Evening star., 1915-12-18
ORGANIZED T0DEFEND
AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP
Society Formed in New York as an
0utgrowth of the Lusi-
tania Case.

AS an outgrowth of the Lusitania
case and the delay and attitude of Ger
many incident to the destruction OF the
ship and loss of American lives an
organization has been formed in New
York city known as "The American
Rights Committee" Its Immediate pur-
pose is to defend American citizenship
against attacks from abroad ana from
undermining at home.
The late Paul Fuller, who was per-
sonal commissioner of President VIII
son two years ago in Mexico, drew up
a memorial to the President protesting
against the attitude of Germany in the
Lusitania case and urging the sew
erance of diplomatic relations with a
government which," as the memorial
states, still refrains from disavowing
the destruction of the Lusitania."
Memorial Cites Grievances.
The memorial recites grievances
which American citizens signing the
memorial claim they have against
Germany, and states that as the Ger
man government still continues to re-
frain from this disavowal the patience
of the American people is being tried
severely. 1t further recites that there
is an abatement of their strong conii-
dence in the will and power of our gov
ernment ito take any steps that might
be necessary to safeguard American
lives and property and to secure to
American citizens the full enjoyment
of their acknowledged rights on the
high seas" The destruction of the
Arabic with the further loss of life,
continues the memorial, has added to
the growing and grim displeasure of
the American people.
In conclusion the members make the
following appeal. through the me-
mortal: .'In the name of humanity, to
the defense of which you have pledged
the nation; in the name of our country,
which you have so strongly upheld as
entitled to the first place in our
! thoughts and actions. we appeal to you
| to take such steps as it may be neces-
sary to take to safeguard American
| lives and property. and to redeem the
| rights of humanity which every gov
eminent honors itself in respecting and
which no government is justified in
resigning on behalf of those under it's
! care and authority.
Suggests Severance of Relations.
| 1--WE earnestly submit that we should
Ino longer maintain diplomatic rela-
tions wiz government which still
| refrains from disavowing the destruc-
ton of the Lusitania. and with it's al
lied government. which has done moth
ling to discountenance the mischievous
Interference of its accredited repre-
sentative with our internal industries,
and which has now followed the un-
! punished example of it's ally by sink
ing the merchant passenger steamer
| Ancona. to the sacrifice of the lives of
/ American non-com batants.
/ 1t is the idea of the committee to OBJ
tain as many signatures possible
Throughout the country to the me-
mortal and to organize affiliated com
mittees in all localities to support it's
propa ganda. The chairman of the com
| mittee is George Haven Putnam of
New York Associated with him are
Lawrence F. Abbott, Frederic r.
Coudert, Rev. Charles Fl. Parkhurst.
Prof jeremiah w. jerks. William Jay
ISchiereIin, Nelson S. Spencer, Law
renee Godkin and other representative
men.