Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol4, 1920.pdf/360
ferences existing between Jugoslavia and Italy, particularly the Fiume question. If the reports are true, and there seems to be very little reason for doubting their authenticity, it is only a realization of the idea which every one versed in European affairs possessed. Economically, it is of signal advantage because Roumania and Jugoslavia are dependent for industrial products upon Czechoslovakia. On the other hand Czechoslovakia is dependent upon Roumania and Jugoslavia for its raw materials. Finished product must be bartered for raw materials. This becomes constantly more evident when one analyzes the economic situation prevailing in Europe. Naturally the interchange of commodities is bound to bring people closer together. Economic relations foster better feelings. If the position of Poland had warranted it, undoubtedly it would have been included in this new combination. This step may be taken to mean the birth of a new era of better understanding and cooperation in war-torn Central Europe.
The stagnation produced by the gyroscopic movements in Czechoslovak exchange is causing much uneasiness to industrial circles. At the instigation of President Masaryk an Advisory Council representing all walks of life was organized to formulate recommendations as to the best means of setting in motion the producing machinery of the country. The organization of this council is hailed by labor as well as capital.
It is honestly striving to formulate plans so that resumption of production and consequent marketing may immediately be effected. Minister of Commerce, Kuneš Sontag, attended one meeting recently. It is rather refreshing to read the commendation meted by the Tribuna to Deputy R. Tayerle, which said, “With great satisfaction we note the voice of the representative of labor, Deputy Tayerle, who unselfishly advocates the creation of strong economic institutions which may flow as a result of the work of the Advisory Council. Such acknowledgement for cooperation is actually one of those unusually gratifying indications of the last few months”. Mr. Tayerle pleaded not the acceptance of resolutions but the undertaking of greater production. He pointed out that, “Factories for the manufacture of bentwood furniture cannot export because, first, they have no export permits, and second, because no freight cars are available. This is characteristic in other industries. This results in unemployment and the discharging of labor, and it is not to be wondered that labor comes forward with the cry, ‘Take over the factories’.”
Mr. Tayerle was one of the Czechoslovak delegates to the International Labor Conference held in Washington in November, 1919.
Industry is practically at a standstill. The rapid rise of the crown caused the cancellation of many export orders and correspondingly frustrated contemplated purchases of much raw material. From day to day the manufacturer does not know what price he is to receive for his article. He can only sell that which he has actually in possession. He cannot buy raw materials because he does not know what price he will be forced to pay. Not only is Czechoslovak currency affected, but all European currencies are affected. Speculation is running riot and it is said that in Switzerland every man, woman and child gambles in foreign exchange. Naturally workers become restive and dissatisfied under such conditions. Every day life is made more difficult because of the constant rise in the cost of living while wages correspondingly do not increase. It is a deplorable situation, yet, in spite of all things, an American traveller, recently returned from Czechoslovakia, stated that in his opinion the Czechoslovak crown at home had a purchasing value of ten cents while in the exchange markets it was worth only two cents.
Slovakia has been overrun by Magyar agitators who incited people to resist the authority of the government and counsel led them to allow the crops to rot in the fields. Conditions became so alarming that the Cabinet decided to get at the root of the trouble. An edict was issued commanding all persons not citizens of the Czechoslovak Republic sojourning in Slovakia to appear before competent tribunals, there to present their passports for inspection and explain their presence. As a result many Magyars with and without creden-