Page:The Czechoslovak Review, vol4, 1920.pdf/361
tials were caught in this drag-net and ordered to leave the country. So that there might be no reentry of these people, martial law was declared in Slovakia.
Dr. Ivan Markovič, a Slovak member of the Social Democratic party, has been appointed Minister of National Defense. In view of the present chaotic conditions prevailing in Central Europe this post will be of the utmost importance. One of the principal tasks of the incoming minister will be the organization of the militia to replace the present standing army.
Schools are being established with somewhat of a feverish haste, in keeping with the demand of the people. At Chrudim a seminary, where young women will be prepared as instructors in domestic science, is to be opened this fall. Graduates will then be sent to various parts of the Republic to teach in local schools. At Hranice, in Moravia, a high school of forestry is to open this fall. The Czechoslovaks scientifically cultivate their forests and the establishments of this new school, whose graduates will be placed in charge of the vast forests to be taken over by the State, will meet the demands of the hour. At Beroun a school, where cooperative business principles are to be taught to youths over sixteen years of age, is also scheduled to open this fall.
Prague is fast becoming the center of Central European communication. Czechoslovakia has obtained concessions from Germany, which permit the construction of a telegraph line from Prague to Emden. The English government owns the cable, now out of repair, between Emden and London. It is expected that the British will repair the Emden-London cable and the construction of the Prague-Emden overland line will be immediately started. This will give Prague a direct wire to London and a quick cable service to America.
Czechoslovakia is to have an air mail service. Definite contracts have been signed with a French-Roumanian corporation, which will undertake the transportation by aeroplane of mail matter for the Ministry of Posts. The first line to be established is between Prague and Paris. If this proves successful, lines in other directions will be inaugurated immediately.
Minister of Rairoads, K. Stříbrný, has issued a statement wherein he states that Czechoslovak concerns have built 106 locomotives, 159 tenders and 14,558 freight and passenger cars since January 1st, 1919. He further stated that there is a shortage of 6,000 day coaches and 60,000 freight cars, that it is not possible to build all of these within the Republic but that large numbers must be secured from foreign manufacturers in order to relieve traffic congestion. American firms, it is rumored, are negotiating with the government with a view to supplying a number of cars and locomotives.
Some time this fall, possibly in October or November, the Czechoslovak mint at Kremnice will begin operations. It is reported that the 50 heller piece, made of a nickle bronze, will be the first coin. The National Assembly will determine final details very shortly. A competition in which designs for the new coins have been submitted resulted in a recommendation of the work of sculptors Španihel and Šturs. Later, when conditions warrant it, gold and silver coin will also be coined.
Pursuant to the authority of the National Assembly a committee of seven members is now engaged in revising the criminal code of Czechoslovakia. The elaborate and curbsome old Austrian criminal code will be simplified and brought up-to-date. It is expected that by the end of September the committee working on the new draft will have its report ready for action by the National Assembly.
The battle-scarred banner of the Jan Hus regiment was decorated by General Janin with the French War cross in the presence of President Masaryk, Dr. Eduard Beneš and other dignitaries. Immediately thereafter General Janin pinned the Commander’s Cross of the Legion of Honor on General Syrový. Color Sergeant Hrabil, Lieut. Col. Voču were also awarded Legion of Honor decorations for personal bravery on the field of battle.