The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-11-18
Franz SigePs Birthday
 Remembered By Germans

Although accusations of lack of de- votion to the land Of their adoption have been made against some German Americans, history affords many in- stances Of. heroic patriotism on the part, of Teuton defenders of the Stars and Stripes. This week contains the anniversaries of the birth of two of the most distinguished of the German born warriors of Ameri caABaron Won Steuben, who helped to found the Union, and Franz Sige1, who aided in it's preservation. The latter was born at Sinsheim, in Baden, Germany, ninety one years ago today, and the anniversary will be fittingly remem- bered by German-Americans
 Sigel graduated from the military school at Carlsruhe, and while serv- ing as an adjutant under the Grand Duke of Baden he killed man in a dual. He then resigned from the army and with the intention of studying law but in 1S48 he joined the Ger man revolutionary forces and became an ardent champion of republicanism The revolutionary government appoint ed him secretary of war in 1S49, and
 he assumed the chief command of the rebels. He was defeated by the Prince of Prussia. and made skiI1fu1 re- treat within the walls of the fortress of Rastadt. Upon the flight of the pro- visiona1 government SigeI abandoned the vain struggle and fled to Switzer- land. H@ was expelled by the Swiss government. but found an asylum in EngIand where he was cordially re- ceived After two years in that coun- try he came to America. For a time he was teacher of mathematics in New York, but in 1858 he removed to St. Louis and became superintendent of the public schools.
 At the outbreak of the Civil war, SigeI offered his services to the Union and organized a regiment of infantry and a battery. He performed signal service in southwestern Missouri, at Carthage. wilson's Creek and Spring sion, he took a conspicuous partsin the battle. of Pea Ridge. Sigel and his in fantry played a decisive part in that sang gIinary conflict, which resulted in the complete defeat and route of the Confederates Promoted to the rank of Major general Sige1 was transferf- ed to Virginia, and took part in many battle in that state.
 After the war, Gen. Sigel settled in New York City, and held various pub lie offices, and for a time was editor and publisher of the New Y ork Month Iy. He died in New York in 1902.
 General SigeFs son, Franz SigeI, div ision commander of the New York State Sons of Veterans, recently ex- pressed himself as disapproWinge of the hyphen in American citizenship.
 4.sSo far as the term tGerman-Ameri- .cans is descriptive of a citizens birth or descent.,, he said. fit is unobject- ionahle. If it is used, however, to in- dicate any political allegiance to Ger many. it is improper. A citizen of the U nited States, by birth or nnturaliza- ton, whether of German. French, Itat- ia n. or other foreign blood, must never forget that he is first am American, owing political allegiance solely to the United States of America When he al- lows sentiment for the land of his forefathers, the love for it's teachings and language. to become more than sentiment, and ancroach on his poIiti- cal duties and obligations to this country. he ceases to be good citi- zen"