Monday, Apr. 20, 1925
The Boiling Pot
The big news from Germany was that Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg, the idol of the German Nation, had, after previously refusing (TIME, Apr. 13), accepted the pro-Monarchist nomination for the Presidency of the German Republic. Thereafter, the German political pot began to boil.
It appeared that the aged (he is 78) Field Marshal had remained indurately opposed to accepting nomination until a loud knock sounded on the door of No. 15 Wedekindstrasse, Hanover, and Grand Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz appeared to undermine Hindenburg's resistance. It was subsequently given out on the slenderest authority that the ex-Kaiser at Doorn had intervened to command the old man to stand for election ; and that the latter, faithful and true to the former Emperor and King, had immediately made Tirpitz's heart glad by accepting the nomination.
The enterprising and Germanophile New York American immediately put the matter to the test by cabling the ex-Kaiser and asking him if there was any truth in the report that he had requested Hindenburg to accept nomination. The following reply was received:
Telegram received. Story absolute fiction. His Majesty had no communication whatever from Feldmarschall Hindenburg respecting his candidacy. . . . His Majesty's information about presidential campaign in Germany solely derived from German and foreign press. His Majesty in no communication with anybody belonging to the actual political circles in Germany or with party leaders. His Majesty once and for all has made it his principle not to interfere in internal affairs in Germany as long as he resides in Doorn. By his Imperial Majesty's orders Col. V. Kliest acting chief of household.
The first pro-Monarchist proclamation, addressed to all German workers, reads:
"We don't want war. We want to help Germany obtain its first political success ; to defend our right of self-determination in choosing our candidate for the highest post in the country despite intrigues. Victory over the socialistic Internationale means improvement in working conditions, means victory over international capital, which already is beginning to untie its money bags to oppose the nomination of our great ideal: Hindenburg. Therefore, with Jarres for Hindenburg!
Generalfeldmarschall von Hindenburg's appeal to the Nation:
German People: Patriotic Germans of every district and clan have nominated me for the highest office in the Fatherland. I follow this call, after earnest meditation, in fidelity to my country. ... If this duty calls me to act on constitutional grounds, without regard to party, person, origin or calling, as President, I shall not be found wanting.
. . . I have never lost my faith in the German people and God's help. I am no longer young enough to believe in sudden changes of affairs.
... As the first President, as protector of the Constitution, never forgot he came from the rank of Social Democratic workers, so no one can demand that I give up my political beliefs. I hold the same belief as the honored Dr. Jarres, that not the form of Government, but the spirit which governs, is important.
I extend my hand to every German who thinks of the Nation, who protects from within and without the dignity of the German name and who desires social peace and beg him "help to resurrect our Fatherland."
(Signed) VON HINDENBURG.
The Opposition parties supporting ex-Chancellor Wilhelm Marx, to whom Hindenburg was also a national hero, bitterly denounced dragging the "old man of Hanover" into politics. A storm of criticism broke over the heads of the pro-monarchist leaders which did not spare the Field Marshal himself. It was commented that he was too old, that foreign opinion would turn against Germany if he were elected, that it was a sign of fright, weakness, imbecility on the part of the pro-monarchists to run him, that German business men were horrified at his selection, that he had not the least qualification for the Presidency, that he was a puppet, etc.