Monarchism vs. Communism

The political situation in Germany is rapidly assuming an alarming crisis. The inflation of the currency and the deadlock in principal industries are producing an economic situation analogous to that of the Winter of 1918-19. The Communists are as active now as were the Spartacans immediately after the fall of the Imperial regime in 1918. There is plenty of Bolshevik propaganda, no doubt backed by Soviet gold, in Berlin and elsewhere in Germany.

The other side of the picture is provided by the increased monarchist activity throughout the Reich. The importance of the monarchical movement in Germany can be seen in the present strength of the parties elected at various times to the Reichstag :

Socialists, 173

Center Party, 68

German National People's Party, 67

German People's Party, 20

Communists, 15

Minor parties, 11

If the Monarchists succeeded in making a coup d'etat they could in all probability succeed in gathering a not inconsiderable majority together in the Reichstag. The German People's Party represents the old Conservatives, Junkers and Pan-Germans -- all avowedly monarchical factions. The Center Party is composed of Catholics and could be relied upon to support a monarchical movement, if not before success, then certainly after it. The German People's Party are liberals and not adverse to a limited monarchy. These parties alone produce 135 seats in the Reichstag. The Socialists, consisting of the old Majority Socialists, Independent Socialists, Social Democrats, are an uncertain quantity. In view of the terrible economic condition of the country, it seems likely that large portions of the Majority Socialists and the Social Democrats could be brought to back a monarchist coup. Although this is not an exact indication of monarchical strength in Germany, it is a sound enough basis from which to show that the activities of the ex-Crown Prince Wieringen at are not without significance.

Frankfurt-am-Main was the scene of violent Communist rioting, which resulted in the brutal murder of Dr. Haas, Federal District Attorney. Many people were wounded.

The increase in Communism was reflected in the results of the elections of candidates to the annual convention of the Metal Workers' Union. In Berlin the Communists polled twice as many votes as the Socialists, who had previously controlled the union. Other notable Bolshevik gains occurred in Saxony and the Ruhr.

Meanwhile the House of Hohenzollern, confined behind the borders of Holland, watches its chance to seize the Imperial Crown and incidentally deliver the Fatherland from the toils of Bolshevism.

The activities of the ex-Emperor and ex-Crown Prince have become so energetic that the Dutch authorities are alarmed. Twice within a few weeks the Imperial German flag has been raised on Dutch soil, once over a seaside villa in which the ex-Kaiser was visiting, and again at Wieringen, when a yacht called Hohenzollern flew it on the occasion of a mysterious visit to the ex-Crown Prince.

The Daily Mail, London, said that the ex-Crown Prince is planning his escape to Germany. The paper points to the fact that the Prince is in communication with the German Nationalists, and that he is popular among ex-soldiers.

Berlin is in a worse condition than any other of the German cities. There is a shortage of food, the mark is a grim joke, the Communists get more threatening every day, the position of the Government is precarious, to say the least. Trouble of a serious nature is inevitable.