New Britain herald., 1915-09-23
WOMEN IN GERMANY
 .SUPPLANT THEIR MEN
Local Resident Back From Father
 land Tells Story of Fortitude

Mrs, Albert Biehler of 36 West Pearl street, who went abroad just ! before the outbreak of the great 1 Eropean struggle and has spent the past fifteen months in Germany has arrived home and tells remarka bly, l interesting story of the transition of Germany from a peace to war foot 1 ing. One of the most notable in- stances of this change has been the substitution of women for men in in dustri1l and peace pursuits. The wo- men have bravely shouldered mems burdens and this, she says, is true in all countries engaged in the titanic struggle. The women have awakened to a greater realization of their DOW CT and ability which will have a far reaching effect when the war is over
 and peace once more holds sway. She
 says while the women of Germany
 have lcng been renowned for the abil-
 ity as household managers, the change brought about by the war has vastly added to their duties and responsibili-
 ties. The absolute responsibility for
 the support of themselves and chil-
 dren mas been thrust upon them and in addition they are doing many things which formerly fell to men.
 Mrs. Biehier left here III June, 1914
 with her two small children to visit her family in Mainz her native town. Arriving in Straussburg, she decided to pay a visit to relatives before pro- ceeding to Mainz While she was in Straussburg, the war broke out. One of her children took sick and she was forced to remain there, as travel was impossible. Great excitement pre- vailed at tEe outbreak of the war and on every hand patriotic demonstra- tions were made. Everybody was inn bued with the war spirit, but many did not then realize what it was to mean. Later when the news of battles came thick and fast and the reports of casualties came rolling in, the people were saddened. They bore the news of victory or defeat with commendable stoicisln and stood faithfully by the side O. the Fatherland, regardless of personal loss.
 Aftcr remaining m Mainz four weeks. Mrs. Biehler journeyed to Stra ussburk. There every one talked war and considerable feeling of dan ger was manifest as 1t was felt that
 
 to possess French sympathies owing to the proximity to the French from tier and the fact that Alsace former belonged to France. She had an op- portunity to witness the troops drill ing daily preparing for the call to the front. In Alsace the government took all men between the of IT and 45 while in other parts the war age was hat was felt that the danger of sedition would be lessened in this manner. Ora dually as the men were drafted into the service: their places were talk en by women. They took the places of farE,ers, shop hands and even street car conductors and in every in the importance of the work thrust upon them snd being determined to live up to their trust.
 The povernm ent took charge of every branch of industry and sees that no branch is neglected. Inspec- tions are frequent and a constant in- ventory of supplies Is taken. The re- suit is that the government knows 1 fully It's resources and no waste Is permitted. Prices of most things nave IOHDleO, put poverty IS aDSent Those who have money must answer greater demands and the distribution of supplies is on an equita ble basis.
 The Germans resent the action of the Unite1 States in supplying arms and munitions to the Allies, feeling that 1t is done not alone for the gain there is irl the business but partly be- l cause they believe the United States l is opposed to them in the war. The 1 Lusitania incident brought sorrow to l the German people because so many 1 innocent lives were lost, but they felt l that it would give the United States a l warning that the intuition business l was disiikcd. The Germans look for | ward to the time when they may | strike a blow directly at the English and belie1 that when this is accom- plished the war will end. Mrs. Biehler reports that the steamer. she travelled | upon was ST. pDed frequently on the 1 return journey, but nothing of inn portancc transpired. She does not care to repeat her experiences again and declares she will remain in Amer ica until lasting peace is assured.