Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-08-15

citizens; to check nativistic eneroaeh-
ments; to maintain and safeguard the
good friendly relations existing be-
tween America and the old German
fatherland. To read the history of
German immigration. is to be con-
cinced how much it has contributed
to the Advancement Of the spiritual
and economic development of this
country, and to realize what 1t is still
destined to contribute. and how the
German immigrant has at all times
stod by his adopted country in veal
or IN Wee.
The Alliance demands therefore the
full honest recognition of these merits
and opposes every attempt to belittle
them.
The Constitution.
a l. The Alliance. as such. refrains from
all interference in party politics reserv-
ing, however, the right and duty to de-
fcnd its principles, also in the political
field. in case there should be attacked
or ENDANGERED 10y political measures
The Alliance VIII napgurate and sup
port all legislation for the common good
that is sure to find unanimous approval
of its members
2, Questions and matters of religion
are strictly excluded.
3. It recommends the Introduction Of
the study of German into the public
schools on the following broad basis
Along with English German IS a
world language; wherever the pioneers
of civilization. trade and commerce have
penetrated, we find the people of both
languages represented. wherever real
knowledge of another language prevails
more generally. there an Independent.
clear and unpreiudieed understanding is
more easily formed and mutual friendly
relations promoted.
i 70 N a q rTp nf "a nd
invention. the pace of our time IS rapid.
and the demands ON the individual are
inexorable; the physical exertion involv-
ed Increases the demand on the bodily
force; a healthy mind should live in a
healthy body For these reasons the AL
lance will labor for the Introduction of
systematic and practical gymnaStic
physical culture) instruction in the
public schools.
5. 1t further declares in favor of TAX
ing the school out of politics. for only
a system of education that is free from
political influence can offer the people
real and satisfactory schools.
6. 1t calls on all Germans to acquire
the right of citizenship as soon IS they
are legally entitled to 1t. to take an ac-
tive part in public life. and to exercise
their right at the polls fearlessly and ac-
cordiug TO their own judgment
Z. 1t recommends either liberal and
modern Interpretation or the abolition
of laws, that put unnecessary difficulties
in the way of acquiring the right of cit
izenship, and frequently entirely prevent
It. Good character, unblamable upright
life obedience to laws should decide,
and not the answering or mountaineering
of arbitrarily selected political or his
torical questions. which easily confuse
the applicant.
g. 1t opposes any and every restrie-
ton of Immigration of healthy persons
from Europe. exclusive of convicted
criminals and anarchists
3. 1t favors the abolition of antiquat-
ed laws no longer in accordance with
the spirit of the times. which check
free intercourse and restrict the person.
al freedom of the citizen.
10. It recommends the founding of ed
German language and literature, teach
those anxious to learn. and arrange
courses of lectures on art and science
and questions of general interest.
IL. It recommends systematic inves-
tigation of the share Germans have had
in the development of their adopted
country. in war and in peace. in all
kinds of German American activity
from the earliest days, as the basis of
the founding and continuance of a Ger
man american history
Il. The Alliance advocates all legal
and economically correct measures for
the protection of the forests of the
United States
IS. 1t reserves the. right to extend or
supplement this platform when new
conditions within the scope of its time
and aims make 1t desirable or necessary.