Capital Comment

Without the aid of other nations Germany will not be able to pull herself out of the morass of economic ills. Observers here are of the opinion that as soon as the political atmosphere clears in Germany, the Reich government will begin a series of overtures to gain the sympathetic interest of other countries.

The real leader in the drive will be Dr. Hjalmar Schacht, Germany’s economic dictator. Intensive efforts will be made to increase exports. Already the Hitler government is coming to the realization that without increased exports Germany will be forced on a self-sufficient basis. For Germany this means a low level of national existence.

During the next three months, important decisions are expected to be made in Germany concerning her attitude toward the world at large. The present fight is to wipe out adverse trade balances. To do this Dr. Schacht has ruled that firms manufacturing for export would receive preferential treatment from the German government in filling their needs for raw materials. The degree of success or failure that befalls Germany’s contemplated recovery efforts will in a large measure determine her future.

Dr. Schacht freely admits Germany’s economic plight. He is known to be a hard-headed conservative. Opinion is that Dr. Schacht will not repeat past mistakes of others by putting up inflamed public sentiment as a substitute for sound trade conditions.

Speculation that Hitler may seek to establish himself on the throne is being received in this country with misgivings. If the press of the United States may be taken as an indicator of what the country thinks, Hitler’s assumption of added power following the death of President von Hindenburg would mean disaster to Germany. The effects of such a step would be felt throughout the world.

Some believe that in view of new responsibilities and his recent words pledging peace, Hitler may yet become more friendly to other nations of the world.

Strength to this argument is given by the fact that Hitler appointed Dr. Schacht, head of the Reichsbank, as economic dictator. This action is regarded as better proof of Hitler’s intention than any declaration of purpose could be.

Others hold the view that nobody knows what Hitler will do. Nazism thus far has more the appearance of a cult than a practical economic and political program. The only certain thing in German politics at the present time is uncertainty.

Hitler’s campaign for self-justification is over. Just as long as he is able to keep the people believing in his own purity of purpose and height of idealism, Hitler will remain intrenched in their support.

Adding to Hitler’s political future was the “political will” of the late President von Hindenburg. This document apparently gave Hitler the official blessing of the late Reichspresident. Observers believe that it will go a long way toward holding support of the people together.

Yet in spite of present conditions, there are many undercurrents which may be expected to play an important part in the near future. All is not well in the ranks of the Nazi storm troops. The “purging” in the June 30 revolution has not been forgotten. Unless a move is made to restore the former relationship of confidence in this organization, Hitler will have much with which to contend.

Among the five Justices of the United States Supreme Court who are entitled to retire because of their age is Justice Brandeis, who is 78.

Justice Brandeis was appointed to the bench in 1916 by President Wilson. He became eligible for retirement in 1926. Under the law a Justice is entitled to retire, but is not required to do so when he is 70 and has served ten years on the bench. None of the five has given any indication of being ready to retire.

With Justice Brandeis on the bench is Justice Cardozo, who is 64 years old. Justice Cardozo was appointed in 1932 by President Hoover.

With the summer nearly over and election time only a few months off, members of Congress are laying their lines for re-election. A number of them are really putting on a good show.

Representative Florence P. Kahn of San Francisco lays claim to some opposition for re-election. Those who know Mrs. Kahn are inclined to discount her fears. She has served in the House for five consecutive terms and the folks here expect to see her back again.

With his nomination already in his pocket, Representative Adolph J. Sabath of Chicago is much in the limelight these days. Heading a House committee investigating real estate bondholders reorganizations, Representative Sabath has been making the front pages of newspapers with his committee’s activities. All of this should stand him in good stead when election time rolls by.

Representative Dickstein of New York has his hands full with the investigation of Nazi and other subversive propaganda activities now under way by a Congressional committee of which he is vice-chairman. Since the scene of the investigation shifted to the West Coast, Dickstein has been some-what out of the picture. This, however, will not be for long.

In Connecticut, Representative Herman P. Koppelmann is preaching the gospel of the New Deal. Recently the Democrats of his state gave the Congressman from Hartford a dinner with Governor Wilbur L. Cross as the keynote speaker.

At the dinner Representative Kopplemann indicated that he would like to serve another term in the House. Present indications are that he will come back.