The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1918. GERMAN SCIENCE OF SOCIAL GOVERNMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 February 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1918. GERMAN SCIENCE OF SOCIAL GOVERNMENT.

In judging the strength or weakness of political movements in which the workers of any country take an active part, it is prudent to carefully note the conditions under which the masses live. There is a large element of animal instinct about the average humm unit that hoi to be taken into account when estimating the probable action that may result from given circumstances. It is necessary also to differentiate between the political and economical influences in order to arrive at a reliaible conclusion as to which has the greater force in moulding the action of the wage earners in every movement affecting their welfare—for good or ill. The question of "■benefits" is mostly a deciding factor, inasmuch as it looms large in selfish humanity. If the substantial benefits enjoyed by the German workman are analysed it is surprising to find how comprehensively he is cared for by his Government. This analysis has recently been made by the greatest British authority on the industrial side of Germany's national life (Mr. W. H. Dawson). From his welcome contribution to the problems of the period, it is possible to obtain a clear conception of the economical privileges the German worker enjoys as a set off against the loss of the free political institutions of the British worker. Germany has found that a policy of watching over the material welfare of the masses has returned highly satisfactory results which lit in with the one great aim of the ruling classes—solid loyalty to the Government and strict obedience to authority —so vitally necessary in the case of an armed nation. If a worker is out of employment all that municipal and associated effort, skilfully co-ordinated and efficiently directed, can do to find him work is promptly done. The housing problem is equally well solved by means of a public house-agency to supply the needs of the people free of charge; funds are also provided for buying or building a house; the municipal pawn broker's establishment advances temporary loans, while public information bureaux are accessible everywhere to give friendly advice, including elementary matters of law. Sot only is there a remarkable system of healing agencies where free treatment can be obtained, but there Js insurance against old age and sickness, also convalescent homes where the workers can go for rest. These are all State agencies and not, as in Britain, the outcome of voluntary effort savoring of charity. There are many other directions in which the masses arc helped and cared for with the object of promoting contentment, but the political oppression remains, and as It invariably happens that a man wants most what is beyond'his reach so may it fall out that in Germany the workers, having such favorable "oonomic.jjrivilejges^^mas.turn

tlicir attention to securing equally satisfactory political privileges. Partly this ] lias teen foreseen and guarded against l by that other syßtem under which tliej German workman becomes a politically drilled and disciplined man —as a rule. There is, of course, in Germany, as in other countries, an element oi the lirebrand order, but it has been rigorously kept within 'bounds, the bulk of the people being stolidly amenable to orders. They llavc been bred and born in the glamor of Imperialism and militarism, hence the ingrained faith in the invincibility of the Teutonic armies. To the system of improving the social and economic position of the workers, and to the success of Bismarck's policy to submerge class consciousness in national consciousness and pride of conquest the Kaiser owed the marvellous military strength at his disposal when he embarked on his fateful war for world domination. We have to remember that the German masses have not been nutured in an atmosphere of political freedom;- they have never grasped its full meaning and probably 11, lr ery large number do not trouble cliemsekes about possessing a nebulous political power, being satisfied with their simple lot. Undoubtedly the war has affected them in many ways and entailed heavy sacrifices, but they have been led to expect appreciable benefits as the result of the struggle. The only question as to which there may be a doubt is whether they will stand the strain. Recent events would seem to indicate that the social and economic machinery of Germany is getting out of gear. The people have been living on hope, and we have it on the best of authority that ''hope deferred makes the heart sick." When a stream that has been running for ages between strong banks, at lengtli bursts its barriers then comes the deluge. The great industrial upheaval which is going on in Germany may burst the bonds of iron discipline which has bound the people to Prussian militarism, and then may follow insurrection and revolution. Russia lias set the example, but there is no analogy between the Russians and the Germans. It is better to analyse the situation than to merely count on revolutionary action as a natural consequence of changed conditions. Tli'e only safe attitude to assume is that while the war lasts German obedience to control will continue. That means the putting forth by the Allies of their utmost strength. The Allied War Council has decided that the war must go on until victory is obtained, so that 110 matter what may be the internal condition. of Germany there must be no slackness on the part of her enemies, but a more vigorous prosecution of the war, for it is abundantly clear that only by a convincing defeat of the forces of autocracy can the world's peace and the eau?3 of democracy be attained.