Republican Flag Flies Everywhere

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 359, 21 May 1928, Page 9

Republican Flag Flies Everywhere

GERMAN ELECTIONS FEW RIVAL COLOURS SEEN (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) Times Cable. Reed. Noon. LONDON, Sunday. The Berlin correspondent of "The Times” says that a continuous downpour during polling hours damped down all external manifestations of political excitement at to-day’s elections. The streets were drenched and empty, only for little knots of party supporters with limp placards. The voters mostly adjourned to beer shops. The display of flags provided the only possible index to the trend of political feelings. There was a sprinkling of the old monarchist colours in the better-class districts and the Red flag was prominent in the poorer quarters, but the Republican flag predominated nearly everywhere. A visit to the Communist headquarters for the purpose of inspecting election propaganda revealed that the strength of the party lies in its organisation. The interior resembles a Government office in a modern capital, with byrinthine, tiled or distempered corridors, hurrying officials, and numbered and ticketed doors, from which discreet and preoccupied individuals conduct their business. This powerful organisation, centred but not confined in Berlin, embraces the whole industrial area of Western Germany. The Communists give startling evidence of the resources at their disposal. One can only speculate where the monetary support is drawn from. Picked “Red front fighters” to-day attended most of the polling stations. FIGHT WITH BEER-MUGS FATAL ELECTION RIOT FRAY IN BERLIN STREET (Australian Press Association) BERLIN, Sunday. One man was killed and many others were injured as a result of an election fight between National Socialists and Fascists, in the course of which stones, sticks and beer mugs were used as weapons. The police were temporarily powerless. It is strange that this should have occurred on the eve of the poll after a campaign which was unprecedentedlv quiet. Some experts express the opinion that only 50 per cent, of the electors will vote to-day. There are 31 parties and 4,500 candidates, of whom 400 are women. Nobody expects a transference of votes sufficient materially to alter the political situation. It is certain that no party will have a majority, and more Coalitions are inevitable. MAY LOSE STRESEMANN In any case, a continuation of Herr Stresemann’s policy is regarded as assured. There has been no whisper of Kaiserism. A novel experiment is being tried in Berlin, where distinctive voting papers are being issued to men and women so that it may be seen in what proportion the sexes vote. The latest bulletin regarding the German Foreign Minister, Herr Stresemann, says his pulse and temperature are normal, but it is feared that he will be unfit to take office in the new Cabinet, which will be formed after the elections to-morrow. Political observers expect that the former Chancellor, Dr. Wirth, will take the portfolio of Foreign Affairs.