The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-07-03
WANT FRIENDSHIP PRESERVED
DIR. YER-GERHARD SAYS
THERE is MUTUAL MISUN.
DERSTANDING,
In statement In Berlin Papers lie
Tells of Visit to This Country and
Differences of Viewpoint.

man ambassador, Count Won BernS-
torff. to explain the views of the
United States regarding the Lusi-
tania case, published an article in
Der Tag today on Germany and
America" in which he says his ex-
perience convinced him that the
two countries misunderstood each
other.
1T is true" says DR.. Meyer-Ger-
hard. that the American press, with
some laudable exceptions. especially
the German-American papers, have
not succeeded in remaining neutral,
but the influence Of the press upon
public opinion is sometimes greatly
overestimated. Doubtless large Sec
tions of the American people are
friendly towards Germany, whose
efficient organization is daily winning
new friends and arouslng interest in
things German.
"One excellent effect Of the war is
upon Americans who with
out sacrifice of their loyalty to their
adopted country have shown strong
remembrance of their descent, their
education and their culture. Beside
them on the other side of the ocean
there are wide circles who sympa-
thize with Germany"
Alluding to the discussion over
the ammunition question, DR.. Meyer
Gerhard says:
Germans often mistake large am
munition orders for filled orders, To
a large extent such orders are chang
ing big factories into ammunition
works. This is regrettable, but the
writer Is convinced that large parts
of the American people disappr, we
of 1t. A popular vote would show
a considerable majority against SsSS sSe
practice. Germans must discrimi-
nate between business men accent
ing orders and the great mass Of the
American people.
Equally there are Americans who
condemn violation Of Belgian neutral
ity and the sinking of the Lusitania
end are unable to understand the
German idea of the real conditions
while Germans are unable to UNDER
stand how Americans could travel on
an ammunition ship.
Both peoples are laboring under
entirely different opinions. Both have
ilVed hitherto in peace and friend
ship. and should continue so to live.
There is no real reason for antago-
nism existing between them"
In the course Of his article DR..
Meyer-Gerhard spoke of the causes
which he, said had weakened Ger
many's former friendly feeling to-
ward America. citing them as what
ne alluded to as the latter's inclina-
ton towards England and munition
sales in America. Germany on the
other hand. he said. was reproached
with violating Belgian neutrality and
devoting itself to militarism In order
TO conquer the whole world. The
ceaths OF Americans on the Lusitania
mad unfavorably affected American
sentiment towards Germany, he
added.
Regarding the question Of Relrian
neutrality and militarism, the writer
says the Germans can not understand
the feeling aroused in America over
these questions. as they know that
Belgium surrendered her own neu-
traiity and that miltarism is only tho
German nation in arms for it's own
oeiehse. The American viewpoint
was different. however, and each ma.
ton feels itself wrongly treated bv
tho other. The whole matter was
only one OF misunderstanding, said
Dr. Meyer-Gerhard. which can also
arise between friends. No sensible
man. he said, will light-heartedly
throw away a friendship of long
years because he can not on one oc-
cawion make himself completely
understood. Sensible nations, he ar
gued' will conduct themselves in like
Friendship between Germany and
America declared DR.. Meyer-Ger-
hard. lis a valuable possession for
both nations, and it is worth while to
take care that it be saved TO both"
The l.okal Anzieger, which also
printed the article, commenting edi-
torially on it, said:
The foregoing instructive and
cheering remarks by DR.. Meyer-Ger-
hard show that the imperial govern
ment is on the right road with its
treatment of questions existing be-
tween us and the United States. II is
I. ...I.