Deeds Not Words

As outlined last week (TIME, Dec 10) the first act of the new Marx Cabinet was to ask for plenary powers to govern the country for an indefinite period without reference to the Reichstag.

The new Chancellor, in his inaugural speech to the Reichstag, said: "My fight is directed neither against the Right nor the Left, but against all those who by force and cunning seek to rob the German people of all that is left to us--unity of the nation." (Bravo's from all except the Com- munists.) . . . "The whole nation must at last be filled with the realization that unless the people and the Reich are to sink into a hopeless maelstrom of annihilation the hour for the utmost sacrifices now has come. We must realize that the question to be or not to be lies for us in our financial, problem. This being the case, it seems to me inconsequential and superfluous to deliver a long speech about a program. Time is too precious for long discussions when the general need ever more urgently calls. Not words shall the people hear, but they shall see deeds. . . . We [the Cabinet] appeal to the patriotism and sense of duty of the people's representatives in requesting these extraordinary plenipotentiary powers."

The effect of this speech was to overcome Socialist and Nationalist opposition which had been so much feared. The third and final reading of the bill providing the Cabinet with full power was passed by 313 votes to 18. Not even the most sanguine forecasts foresaw such a sweeping victory for the Government. The most that was hoped from the Socialists was that they would not vote against the bill, while opposition from the Nationalists was counted upon.

Political circles in Berlin predicted an era of political calm, but many are the thorns that will prick the new dictatorship when it begins to function. At all events the Government seems safe until the next general elections, which should take place next Summer.