New Britain herald., 1915-12-14
AN OLD GERMAN SPEAKS.

Springfield Republican. IL IS De- 1 cause this letter tends to clear up ! many misunderstanding that we has, ten to present it to our readers. Since the first dawning days of the present colossol struggle in Europe there have been from time to time arguments one way or another about the loyalty of Germantown citizens of the United States. Some people, in all the rashness of their enthusiasm, or whatever cause it might have been, stood out and said things which should never have been said, things which should never have been thought. And thus the strife was peoples of various nationalities in this country and a great many of each who have not yet taken out their naturan- zation papers or who do not intend to do so. These are the younger ele- ment. They are the ones who have the memories of another country fresh
 
 and done they cannot be blamed for placing their old home over and above all else. It is when they do some thing t1agrantly against the laws of the United States that the bitterness of Americans is engendered against them. But on the other hand, bal ancing against these young folk, are the staid old souls of another genera tion, the men and women who came over in the long ago, who have grown up with the traditions of the United customs, to shape her destiny. You will see these old folk all about you if you but look for them. Tn the national soldiers homes you will fine the old men peacefully smoking their pipes, waiting for the last roll call. They have fought for the stars and understand why anyone who enjoys the blessings of this land could enlist under any other banner We imagine that the old gentleman, God bless him, who wrote the following letter belongs to that royal band that is fast going the way of all things human,-the
 path that leads to the grave. But
 before he goes he leaves something
 worth while in this:
 When at last nights meeting at Theodore Lange's restaurant Prof.
 GuStaVe krledte rose and in earnest
 words addressed us, the members of
 the Lucky Thirteen," he voiced as our president but the feelings of all
 of us when he petitioned us to stav
 good Americans of German descent. with love for all the good in our hearts that can be found in our fatherland song, art, love for father and mo- ther, respect for our elders, never to forget the great German poets-Goe- the, Schiller, Leasing, etc.--but also never to forget that we came here many years ago, out of our own free will, and have found here a haven of safety, the glad hand of fellowship and the mighty protection under the stars and stripes!
 We of German extraction in our
 little circle are elderly men, who have lived in this country for many years and try to help, as good citizens should. That we have the old father land at heart but not in a political sense, is only right; we would not be worthy of the good will of our Amer ican- born brothers if we should for get her. That our hearts go out to those who have to fight for their country, that we offer our mite for the
 wounded, the widows and orphans l everybody who is fair-minded will un- | derstand and permit.
 '"The real criticism which we feel 1 the most is that from the German 1 late-comers, mostly younger people
 who have not even decided to become 1 citizens here, and maybe at this period
 wish to return to their homes abroad. l They cannot understand that we, who i are here so much longer, do not think ! that all Germany has done is right :. l They cannot see why we should not 1 join in with them in their disappoint- ment regarding the standpoint our | great United States are taking. If
 they would only read the writings of
 real leaders they would not criticize us, but would try at least to under l stand.
 1 'Let us quote ad verbum from the
 writings of the late Herman Bidder | of the New York Staats-Zeitung: 1 Nor is this time to burden mill ] lions of the American people with un- just and unnecessary anguish of mind ] The German Am ericans must suffer l in any conflict between the United
 States and Germany, pains, of which ] their fellow citizens can never know l anything.
 This is rather a time for showing | them the greatest degree of consid- l eration. They have fought to uphold