"Personal Blow"

Troublous years since 1920 have shaken down eleven German cabinets; but these seven years have buffeted in vain Dr. Otto Gessler, continuously Minister of National Defense.

Last week stubborn, tenacious Dr. Gessler suddenly transmitted to President Paul von Hindenburg his resignation, giving as his reasons, "my ill health and the effects of a personal blow of Fate." Deeply concerned, old Paul von Hindenburg kept the resignation secret for two days, conveyed to Dr. Gessler the hope and the sincere wish that he would reconsider.

Because correspondents assume that no statesman ever resigns "because of ill health" they sought but failed to find a political motive. Time was when the Allied nations fairly howled for Gessler's official head, imputing to him the organization of secret German defense units: "The Black Reichswehr." This and a score more of tempests and squalls could not unhorse him. Tomorrow would have brought him only a few more tilts and joustings with statesmen and politicians whom he has often worsted.

Last week Dr. Gessler's words had an honest ring. He is in ill health. Fate has just dealt him a "personal blow" by striking dead, during the past twelvemonth, his two flourishing sons, and, last week, his mother. Since the Fatherland is secure and Otto Gessler stricken, why should he not rest?