The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-15

The Democrat has been re- quested by local resident to re- print from "The Witness" a na- tional paper of the Episcopal church, an article entitled Dis coveries in Europe" The author, William E. SpoffOrd, gives readers closeup of Hitler and specuIates on the evident speculation of the world, is the Nazi Caesar a genius or mad man. In building up his story, Mir. SpOfford writes of the treaty of Versailles, the impOssi- ble treaty imposed on Germany. The story in the March issue of "The Witness" reads as follows:
 By William B. SpOfford
 Two questions are asked of any recent visitor to Germany: What is Hitler like? What is the condi- tion of the people? We did not meet Hitler; few do. But we did have lengthy conferences with representatives of the American press: with Ambassador Dodd and his associates at the American Embassy; with leaders of the Nazis; with just ordinary people met on the boat and visited in Berlin; with leaders of the church. First, it can be stated that all meetings, except those held with Nazi leaders, were behind closed doors, shades drawn. People in Germany, even American sub jects such as newspaper men, do not indulge even in guarded speech in Hitler Land without first taking precautions. To ask ques- tion of casual acquaintanceS, even after having como to know them fairly intimately on an ocean voy- age, generally brought either no answers at all or they were slyly written on bits of paper in order to avoid the chances of being over- heard by walters or next table neighbors with big ears.
 Impossible Treaty
 Present day Germany is the re- suit of the unjust Versailles treaty. That was the first lesson we had to learn. We imposed upon Germany an impossible treaty. When the social Democrats begged for easier terms we got tough. Hitler was the inevitable result. So in deploring the present gang ster government of Germany we must accept part of the blame.
 AS for Hitler, one hesitates to call names. We are given to name-calling too, with far less justification. One does not go through a presidential election without learning to discount the stories told about men in public office. Nevertheless we did hear many stories about Hitler, from responsible people; told us that Hitler is a combination of genius and madman. He believes that he is Gods agent to bring the Ger man people out of their difficult ties. He has a genius for stirring the people through speeches; he has uncanny ability to take action at the psychological time; wise politically, he plays one faction against another, sitting on the side lines until he sees which side is apt to win, and then becomes it's leader. He never prepares a speech, at least to the extent of writing manuscript, but rather depends upon the inspiration Of the moment.
 Literally Mad!
 And after one of his stirring speeches-he is an emotional ora tor-he is so done-in that he is placed in the care of specialists for several days. with three in- formed men telling us that he drives himself literally mad.
 Indeed, one told us that he has sat in on press interviews with Hitler, attended by only a half dozen people. After talking calmly and rationally for few minutes, Hitler would arise and deliver a speech as though talking to 50,- GOO people. His eyes would glare, he would drool at the mouth finally two men would come in and lead him out, ending the in- terview. Hitler" said this Ameri- can journalist, "is literally insane part of the time. The destiny of Europe and perhaps of the world is in the hands of a madman.' The person to make this state ment was no irresponsible cub re- porter.
 AS for the condition of the peo-