GERMANY WITHIN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 308, 17 September 1918, Page 5

GERMANY WITHIN

FACING A HOPELESS SITUATION FIRST SIGNS OF NATIONAL WORRY OFFICIAL CHIEFS MEET THE TRADE UNIONISTS Amsterdam, September 15. Tho "Berlin Tageblatt" reports remarkablo proceedings at a trade union deputation to Count von Heitling (Imperial Chancellor) 011 September .12. The spokesman said th,it the people had become seriously discouraged by recent events, and felt they were economically sinking. Tho food continued bad and dangerously insufficient; and prices were extortionate, and consequently tho bodily strength of the workers was declining. They must have more meat and potatoes. Workmen's troussrs, which used to cost four marks, now cost sixty; they lasted only quarter of tho time, and could not bo mended. The peoplo's anger over tho Prussian ,suffrnge question had reached boiling point. The military censorship and martial law lay heavy, and the trade unions urged that now that the oxhaustion of our enomies had begun, and the break-through had failed, it was timo for peace by understanding. Count von Hertling assured them tiiat the political leaders and the High Command were striving for such a pence, and unanimously opposed <'onquests. As regards equal suffrage, ho repeated tho promise that if the Upper House failed to agree to the proposal the Landtae would be dissolved. Herr WaTlnif, Secretary for tho Interior, promised that the military authorities would reconsider the right of meeting and the censorship. Herr von Waldow, Secretary for Food Supplies, said that it was impossible to get more food. Meatless days must continue in order to ensure the milk and fat supply. The potato crop was worse than last year, and tho corn only xo per cent .better. Baron von Stein, Secretary of State, stated that substitutes, for clothing must be utilised. General Brann, of the War Office, promised to examine the question ot shortening tho working hours, but this was imixissible in the mines. Sobialist Deputy Legien, replying, said the Ministers' statements as regards food and hours showed that tho situation was hopeless. -The workers could not work the present hours.--Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.