The Daily News. TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1920. GERMANY'S FIRST PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1920. GERMANY'S FIRST PARLIAMENT.

The first Parliament of the German people—the National Assembly—the main purpose of which was to conclude peace and draft a constitution on republican lines, has come to an end, and the elections to the first Reichstag of the Republic were held on Sunday. Historically, this Assembly marks the transition period between the downfall of the Empire and autocracy, and the new era wherein that conflict of parties may develop events that will have a powerful effect on the future of the country. After the great war struggle it was not surprising to find that internal troubles developed, firstly in the shape of strikes, then the Spartacists, organised by the Independents, took a hand, and subsequently a meteoric militarist coup was made, but was soon ended. The weakness of the Government naturally afforded opportunities for intrigues, and efforts were made to put off the elections to the Reichstag, obviously owing to the fear of the growth of a reactionary movement. The polling for the National Assembly in 1919 gave the following results: Social Democrats, 37.9 per cent; Christian People's Party, 19.7; German Democrats, 18.5; German National People's Party, 10.3; Independent Socialists, 7.6; German People's Party, 4.4; and smaller groups, 1.6 of the votes cast. It will be seen that the Social Democrats (as in 1914) formed the largest group. Herr Ebert, the first President of the Republic, has never lacked trouble since accession to office, and his Coalition Government had all the disadvantages of a temporary expedient, being only saved from ruin by the Left. Apparently there has arisen a change of political views, the swing of the pendulum being towards the Right. It is only to be expected that after the breathing time which the country has had since the war ended, and in yiew of the chaotic conditions which have prevailed during the intervening period, there should be a desire for a strong Government that will set to work to mould Germany's destiny. If the dominant parties in the first Reichstag of the Republic are those which will ensure the new Germany being built upon true democratic lines, all will be well, and the rehabilitation of the country will proceed apace. It is a critical time for the Allies, inasmuch as the first business of the new German Government will be to come to a decision as to the amount of indemnity to be paid. On this' vital matter depends whether the Allies will be forced to occupy further German territory and collect the indemnity, or a satisfactory arrangement arrived at which will enable their forces to be recalled. Apparently the constitution drawn up by the National Assembly gives the Reichstag fairly full control of national affairs, though the President has extensive powers. He cannot, however, declare war, make treaties or arrange peace tena^ 'ft

so that the Reichstag's power is sufficient to safeguard the nation. Although neither the Chancellor nor any member of the Government need be members of the Reichstag, they must resign on a vote .of no confidence being passed. There are manifest disadvantages in this provision which contains all the material for a political crisis. The, outlook is none too promising, as. it is likely the Socialists and Cqmmunists will prove troublesome. The main source of apprehension is the amount of power that the Pan Germanists can attain. There is no doubt that what may be termed the "Old Gang" of Imperialists will do all they can to restore the monarchy and put an end to democratic government, and the troubles that have occurred since the war are likely to play into their hands. Germany's one chance of settling down to regain her place among the nations depends on a popular and stable Government controlling her affairs on democratic and pacific principles. The result of the elections wiil give some indication as to what will be the future of Germany and the prospects of peace.