Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1914-08-11


Itself is cut off from communication with
We declare that Il IL not only a great
wrong, but against tho best interests of
our adopted country and harmful 10 civil-
empire ana lis highly civilized people
TO whom 80 many OF our people are
linked by the strongest ties OF blood,
should he held up to the American public
as the foes OF civilization; as barbarlans.
who wantonly and without reason or
need brought this terrible war upon
themselves and their reighbors. We have
right TO expect from our fellow olti-
Gems and from the press OF this coun-
try, for the Independence and preserva-
ton of which hundreds of thousands of
our compatriots freely she@ their blood,
that they withhold their Judgment until
the real facts and underlying reasons
may become known. and To- abstain from
hasty condemnation until the truth that
Germany Is not fighting war Of ag-
be established. We EXPECT from our foi-
low citizens that they give the German
people OF Europe and their governments
the benefit Of the doubt to which they
are entitled We appeal to them TO study
the question thoroughly, weigh II care
fully, and Judge fairly, and to bear In
sia's panslavistio policies OF Frances
cry for revenge for the lost provinces,
which were only recovered by Germany
as rightful German possessions, and OF
prestige against Germany's commercial
and industrial ascendency. Even the
British cabinet was split on the ques-
u9p OF who was the real aEsressor
editorial In the London Saturday Re.
view some years ago, boldly stating that
En 4ss h eESspsriy could Sniy be Sc
Germany were tomorrow wiped Off Of
the face OF the earth, there would not be
the day after. an Englishman who would
the German navy would but weighten
the blow England will strike. Its ships
win be sunk or taken as English prizes
English guns Will seal German ports until
indemnities are paid, and when our work
y done England may say to France or
Russia, 20 take what compensation you
Germany you like. YOU can have s..
dermania, esse defendant Down with
Germany"
We also recall the wave of anti German
agitation when British jingoists supported
no doubt by Germany's enemies abroad,
oIy three or four years ago, caused
plays TO be enacted on many English
stages plcturing an invasion of England
by German troops and committing
brutalities In English homes. for the
pernicious purpose of melting national
cidents recall to the American. public
England's attitude during the civil war
and lie covert support OF the confederacy?
Did Il not aid the south in every possible
way In the destruction OF our merchant
marine then an active competitor In the
worlds ocean trade from which the
was not EnEiand's principal object pure
commercialism, l. e., the protection of Its
cotton monopoly? Did not England in
mes, nrossd Gays cause Lincoln our martyred
and Is not England the United States
CRY traditional enemy (now also the ally
erp HsPap a6 n @ would have r Zee,
Tor the protest OF other nations7 Tens of
thousands OF Germans fought for the
union; is there any record OF any number
cause?
You are reminded Of what the advent
OF Panslavism would portend 10 Europe
aseendency OF semi-barbarlo Russia and
Us 1utocratic rule. Think only OF the
massacres OF the Jews. The advanced
slay states like Bohemia and Poland
would be submerged in that slough OF
despotism which crushes all individuality.
culture and progress
What was the spark in the powder
murder OF the Austrian crown m prince Ssi and
his consort by Serb q Russian projected
assassin. 1; during our latest unpleas-
antness Mexican had assassinated our
president, would this country now be al
war or notf
We loyal American citizens 81 German
descent, assembled In mass meeting and
representing omaha's German population
hereby express deepest sympathy with
the people OF Germany and Austro-Hun-
gary TO whom We are bound by ever
lasting ties of blood and mind. We feel
as one with them In their hour OF danger
and need, and pledge ourselves TO do eli
we can 10 alleviate their sufferlngs the
snftsrings OF their wounded and the need
/ Of the widows and orphans OF those who
give up their precious lives for their
| countrys preservation. We beg al hui
name and charitable citizens OF our good
] city 10 assist as In such endeavors. and
/ implore divine providence that the scourae
OF war may yet be Rverted In ats ex-
| tremlty.
With hearts bleeding for our mother
/ country, but faithful To our adopted home
I we further give our most sincere thanks 10
I fresident Wilson for offering 20 the var
| ring nations 81 Europe his good offices
/ 10 bring about peace and extend 10 MIN
our heartfelt sympathies in mis- sal ! err
| sonal bereavement