Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-10-22
THE GERMAN IN AMERICA

In order to reach a conception of what treatment the
German citizen resident in the United States may reason.
ably expect let the case be reversed, and 1t us consider
what treatment the American citizen resident in Ger
many might expect under present conditions.
On the theory that Germany still retained some re.
gard for her treaties with other nations, ana for the or
binary considerations Of humanity, it would be under.
stood that the American citizen in Germany would be
protected from personal injury and abuse. It would be
optional with the government whether or not he were al
lowed to remain in the country. He might be given no.
tce to leave. which is what has actually happened. II
he were permitted to remain he might be interned as a
person likely to be dangerous to the country If he were
allowed at large. If he were given his liberty he could
exercise it only subject to very precise orders and regu-
lahons as to what he might and might not do. To the
people of any local community he would be an object OF
suspicion because 1t would~be assumed that his sym
pathies were with his own country. and because Of tina,
suspicion his lot would be anything but pleasant.
If an American were permitted to continue in Ger.
many. and to enjoy reasonable freedom Of movement, II
he were sensible he would behave most circumspectly
He would live very quietly, would avoid all manner OF
controversies, and would especially avoid discussions in
volving political subjects or the issues Of the war. The
German government and the German people would have
a right to demand these things of him. and ordinary pru.
dence would require them.
We have thousands Of German citizens in the United
States, Doubtless some Of them have excellent reasons
for remaining Germans while residents here. The rea-
sons which influence others may not be SO good. 1t is
not necessary just now to inquire as to these reasons
These people are here. and our government has not
thought 1t necessary to interfere with their residence
here. AS a measure Of precautf6n It has ordered that
they must abstain from certain acts which are not for
hidden to citizens. But with the exception of these very
necessary measures of precaution, the German in the
United States is now as free and as secure as he was be-
fore the war. BrA certain standards Of conduct are re-
quired of him by good taste, good morals and ordinary
prudence. He should live quietly and attract as little at
tention to himself as possible. He shouts be scrupously
careful to obey all laws and regulations. 1t is understood
that he does not favor the side of the United States in
the war. and he is not expected to do so. But he is ex-
peced to keep still. He is not to talk war for to talk poll
tics. He may diSapprOve Of the acts of our government
but he is to keep his opinions to himself. He may, by
proper behavior. win or retain the respect and kindly re-
gard Of his neighbars. But he cannot do this If he
parades his Gernantsm. II the urge Of German senai-
ment within him is SO strong that he cannot remain qulet
he has no business here. He should be in his own coun-
try and among his own people.