquire control of the government.
Germany has made great strides
toward recovery from the effects of the
war, but it is long way yet from eco
nomic stabilization, and it will require
able and courageous craftsmanship to
bring the nation through the difficulties
that lie before It,"
Discussing the budget program, which
II "the immediate cause of the stir"
the Jersey City Journal saysa THE i'm
portance of these bills Is that they re-
duce expenses, increase government rev.
enueS by imposing taxes on small in
comes incomes of $4,000 and more) /,
and in general constitute the govern
ment party's effort to meet the recent
criticism of S. Parker Gilbert, American
agent general TO allied reparations.
Mr.. Gilbert stressed the fact that Ger
many, by improvident methods of gov
eminent, might be unable to pay what
she has agreed TO nay in the way OF
reparationS. The constitution
in Germany will afford the people
chance eventually to assert themselves.
But in the meantime the German people
are learning that powers given to a
President for one purpose may be used
for political party purposes"
Recalling that the Nationalist were
defeated in their opposition to the
PREPARATIONS settlement, the Salt Lake
Deseret News states: But the Nation
alist party is strong in the Parliament,
and with such Socialist alliances as It
has been able to effect it is practically
in a commanding position and can
make or unmake the Reichs fiscal poll
cies. There is warrant in law
for the dictatorship. but no slight odium
will attach to those who shall be con-
sidered responsible for creating It,"
Taking up the provision in the Ger
man constitution which authorizes the
government to decree legislation while
dissolving the legislative body, the At
lanta journal voices the opinion: RE
course was had to this authority in 1923
BY President Ebert when bolshevism
barred its fangs in the midst of an acute
financial depression. The extraordinary
power then was used with wisdom, and
effectively Normal conditions soon were
restored and the usual processes of gov
eminent resumed. So 1t is likely TO be
in the present instance. The country
has confidence, and confidence well de-
served. in Won Hindenburg. He has
proved faithful to the republic, as we'll
as an instructive believer in order. The
problem may be merely postponed. how
ever, unless the new ReichStag Is OF o
different complexion and OF more
workable nature than the one just dis
solved. The 489 members of that body
were divided among no fewer than IA
diverse political parties. The ministry
represented coalition, but one which
was not strong enough to carry out q
program nor adaptable enough to agree
upon a policy. Such are the difficulties
and thu hazards when party government
Is divided among more than two or
three groups"
The object lesson as to the two-party
system is emphasized by the Cincinnati
Times-Star. while the Chicago Tribune
advises that Germany, whatever the
neednfor this action, Is taking chances
witl1E NE only power with which the