GERMANY'S PROGRESS

Germany has had her elections, and the results, though inconclusive, are encouraging. Most Germans and all other nations feared a monarchist success which might have restored all that was worst in old Germany. There was also some danger of the communist power increasing enough to endanger the economic stability of Europe. But all forecasts now predict a moderate government after the second election soon to be held.

Since the War, Germany has been enduring the birth-pangs of a new political order. Reaction against the Hohenzollerns threatened to throw the nation, with Russia, into the Soviet regime. Then from Bavaria sprang the counter-reaction that has fought persistently against the new republican government. Some of the chief war leaders have been the nominees of this party. Its fortunate failure was symbolized in this last election by the total of four votes cast for Emperor William.

Economic struggle has been interwoven with political strife. Indeed it has only been the rapid spread of Socialism that has held the moderate groups together against political extremists. The Socialists are today the largest group and the back-bone of the Republic. Though they cannot carry an election, they hold the balance of power. Representing the moderate workers against both monarchistic Junkers and Communists, they have decided to support the central Republican groups.

The German Republic seems to have found itself and its probable entry into the League of Nations will greatly enforce its prestige. France and England are finding that upon Germany's political and economic stability depends the success of the Dawes Plan, and signs of renewed cooperation bode well for Europe's peace.