Omaha daily bee., 1914-04-30


Mr. Speaker shortly after the first news was
flashed from Vera Cruz that for the purpose OF up.
holding the honor and dignity of the American nag
our feet had commenced the taking OF that port we
nave been Informed that in that four American
boys have lost their lives. Only three names OF
those who have fallen in upholding the respect and
honor OF our country we're given The fourth
designated as name unknown" But he is not un-
known any longer His was Samuel Nielsen
berg, who, however, enlisted under the name Of
Samuel Martin. He boy OF Jewish parentage,
from my district OF the city OF Chicago. This
brave and courageous young enlisted under
the assumed name. many other young Of
foreign birth have done, in order to escape the
prejudice which frequently exists in certain
Of the service. and which l hope and trust will be
speedily eliminated, especially when It has been
demonstrated again and again that It is uncaled
for and unjustlfiabe.
Though / depore exceedingly that any lives had
to be lost and that more may yet be lost, still
must at this time admit that 1 gratfed that
among the first four who have given up their
lives for the honor Of country Is boy OF
Jewish birth, Of my city and that two OF the
other three young are Of 4oreigIi-born parents
This clearly proves have always maintained
that the foreign-born people are, and always will
be, appreciative of free institutions, and
ready and willing 10 defend them with their lives
as readily and willingly who are able to
point with pride 20 long line Of American an
cestors
Though personally strongly opposed to
and hope and trust that Il will not be necessary
for us to take further and stern measures
in order TO compel respect for flag and
country and to convince the Mexican people that the
step which have taken is in the best interests
of their unfortunate. war-ridden country torn by
internal factions and strife, still, IL mus.
feel confident that country-that my country
can depend with equal safety and confidence upon
those citizens of foreign birth fully well upon
those fortunate American-born citizens
This is borne by the very first report
ceived from the scene Of activities at Vera Cruz.
just as It Is borne out by the very first reports
which reached US at the opening of the Spanish
American war when the OF Jewish young
man. Maurice Jusit, sergeant OF San Francisco
led the list of those who up their lives In the
Philippine Islands for the cause OF his country.
Further proof of my contention and my conf
dence In the foregn-born citizens is found in the
fact that among the names of the twenty young
men who have been seriously wounded in the taking
of Vera Cruz find the OF two other Jewish
boys-Nathan Schwartz Of New York City and George
Maurice Davidson. late Of the city of Chicago
clearly demonstrating that my city and M state
which have the honor in part to represent, and
my people and boys OF foreign-born citizens of all
nationalities at the front ready and willing
have stated to defend and protect with their
lives the honor and dignity OF country and
flag. Notwithstanding this. Will find some gen.
tlemen on the floor Of this house questioning the
patriotism Of those who have been admitted aliens
to shores.
But. Mr.. Speaker this is not the first time in
history that the Jewish people and the roreign-
born citizens have demonstrated that they
always ready and willing to take up arms in the
When this port of Vera Cruz taken
in 1s4S It the uncle of my colleague, Mr. Levy
Of New York. Captain J. Phillips Levy, who was
of the first to land and who was made captain
OF the port.
The Jewish citizens have at all times displayed
earnest devotion. faithful service courage, and
bravery the defense OF their country. They took
part the earliest struggle for independence. and
continue TO find their names linked with those
who struggling to solve the mighty problems
which nearly concern nation
data will rat a larnp I'M
ber Of them have aided in every conceivable way
not only the battlefield, but in financial way,
many Of them having come forward with their entire
wealth to aid the continental army in the hours
OF it's greatest need
Everyone who is acquainted with the struggle
for our Independence must be familiar with the
great service rendered by Hayn Solomon, who was a
friend Of General Washington, fellow countryman
and associate OF General PULASKI, and friend of
Kosciusko. Not only did he give his valuable serv-
ices, but he sacrificed his entire fortune for the
cause
At some future day ! shall, with the permission
Of this house give list OF the many hundreds of
Jewish and other foregn-born citizens soldiers.
sailors, and marines who have served country
with distinction both privates in the ranks and
officials in our war for independence in the war
OF 1912. and in all subsequent conflicts. hoping
thereby TO show that they nesectful Of
their duty toward their country but are dssrous
OF serving It in times OF well in times
OF peace.
Mr.. Speaker. few minutes ago handed |
list of the dead and wounded and again find |
In that list OF honor the OF l. o. FYfede. |
another Jewish boy. and Frank Dsvorich- -Drovak. a |
Bohemian American boy.
Among those seriously wounded appear the naTnes /
OF H. ]. KRplGn. W. Powkowski, H. f. BoByle, Louis |
Kwipich. NJ. Fitzgerald. and Harry ]. Reed, of Chi
eago, which demonstrates that my city has so far |
furnished It's quota OF those brave who have /
fallen In the very first struggles in the of /
country and that the names OF the Jewish boys |
head the list OF the dead and wounded, and the /
brave Irish. German, Bohemian and Polish-American
people giving in ungrudging measure their blood