SWEARING-IN THE PRESIDENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 14 May 1925, Page 7

SWEARING-IN THE PRESIDENT.

yon Hindenburg Takes

Office.

AMERICA’S CAUTIOUS ATTITUDE

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright, Australian au.i i'i.Z. Cable Association (Received May 13, 7.30 p.m.) \V AbinriHlOiN, May 12.

Washington animals ao not expect any occasion to arise requiring tlie lorinal transmission of congratulations to von iiindenburg. Tlie American Ambassador will verbally tender sucii expressions as lie deems necessary.

TAKING THE OATH.

CONFLICT OF PARTIES IN

BERLIN

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. BERLIN, May 12.

Field-Marshal von niiiaenburg, on taking over tlie chief command, in accoruance with the Constitution, issued a mamiesto to the Army and Navy, greeting them with pride. He says they led the Herman people along the only road whereon reconstruction was possible, namely, her , discipline and loyalty. They had built up the old principle of duty and sacrifice. Their activity was intended to be ot service to the people and State, true to the tasks imposed by the Constitution.

Von Hindenburg took the oath to the Republican Constitution in the Reichstag, standing at a table covered with the Republican Flag. The building was packed. The approaches to the Reichstag were thronged. When von Hindenburg entered, all rose, except the Communists, who shouted in unison: “Down with the Monarchist President!” then went out in a body. After von Hindenburg had taken the oath the Socialist President (Herr Loebe), spoke, saying he hoped the economic reconstruction of Germany begun under Herr Ebert and also the policy of mutual understanding in foreign affairs, would be continued. Von Hindenburg read a statement affirming that he would devote himself to the united German people. Deputies, rising in their seats, gave three cheers for the German Republic. Von Hindenburg left, accompanied by his Ministers. He took the salute from a regiment of the Reichswehr, the .crowd chanting “Deutschland fiber Alles.” Von Hindenburg, in a manifesto to the German people, says :—“Tme to the oath, I will devote all my energies to guarding the constitution and laws. Let us strive through honest, peaceful work 'to gain the recognition of- other nations to which we ai entitled, and free the German name from the unjust stain still lying ton it to-day.” Presidential Oath. The oath of von Hindenburg taken on the assumption of seven years oi office as President of the Republic, runs: “I swear to dedicate my powers to the welfare of the German people, to enlarge their sphere of usefulness, to guard them from injury, observe the Constitution and laws of the Federation, to fulfil my duties conscientiously, and to do justice to every man.”

The President’s powers under the Constitution are strictly defined, and limited. Anyhow they require the counter-signatui'e of the Chancellor or a competent Federal Minister. The declaration of war or the conclusion of peace with foreign countries is dependent on the passing of a federal law.