Evening star., 1932-02-16
Won Hindenburg's Sacrifice.


for reelection. This simple statement
borne yesterday on the cables, opens a
campaign that will probably be fought
with the greatest bitterness that has
ever marked q political contest in that
country. 1t will cause rsalignment of
parties, divide former associates, unite
former enemies and perhaps result In
a change making for far-reaching effects
in Europe.
Hmdenburg Is now eighty-four years
Of age. II he is elected for q second
term he will be past the ninety year
mark upon its completion. should he
survive, probably the oldest man ever
to serve In An executive capacity within
the history Of self-governing countries.
His wish was for retirement at the end
Of this present term. But the conditions
demanded his continuance at the head
Of tho state. He says in his announce
ment: Should fail Of election, then
will bs spared the reproach that I de-
serted my post at serious time" Back
Of that simple sentence Is q volume Of
German political history.
Hindenburg consents to stand for cleo
ton aS the rallying point OF those Of the
German people who prefer TO live under
the present political system rather than
that OF Bolshevism As advocated by the
Communists or an autocratic nationalist
state rule as proposed by the Fascists,
headed by Hitler 1t Is predi ted by his
supporters that he will be Endorsed by
. "phalanx" representing all classes Of
German society. reaching from the So
cialist trade unioni.ts on the left to the
Nationalists, many Of whom are still
loyal to the aged president.
The Nationalist Party, headed by Dr.
Alfred Hugenberg, has broken with
Hindenburg because the Pr--ident re-
fused to dismiss Chancellor Bruening.
BY that refusal, however, Hindenburg
has won the support Of other elements.
Yet there have been defections, perhaps
to balance these accessions Of strength.
The Steel Helmet Association Of war
veterans, Of which the President Is an
honorary member, has foresworn loyalty
to their wartime leader. 1t would have
supported the veteran head Of the state
but for the retention Of Brue,ling.
The election will take place March 13.
II there y no clear choice between the
several candidates+there may be half
. dosen In the neld-A second election
will be held April 10, in which the can
didate having the largest absolute vote
viii b elected. A failure Of Hinden-
burg in March to gain the goal will not
necessarily mean his final defeat, for
1t y conceivable that in the second
lineup Of the voters changes will occur
to effect his election.
Sentiment will play . considerable
part in the campaign. For Hindenburg
personally there Is . general feeling Of
sympathy and undoubtedly the masses
Of the German people regard him with
sincere affection. He has borne himself
steadfastly throughout the troubles Of
the past few years. He has renounced
the comforts Of retirement, earned by
his devoted labors in war and in peace,
and he has shown himself to be =
statesman Of high order. Had he
played politics" for the sake Of his
own advantage he could perhaps have
gained the support Of parties and fac
tions that are now arraying themselves
against him. But his hope was for q
peaceable conclusion of his first term
and for release from the cares and
duties Of ONCE. His tender Of services
at this time Is . sacrifice which 1t is to
be hoped, for the sake Of Germany's 8
orderly rehabilitation, will be accepted
by the German people.