like Mr. Baldwin, he is supported by a minority. Con-
fronted with the alternative of a speedy dissolution, the Socialists decided to vote for the Bill, which gives the new Government dictatorial powers for two months, subject to the nominal supervision of a Reichstag committee. The Bill was carried last Saturday by 314 votes to I8. Dr. Marx has already begun to reduce expenditure by dismissing superfluous officials and cutting down salaries, and he is credited with the intention to enforce the pay- ment, on a gold basis, of taxes which have hitherto been evaded or tendered in almost worthless paper. If Dr. Marx can restore order in the finances, he will deserve well of Germany, and of Europe, for, however great Germany's external difficulties may be, it is certain that, for lack of resolute statesmanship, she has not yet made a serious effort to save herself. It is to be remembered that the reconstruction of Austria has come about not merely through the help of the League, but also through the ruthless energy of the Austrian Chancellor, Dr. Scipel. Germany needs a man of his type to enforce the needed reforms in the administration and the currency.
* * * *
Previous page
