Evening star., 1914-08-12
The German Americans.

The German American citizens of
Washington who met in mass meeting
last night have expressed very natu-
raj feeling of impatience with the i'm
perfect reports of the present Euro
pean war which have thus far ap-
reared in the newspapers, and ap-
pealed to the American sense of fair
ness to prevent the presentation of
preiudiced accounts of military hap
penings henceforth. 1t IS unquestion-
able that from the outset of the war.
that is, after the actual break of re-
lations, there has been a dearth,
amounting almost to complete absence,
of information from German sources.
This has necessitated the printing of
war news from Belgian. French and
English sources. with very little modi-
fcation through Teutonic versions.
The newspapers have, however. been
particular to call attention to the fact
that the lack of cable communication
with Germany has prevented the pres
entation of both sides of the war pic
ture. 1t is not of especial inpor-
tance in this connection whether the
lack of means of German communica-
tion is due to German or British
action. Either nation was justified at
the outset in severing connections as
n war measure, and 1t is unfortunate
if in consequence there has been any
Coloring of the news, conscious or un-
conscious. in a manner to the disad-
vantage or discredit of the German
campaign.
These German American citizens who
are now voicing their protest are none
the less good Americans for the af-
fection which they manifest for their
native country. The German infusion
of blood in the United States has
made for its advancement, its strength
ening and its cultural development. In
every emergency the Teutons have
proved themselves the best of citizens
in the country of their adoption, and
II IS peculiarly to their credit that
they have retained throughout their
Americanization the fundamental fond
ness for the land they left which is
characteristic Of the German people.
In this grave situation they are under
a distressing strain. Many of them
have relatives and friends in the
forces now in the field: some of them
are doubtless even at this time victims
of the war. They are subjected to the
pain of uncertainty and grief for loved
ones, and they deserve the keenest
sympathy in their sorrow.
The great majority of American
newspapers are conducted without
prejudice or bias in the printing of the
news. and have been governed in the
present situation by the primary mo-
tive to give their readers the earliest
and most accurate possible accounts
of the war happenings. This conflict
has been precipitated with stunning
speed. Within fortnight issues have
been drawn. ultimatums have been pre-
sented. war has been declared between
various nations. armies have been mobil-
lied and battles have occurred. Never
before in history have events rushed
with such swlftness to such a tragic
condition, and in the confusion, and
particularly in the almost unprece-
dented secrecy with which the war
movements have been veiled. 1t Is not
surprising that a fine, even balance Of
impartiality has not been maintained
in the extensive columns. Rather is it
to the credit of the American press
that II has done so well in the face of
such unexpected conditions and such
unparalleled difficulties.