THE RUHR

No Change. The situation has not changed appreciably during the week. The French multiply their acts of reprisal as the German passive resistance takes form in deeds. The application of force, while regretable, continues. The only hope for the future is contained in reports from both sides stating that preparations for peace are in progress.

The Magnates. The German industrialists are insuring themselves against the fall of the Cuno Government--which, it is now believed, would pave the way to negotiations with the French--by a policy of reconciliation with all parties favoring an immediate Ruhr settlement. This ingenuous policy would, of course, leave a considerable margin of power in the hands of the magnates when the settlement terms are discussed.

The Invaders. A meeting of the French and Belgian Premiers--M. Poincare and M. Theunis--at Brussels provided the most interesting feature of the week's peace preparations. It was discovered that the Belgians, apparently alarmed at the rising anger of Britain, tried to force Raymond Poincare's reluctant hand. They were under no hallucinations as to the duration of the German resistance, and insisted that a statement should be issued promising the Germans progressive evacuation of the Ruhr as the reparations demanded are paid. Apart from this concession to Belgium, the policy of the French is unchanged.

Coal. The German mine owners failed to pay the tax imposed on them; but France has been unable to carry out her threat of commandeering the surface coal massed at the pit-heads, owing to the shortage of labor. She has, however, stated that every effort will be made to obtain foreign labor with which to move the coal and coke in the Ruhr.

Violence. The application of force continued with unfailing regularity. Three Germans were shot down at Recklinghausen by French sentries for refusing to stop when challenged. Two former members of the Soviet police were summarily executed for returning to Buer after having been expelled. At Freimersheim, near Treves, the Germans moved the switches and caused a collision between a troop train bringing reinforcements from Alsace and an empty freight train. One soldier was killed and six were injured.