File No. 763.72/3556
The Chargé in the Netherlands (Langhorne) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 20, 4.40 p.m.]
790. The Socialist Vorwärts renews its appeal for democratic government in Germany and asks how much longer the German [Page 74] people is to remain behind the other peoples in freedom of development. In a special article entitled “The time for action” Scheidemann writes that the reason why the sympathies of almost the whole world are with Germany’s enemies is because democratic principles are seen everywhere but in Prussia. Russia was the only country left to which we could point as representing [autocracy] and now the democratic idea has full sway in that great country. Why then does our Imperial Chancellor hesitate to take a step that is absolutely necessary now and can be taken to-day? There are difficulties in the way, it is submitted, but can they be compared for a moment with the difficulties which our people are overcoming every day? Millions are facing death each day, millions are enduring privation; is it for the sake of the Prussia of Westarp and Heydebrand? The arduous tasks are evenly allotted but there is inequality of rights although the poorest sons of the Fatherland have proven the most faithful. Now is the time for resolute action. The difficulties which may arise if the Government now demands free suffrage for Prussia are as light as a feather in comparison with the difficulties which may arise if the Government fails to do so. The times are serious and equal suffrage in Prussia is mature. The Chancellor ought not to delay one day longer. The Prussian people and all the other German peoples will support him to a man if he takes resolute action.