Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol4, 1920.pdf/321

24, consisting of 16 members of the Chamber of Deputies and 8 members of the Senate to enact emergency legislation during the interim between sessions of the National Assembly and during adjournments. The Nation is thereby never left without a body which may legislate for the protection of the Nation between sessions. It is true that in this Country the President may convene Congress to act upon great emergencies. But such a convention cannot be accomplished without precious delay.

The present government of Czechoslovakia is undoubtedly conservative. Although the country contains an enormous Socialist population, there is nothing in the Constitution which may be said to result in the affirmative recognition of the radical Socialistic proposals now rampant in Russia. But while the Socialists were apparently within the control of the conservative element in the Nation, the Socialist influence succeeded in preventing an enactment for the safeguarding of the right of property. The Constitutional provisions concerning property are elastic. Legislation may be enacted from time to time whereby property may be confiscated with or without compensation. This seems like a sop to the Socialist element in the Government.

Labor has a distinct standing under the Constitution. It is given a definite place in the Nation. Its right to organize for its protection or advancement is definitely recognized and guaranteed.

The leaders of the Nation have taken note of the unsettled conditions in Europe and have therefore made universal military training mandatory.

The last, but not the least, of the progressive enactments into the Constitution of the new Republic is the provision for mandatory education of all peoples within the Nation, under the direct control of the National Government, but with due recognition of the different racial elements. The Government guarantees National support to schools for instruction in the languages common in the different sections of the Republic.

A change which will appear radical to Americans, but which is in line with European procedure is the provision for the election of the President of the Republic by the National Assembly.

While throughout the Constitution, the overwhelming influence of the Chamber of Deputies upon the destinies of the new Nation is apparent, there is one provision which is a controlling factor in curbing possible impromptu revolutionary tendencies on the part of the National Assembly. That power lies with the President of the Republic who is given authority to dissolve the National Assembly. This, of course, may be a double-edged sword, but as the Constitution provides that a new Assembly must be elected in 60 days, the will of the People must prevail ultimately. It is a “double-action” check.

The big Powers will be fully warranted in accepting Czechoslovakia on the footing of brotherhood, as all indications contained in the Constitution point to conservative and intelligent control of the Nation.

According to the decision of the Committee of Ambassadors, which have been hearing the dispute regarding Teschen at Paris, the mines of that district are awarded to Czechoslovakia while the city of Teschen is given to Poland. The railway running north and south through the disputed territory is made the approximate boundary line. While the final award has not been made because of the participation of United States Ambassador Wallace, who is awaiting instructions from Washington as to what course to pursue in this matter, yet it is fair to assume that the findings will be final. With this question the problem of Spisz and Orava is also settled. The greater portion of these territories go to Czechoslovakia. Thus is removed one of the most difficult questions confronting the Czechoslovak Republic.

It is estimated that over 3,500,000,000 Cs. crowns will be necessary to properly handle the next sugar crop. This amount is large even in comparison to the extent of the industry and is due to the fact that larger acreages will be planted and that the cost of seed beets has increased many fold. Plans are being worked out so that the sum may be raised without unnecessary disturbance to the money market or injuring credits. The government, and particularly the Ministry of Finance, gives hearty cooperation to the plans under consideration.