IRON RULE IN GERMANY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1731, 28 June 1917, Page 2

IRON RULE IN GERMANY.

A SERIES of articles is being contributed (o (he London Times by Professor F. S. Delnicr, an Australian, formerly professor of English at the Berlin -Cniveysity, who w;is released from Huhlebcn recently. Referring' to comments regarding the duration of the war made by Roman Catholic members of the Reichstag, Professor Delmer says: —“Members of Parliament are privileged, statements from the public are treated its treason and heavily punished. Police proclamations offer £l5O reward for the conviction of persons commenting on the, duration or prospects of-the war. These and other-iron-handed police methods have produced a reign .of terror. Nobody is safe in the most confidential of conversations. Nevertheless, in intimate circles the High Command is freely discussed. Even the idol

Hindenburg is adversely criticised, though lie is still a fetish among the Eeveuthlowites. Officers and soldiers at the front are heartily siek of the war, particularly on the west front. Officers frequently head their letters ‘Still alive.’ Every German -is anxiously asking, ‘Will Die food last?’ The authorities reply that the bread supply is assured till the middle of August. After then luck and management may carry them on to next harvest. The authorities know that the margin is so narrow that a false step may be fatal.” Professor Delmer is confident that (he hay and grain harvest will be exceptionally poor and six weeks late. Germany’s iron motto is: Soldiers tirst!” Even members of the' Reichstag assert that if the worst comes aged people must be allowed to perish.