Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-01-26
BY ALBIN E. JOHNSON.

r OOKING beyond the half
stated flags that provide a
facade for international ameni-
- ties in the presence of official
death, Europe today is revealed as
teeter- tottering on the threshold of
almost complete political chaos.
With 1886 we'll under way, there is
not a single indication of the much
heralded and devoutly desired-by the
common people-return to collective
sanity.
Bluntly put, the Old World con-
tinues its headlong slide down the to-
boggan-whither? Imperceptibly the
Orient and the Occident are being
drawn into the current. If 1886 passes
without serious explosion it will be
. miracle. Only war, for some foreign
countries, can prevent widespread in
ternal social and political disorders.
Perhaps that is the reason govern
ments-Italian. French, German, Rus
sian and japanese. for example-are
keeping their people on tenterhooks.
Kings Death Brings Check.
The sudden death of King George
has provided a momentary brake on
Europe,s drift toward political and,
in some places economic, confusion.
Foreign capitals have creped their
standards; statesmen and diplomats
outwardly have ceased their bicker-
ings; newspapers have toned down
their columns in traditional difference
TO friendly nations bereavement.
The potential repercussions of the
Wales ascendancy to the British
throne as Edward VIII cannot be &C
curately assessed. During the past
few years. since the late King Georges
illness in 1928 the bachelor prince
who once scorned the crown has been
quietly and thoroughly prepared for
the responsibilities he now faces. His
charming playboy personality is known
on every continent. But little, if any,
thing. is known even in England of
the traits he may reveal as sovereign
Of the mightiest empire on earth.
claiming as its subjects one-fourth of
the population of the world.
Internally, Great Britain, despite
unmistakable signs Of recovery, still
has q rough road ahead. Unemploy-
ment, dislocated commerce, an unset
tied financial structure and unsolved
domestic political problems in ireland,
India. Palestine and Egypt confront
her.
Disturbing Centers.
But 1t is the potential developments
across the channel in France, in Ger
many and along the Mediterranean
shores that are most disturbing Storm
clouds also are gathering again in the
Far East. Japan and Russia, with
China on the sidelines, are girding for
m inevitable showdown in Mongolia.
Although they may wish to be inno-
cent bystanders both England and the
United States will be involved.
At Geneva Britain has a problem
confused by domestic ana foreign
ramihcations. The Oxford peace bal
lot tied the Baldwin government into
knot at home. Empire interests.
naval and economic, In the Mediter-
ranean and Africa, nave made def
mite international policy imperative.
And English statesmen do not like to
take irrevocable stands On the
League question, however, they can no
longer compromise-or bubble. The
spectacular rise of Capt. Anthony
Eden simultaneous with the ascen-
dancy Of youth to the British throne
may presage great changes. Other
youthful leaders are springing up all
over Europe-Edouard Benes, presi-
dent of Czechoslavakia, just turning
30; Prince Ernst Rud.ger Won Star
hemberg, Maj. Emil Fey and Chan
cellor Kurt Schuschnigg of Austria,
who are still younger.
In the New Germany are Hitler,
Dare. Goering and Goebbels; in Fas-
cist italy, Dino Grandi, Marshal Italo
Balbo, Fulvio Suvich and a legion Of
young Blackshirts; Col Beck and the
late Pilsudski's proteges in Poland.
Besides Edward VIII there are King
George In Greece, Carol in Rumania,
Leopold in Belgium and the minor
King Peter of Yugoslavia, who rules
under the regent. Prince Paul-an
contemporaries of the new sovereign
and younger.
French Old Guard Remains.
Thus the era of elder statesmen
that followed the armistice Is passing.
Only in France has the Old Guard
held on. Frances young men?" COM
mented Caillaux recently. 'They all
died in the World War;" There are
. few-Pierre Cot, Marcel Deaf, Col.
de IA ROGUE, Pierre Mad'huy among
them-who hold forth hope.
Whether youth can retrieve the
errors which have emerged from that
Pandora's Box, the Versailles Treaty.
remains to be seen. Thus far 1t
hasn't had = chance. It cannot make
Q much worse mess than that which
exists.
The most important development,
- far Is the United States is con-
eerned, lies In the complete collapse