The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-06-04

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 Reither is wealthy peasant who combines the qualities of in- dividuality, shrewdness, stubborn ness, democracy and political sa- gacity in apparently well-balanced proportions. He is a monarchist but bows deeply before no aristo- crat; is rather jealous of them, in fact. and is proud of a family al- bum which dates back some three hundred years and which shows that his, farm has been in contin- kuous possession of his family for the whole of this time. Kunschak is a worker who rose to prominence as leader of anti Marxist Catholic trade unionism in Austria years ago. His followers joined hands with Starhemberg and Dollfuss in crushing the radi- cal Marxists in February, 1884, but not so much because of the Marx ists' program of more rights for workers as because of their atheism and alleged proletarian dictatorship aims.
 United Front Today the two are together con- strueting a sort of farmer-labor front which, unless crushed by force or arms, promises to become an ever more important factor in shaping the ultimate form of the federal Staende- State now being made in Austria.
 Behind Reither stands, it is claimed by Reither himself and other persons who should know, some ninety per cent of Austria's farmers. His political program is authoritative democracy - but anti-fascist.q
 As guest of honor at a lunch of The Anglo American Press asso- citation of Vienna, which by coin- cidence was held on the tenth an- niversary of his presidency of the Austrian chamber of agriculture, he reiterated the standpoint of the peasants in whose name he speaks and whose interests he promotes as minister of agriculture in t h e present Schuschnigg Starhemberg government.
 FOreSees Democracy
 "A form of democracy must and will come again in Austria" he stated several times in the course of a speech in which he emphat- ically declined the honor of being described as democratic fas- cist," as was jokingly designat- ed by the president of the asso-' citation in introducing him.
 tr. nnr hrv vfkn n a the ordinary citizens must have voice A move in this direction l hope to see in the near future.
 ''In framing the new staende- state constitution we peasants were compelled to m k certain sacrifices. This we did partly out of love for Dollfuss, who was one of us. We knew he was no fascist and would not become one. In the real staende system, which is gradually taking form. we will certainly make our influence felt.
 Demand More Power
 'In the Heimwehr tn re are men, chiefly in subordinate posi- tions, who demand more power for their organization. This has caused differences to arise. In the govern- ment itself, however, a situation prevails which makes an under standing quite possible. Such an understanding will come = or we will find another way to help ourselves"
 The significance of this frank declaration as a threat to Star hemberg to restrain the totali- tarian activities of the Heimwehr nobody present failed to catch.
 We peasants are no revolu- tionaries," Reither then continued. "We wish to follow direct nor nal evolutionary course. Our goal however, is definite; and we shall reach it.
 Want a Voice
 Peasants are men who love liberty and freedom of speech. However authoritative regime may be they will insist on having a voice in it. Democracy will never fall to the ground in Austria"
 "On one occasion last year when Dollfuss required an open show of strength at a time when even he was beginning to believe the claims of the socialists that the popula. ton was deserting him was asked if I could bring fifty thousand peasants to Vienna for parade of solidarity.
 "With only four days notice l brought one hundred and ten thousand as warning to the so- cialists and other enemies of Doll- fuss. These men and more more are still at my call."
 Economic Cooperation
 In Austria's international rela- tions Reither advocates closer eco- homie cooperation with Germany as the potentially best customer for Austria's milk, cheese. wood and apples.
 There was time when, re- gardless of party, almost all Aus trians were for a union with Ger many" he declared in introducing | this theme.
 "Then Germany did not want a union.
 ..Now the situation is reversed. wants the union. but we wish otherwise.
 "One thing, however, is abso- lutely necessary; Austria's relations with Germany must be altered. For us peasants Germany is ire piacable. On a compensation basis we must take our coal in the fu- ture from Germany instead of from Poland and Czechoslovalxia."
 TOMORROW: Austria's Fac- tional strlfe.)