Evening star., 1914-08-23
Hardships Endured in Germany
Ascribed to the MobiIiza-
ton Conditions. ~
ALL GIVEN ASSURANCE
OF COMFORT AND SAFETY
Few Cases of Destitution Among
Americans in Rotterdam-In-
cidents of the War.

ROTTERDAM. August ~. via London,
$50 p.m.-A thorough canvass of Ameri-
cans here shows that the Germans have
been universally courteous to them. Thu
hardships borne by citizens of the United
States have been due in all cases to the
conditions attending mobilization. the
lack of facilities for travel and at first
a restriction of the hours during which
the streets could be frequented
week after the opening of hostilities the
latter restraint was eliminated.
The government took measures not
alone looking to the safety of Ameri-
cans, but also to their comfort. Those
hardest hit by the war are American
students in Germany, who have found
difficulty in getting their usual remit
tances. Every measure has been taken
Dr.. ". G. Kanter of Detroit, who
travelled widely in Germany during the
mobilization. stated today that Ameri-
cans could not have received better
treatment in their own country. While
inspecting passports and baggage, Of
ficials were curteous and in numerous
cases apologized for the Inconvenience
caused.
August when the authorities discovered
a French aeroplane over the city. He
said the airship was fired upon and came
down. the aviator being killed. Ihat
same night sparks were discovered issu-
ing from the top of house In FRANKFORT.
Investigation showed that the sparks
were caused by a wireless apparatus.
Frenchmen Give Battle.
Eighteen Frenchmen who were found
in the house put up spirited fight with
revolvers, but were overcome by rain
| of bullets. It is believed that the aero
plane took message. as it was hover
| ing near the house at night. The Ger
man authorities suppressed the story, but
DIR. Kanter's version has been fully cor
roborated.
At Cologne eight Russians were shot
August Z. One of the prisoners was dis
guised as a priest, two as nuns and the
other five wore the ordinary dress OF
women The impression Is that they
| were ordinary Russian citizens who were
| afraid to leave Germany in any other
| way.
During the first few days of mobili-
zation the Germans were all confident
| that they would win. When 1t became
known that England had made COM
mon cause with France and Russia
entire nation. Since then this feeling
is said to have given place to resigna-
tion and a grim determination to do the
best possible.
Men Of all classes are volunteering
for service in the field During the
first week 100000 enrolled. They are
now being armed and drilled for serv-
ice The occupation by troops and
guards of the bases and lines of com
munication was very popular in Ger
many. It is asserted that women urge
their husbands and sons to die for the
vaterland.'' All classes for the time be-
ing are eliminated.
English People Well Treated.
| Americans returning from Germany
deny emphatically that the English have
been abused by the Germans. except In
small towns, where the control was tenn
/ porarily lax. When detained the English
were given good treatment. though not
quite the same as Americans. There is
no doubt that the Germans have made a
special effort to be friendly to Americans.
and the government has issued two books
regarding the. war for the purpose OF
making the German side known in the
United States The feeling has prevailed
that America is the only nation at all
friendly to Germany.
The cases of destitute Americans In
Rotterdam are very few and are being
relieved by the American consul general.
| The American consul in Berlin is pro-
yiding free transportation to all STRANDED
| Americans as fast as possible Inc
scarcity Of passenger cars is nara
problem.