The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-08-22
Wilson and the German" VOte-Re-
markable Clannlshness In ST. Louis
lis the German Hyphen Going
to Boycott Its American Member.

From TIE Washington Euenin0 star.
Summing up political conditions as /
nj them In 81. Louis and Kansas
city | should say they are largely the
same as In the East. That is to say.
dependent in great measure upon the
duration Of the European war and this
country's continued Acknowledgements
from that debacle.
In the present situation with the coun-
try, except one element Of the ropula-
ton, standing solidly back OF President
Wilson, politicians are adrift and the
channel buoys are missing. The Presi-
dent has all the best OF II.
In ST. Louis | found a very interesting
political situation, the cruX OF which Is
the attitude OF the COMMUNICATIONS,
with side issues relating to prohibition
and national preparedness. In hat city
20 per cent. Of the population is German
extraction, and feeling runs high on the
question Of shipments OF munitions TO
the Allies.
Intense bitterness is manifested toward
President Wilson. and he is held respon-
sible by them for continuance of the
traffic. But, more than that, the Stars
correspondent was told by impartial and
unbiased residents in position to OBJ
serve. that the feeling is extending to
native born Americans, and is being
NlloNu III bNNll4fHH anu N'N4hl me ny Il
spirit Of German clannishncss How
ever. the latter phase is of local inter-
est. and need only be referred to in
passing,
The political significance Is important
in this way the German element is Ger
tain to oppose President Wilson In the
next national campaign. But the Ger
mans In 81. Louis are Republicans, any
now. ST. Louis is a Republican strong
hold, made so by the German vote. So
President Wilson will not lose very
much.
TIT point is this land here Is where
the significance comes in The German
Americans purpose to max n political
issue out of the Presidents attitude IL
serving to anger the American element.
and Republicans are saying that IL the
COMMUNICATIONS raise the issue on
the Administrations policy they will
support the President regardless Of
politics,
| may add that this condition is not
confined to Missouri. The Stars CORE
spondent heard the same thing in New
York, New Jersey and PENNSYLVANIA,
and heard It from Republicans OF life,
long fealty to their party.
My observations and inquiries in the
course of extensive travelling in the past
three months Leaf me TO the conclusion
that this is the most important phase Of
political conditions in this country to-
day, namely, that the increasing bitter
ness of the Gcrmau-Amcr.caus toward
the President ON account of his notes TO
Germany and his refusal to violate neu-
tralIty by advocating the prohibition Of
munitions shipments is an asset Of In
Calculahle value to the Democratic party
and seriously mcnaces Republican au-
tonomy.
II must be remembered that west OF
the ohio River party lines are rather
shadowy AT best. The days OF rock
ribbed Republicanism and Democracy
are past, Men are becoming more indie
pendent in politics, especially IN this
bounding West.
Republican leaders and party mana
gers realize that the Gcrnin-Aucricaus
are playing directly into the hand Of
President Wilson and, through him, the
Democratic party, because, white not
adding to the Republican strength in
opposing him, since they are Republic
caus already, they are turning good Re
puhl,caus oyer To support of the I'rcsi-
lent. The condition IS a source u
grave concern to the Republican man
ayers.