New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-08-04
GERMAN CRITICISES
EMBARGO ACITATOR
Official of Culture SOCiety
Declares Loud Talk Hurts
Fatherland'S Cause.
RAPS WEISMANN'S
SLAP AT PRESIDENT
Viereck Defends Free Speech,
Saying T. R. Called Wilson
Aunt Marjorie"

Characterizing as "untimely and in
appropriate" the efforts of German
Americans in general and Henry Weis-
mann, recently elected president of the
German-American Alliance, in particu-
lar, TO force the administration to place
an embargo upon the expectation of
arms and ammunition to Europe, Ru-
dolph Lehman, assistant secretary of
the German Culture Society, yesterday
expressed an unfavorable opinion of
the methods employed to bring about
that end
"The loud talk of justification which
German sympathizers and representa-
tives raised Immediately after Ameri-
cans had been shocked by the whole
sale killing of their countrymen re-
acted unfavorably upon American pub
lie opinion TO the detriment of the
German cause" he said. Had these
agitators and justifiers kept silent, |
am quite sure that the submarine war
fare alteration, which is at present
practically the only cloud hanging over
the friendly relations between this
country and Germany, would have been
satisfactorily settled long ago.
"The same untimely loquaciousness
has recently manifested itself again
among German sympathizers in the
question of forcing the administration
to place an embargo upon the expOrta-
ton of arms and ammunition to the
Allies. | fear that attacks upon the
policy of the administration ii. general,
and upon the head of that administra
ton in particular, are not only untlme-
", but also unwise, because, coming
from German sympathizers, they will
unquestionably tend TO increase the
tension which exists as a result of the
unsatisfactory German replies to the
American demands for moderation of
Germany's submarine warfare.
THE best service Germans and Ger
man-Americans can render the Father
land is by keeping silent. | am a firm
believer in the rights of free speech.
But under present circumstances | am
willing TO waive that right temporarily.
Let the diplomats settle the questions
Germany's representative is certainly
capable Of handling the situation. Vain
talk and agitation will only tend to
cmbarrass whatever efforts he may
make TO bring about a mutually salts
factory understanding between the two
countries. Talking sometimes does
more harm than good, and in my opln-
ion silence on such subjects as those
touched upon by Mr.. Weismann in his
Utica inauguration speech as pres dent
Of the German-American Alliance is
desirable"
George Sylvester Viereck, editor Of
the "Fatherland,' made the following
statement:
Henry Weismann, president of the
National German-American Alliance, IN
his Utica speech referred to Mr.. Wood
row Wilson as a political bankrupt
This statement has been widely at
tackled as seditious. As a matter of
fact. Mr. Weismann merely voiced the
opinions of millions OF his fellow cti-
zens. | do not say he is right. and |
will not say that he is wrong. That is
entirely beside the point. | need not
defend Mr. Weismann. He can take
care of himself. But certainly must
make Mr.. Weismann's case my own if
the right of free speech is challenged.
GAS a matter Of fact, Mr.. Weismann's
attacks upon Mr.. wilson were lar less
vitriolic than the attacks against the
President launched by Mr.. Theodore
Roosevelt. In private conversation Mr..
Roosevelt is even said to refer to the
President as Aunt Marjorie cannot
vouch for the accuracy of this report,
but it is entirely in keeping with Mr..
Roosevelt's habit of nicknaming his
opponents. Mr.. Weismann, it has been
discovered, was at one time a baker.
M Roosevelt was President of the
United States. Both men are American
citizens. Baker or President, there is
30 difference in the quality of their cit
iZenship."