The Daily News. FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1919. GERMANY'S WAR ON ANARCHY.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 March 1919, Page 4

The Daily News. FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1919. GERMANY'S WAR ON ANARCHY.

"Berlin is like a battlefield," states a recent cable, so it is evident that the anarchistic boomerang which Germany in an evil hour flung at the Russians is recoiling on the Teutons with added force. The Spartacists are putting up a bitter fight against the Government troops, and, apparently have the sympathy of the workers. On the other hand the Officers' Corps, numbering two thousand, is taking a great part in what is called the final battle for supremacy in Berlin. There can be no question that the position is serious, and though indications point to the Government gaining ground, the menace has got a firm hold, owing to the weakness of the authorities. Though the present, upheaval may be suppressed, the smouldering elements will be capable of being fanned into a flame at any moment. It is only necessary to take note of the great changes that have occurred in Germany since the defeat of her armies, in order to comprehend in some measure the chaotic state that now exists. "What happened when the German agents Lenin and Trotsky, .were let loose in Bus-

sia to pave the way for the evolution of a German eastern empire is being experienced in Germany. The Hohenzollern regime allowed no freedom of action, but made the people and the resources of the country mere agencies for State purposes and aims. The savage Hun blood still flows in the veins of the Teutons, and, with the removal of the despotic monarchy, primal instincts came to the fore. Possibly if the people had been well fed there would have been no upheaval, for just as an army is governed by its stomach, so is it with the people. There is every reason to believe that lack of food is playing a very important part in this upheaval. Doubtless it was expected that the cessation of hostilities would put an end to the ever-increasing privations of the people, for the bulk of the food went to the army to keep it in, fighting trim. It. is recognised by the Allies that food must be supplied to the Germans, but a condition precedent is the handing over of the German mercantile marine, yet sooner than carry out this reasonable condition the members of the so called German Government have deliberately intensified the misery of the people by endeavoring to alter the Allies' determination to secure the ships before supplying the food. The methods of the Kaiserism are still animating the German authorities of to-day, who, apparently, ignore the fact that the Allies decline to trust Germany and are in a position to dictate their own terms. It is not surprising, therefore, that anarchy is taking a hold on the people and that civil war is raging in Berlin. The Allies cannot recede from their attitude of firmness in dealing with the Germans. Bitter experience has taught the lesson that coercion is absolutely necessary, and they are thoroughly justified in the attitude they have been compelled to adopt. We have been accustomed to regard with suspicion all movements and plots of a political or social nature in Germany, by reason of the evil reputation the Germans have obtained for engineering schemes that are merely meant to deceive, but the Sp„artacist movement is as much of a reality as the Bolshevik, both being aimed at the destruction of law_ and order. The existing crisis demonstrates only too plainly how a comparatively few men have in the past held an iron sway over millions of people by tjie power of the sword. The removal of these pillars has brought the whole Governmental edifice into ruins. The Majority Socialists, w' were hand and glove with the Monarchists, now find that their pretensions are unmask- j ed. They have had the opportunity to make good, but signally failed, and they are only adding fuel to the flames by their antagonistic attitude towards the Allies. The criminally callous policy in regard to the sufferings of the people is just as prominent as it was under the sway of the military despots, but the people are no longer cowed into obedience, There is no Caesar to nod his head or stamp his feet. The people want food and the authorities let them go hungry while they are vainly trying to outwit the Allies. Present conditions in Germany are the outcome of Hohenzellorism, but are none the less to be deeply deplored. It is essential for a permanent peace that Germany shall be well and wisely governed on democratic lines and not by tricksters or anarchists. The Allies have a vital interest in the existence of a reliable and stable government so as to be a foundation for a durable peace and a possible guarantee for the creation of a new and safe Germany, but they will take no risks. It is of no more use for Herr Ebert to refuse to give up the merchant ships than for the German armistice delegates to attempt to argue with Admiral Hope. It is within the power of the German authorities to put an end to the present upheaval, but they must jettison the last remnants of Hohenzollern tactics. The people have found their feet, and must lie led, not driven, but above all the yieed of the moment is food, which they could have received long since, but for the obstinacy of the Gov-, ernment.