The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-11-08

times prone 20 overlook the fact that
the character OF the true American is a
highly idealistic one, and that this
American idealism IL n continually wax
ing force which acts "a lcaven for the
entire nation. As possessors OF this
ethical idcalism. Germany and America
are spiritually the two most wholesome
nations on earth. and are bound In
consequence to achieve higher destiny
than other nations.
There Is no reason why this future
should not he attained in mutual good
will and friendship. Nothing tas oc-
CURED in the past which America can
charge against US. There Is no cause
for division between us either Indus
trially or politically. The open door"
policy is the leading motive in German
politics as in American. 80 that the mar
kets Of tho world may be open alike 10
all nations.
And yet there Ia ono tremendous OBJ
stacle between us and America. We
must overcome the peculiar historical
feeling existing between America and
England: for those Americans who are
responsible for American politics and
for the shaping OF public opinion ere OF
Anglo Saxon extraction. In cross-ex-
fllllllll9 lllIlNFlI tlFn an American
would find that in his heart of hearts,
In those instincts and sympathes which
arc due TO race and 10 tradition. he is
still an Euglishman. The German pill
grim OF old was filled with JOY on
gllmpsing the towers and battlements
of the Holy city. Similarly all true
Americans become exutantly, eXuber-
antly happy. on visiting the historical
sites of Old England Westminster Abb
hey. oxford. Windsor and Elton.
Il Is altogether natural tina, the
American trend OF thought and senti-
ment. So far as they are grounded In
historical and political education, should
be anchored in England England's his
tory il Americas preliminary history,
and the history Of Americas independ-
cnt development has been linked closely
to England In many ways 4 common
tongue and similar political organiza-
ton strengthen these feelings. OF small
moment. compared 10 this intensely
strong feeling, Is the fact that Americas
politiro-tcrritorial development has oc-
CURED in defiance OF England
Not to speak OF the two wars IN which
America fought England IN order to
establish her national independence.
England, during several decades in the
nineteenth century, did all IN her power
openly ard moro frequently in secret
as is her habit. to hinder the expansion
OF the Union. All that hos been for
given by tho United states, because the
United States was victorious in every
| instance. II would therefore he unwise
| to overcstimatc these historical COLI
slons and the indignant language in
dulged in occasionally by the American
press against England. We are less apt
| 20 curb our tongue in reprchendlng a
| klnSman than in finding fault with a
! stranger All these things are Of little
| consequence.
| We Germans cannot afford to over
| look the fact that America, being the
onlooker In quarrel which England
has with another nation. will side with
| England How far removed we are
| from closer, inner communion with
| America is best evidenced by the atti-
! tude OF the American press throughout
! the country at the outbreak of the war.
! American sympathles went emphatically
| To England and To France: news from
/ London, Paris and Brussels was ac-
cepted as dogmatically true, and de-
| libcratcly Americans held IA responsible
for tho war, and the prospect of our
ultimate defeat was a welcome expecta-
ton. An astonishing outbreak OF anti
German sentiment!
Under such conditions II is, OF course,
difficult for us TO create a favorable
sentiment for ourselves IN America.
Such n result can be brought about only
by long and unremitting work.
In the first place the great majority