The Republican journal., 1917-02-15
Taking Uncle Sam by the
Scruff of the Neck"
TFrom LIE Temps, Paris

From LIE Temps, Paris.]
1t has often been observed that Ger
many is quick to forget her own threats
and the evil which she has done to
others. Her recent persistence urging
the United States forward against the
Allies brings to mind not merely inten-
tons but characteristic acts OF hostility
which the American Government and
people cannot have forgotten. The
Spanish War is not lost in so legendary
past that Berlin can deny its effort to
bring about European Intervention
against the Union. Still less can Ber
lin deny it's direct acts of intimidation.
After the battle of Manila MAY l,
1899, and the blockade had been pro
claimed by Admiral Dewey, four Ger
man war vessels, under command of
Admiral Won Diedrich, appeared June
12th) before Manila. When the Ameri-
can admiral asked why force superior
to that of the United States had been
sent to this point, Won Dledrich answer
ed, with disquieting reserve: Sir, am
here by order of the Kaiser. Admiral
Dewey felt it his duty to inform Won
Hintzer, an officer of the German naval
staff, that he was ready for combat II
Germany desired war. This declaration
seemed called for by the fact that one of
the German vessels was already cleared
for action. All this was not just the re-
suit of such passing excitement as might
arise between naval units In close con-
tact at a moment of mutual dlstrust.
There was more behind lt-somethlng or
which the sudden appearance OF vessels
of the Imperial navy was merely
symptom. Germany was trying to ere
ate in Europe an active coalition against
the United States. France held aloof.
Great Britain, less hesltating than In
1914, frankly informed Berlin that, In
case of complications, the British fleet
would be found side by side with the
fleet of the United States. That was
enough to make German Imperialism
withdraw its plotting underground:
This statement rests on testimony
which cannot be impugned. The hrst IS
that of Joseph Chamuerlain. then Brit
ish Colonial Secretary. who wrote, July
Z, 1898, to Dr. Morton Prince, the fol-
lowing letter, cited in DR. Princes in
teresting study, 1.-The Psychology OF the
Kaiser:'' "a fortnight ago ldo not
quote me as authority the German
Emperor said to friend of mine, If
had had larger feet, l would have
taken Uncle Sam by the scruff of the
neck And this" adds Joseph Cham
berIain, Represents the view of the
older monarchies who begin to de Ire a
Monroe Doctrine for Europe. But in
view of the attitude of this country
Great Britain they dare not move.
You are therefore free to work out your
destiny"
In an admirable book written in
French, Mr.. W. Morton Fullerton, af-
ter the fullest and clearest analysis of
the situation in America, gives Us also
proofs of the silent and tenacious work
of sapping and mining which German
policy is carrying on. Among others he
cites little book published in Leipsic in
1907, with the title, Experience in a
German Embassy, Ten Years of Ger
man-American Diplomacy" The au-
thor, certain Emil White, one of the
secret agents that Germany s=nds every
where to eniighten the press, 10 blind
public opinion and incite one against an
other different elements of race and par
ty, takes pleasure in explaining his game
of anti British politics and of stirring up
German sentiment in Germanophile and
German immigrant quarters. 1.-The
Americans" he writes, "fall glutton-
ously Or any sort of food if it is only
served up to them with a pleasant
smile This same secret agent ex-
plains the admirable results of the Del
bruck law, by virtue of which natural
lied German American remains sub
ject of the Empire, devoted to the inter
ests OF Germanism if he is only sur
rounded with "patriotic" societies, held
in hand by an active and intelligent am
bassador Thus was formed q State
within the State all the more dangerous
because this transatlantic Germany Is
part of a federal government. The evil
of dislntegration is now conspicuous
enough. The American people see 1t.
Mr., Morton Fullerton adds a most
valuable contribution of his own. 1t is
different from the testimony of subor-
dinate agent. 1t is the word OF great
chief of the whole system, the Kaiser
himself.
In July, 1901, on his annual cruise in
Norwegian waters, William ii. met near
Odde Yacht on board which were sew
eral personages of Partisan society, M
de Saint Andre, the Count de Martini
prev and the Count de Segur. AS al.
ways when in company with distinguish
ed Frenchmen, the German Emperor
made himself most agreeable. He in
vited them on board the Hohenzollern,
and far from avoiding political affairs,
hid from them none OF his preoccupa-
tons. He said to one OF his lnterlocu'
tors, NJ. de Saint Andre, that the one
vital question for the future of Europe
and the world was the question of Amer
lea. "Ihis question comes before all
others. 1t oVershadows merely Europ'
eah differences. American intervention
in the aft airs of Europe is nearer ano
more menacing than is generally thought.
A European. Customs Union will be i'm
perative. 1t is to be hoped that 1t m ~
come as soon as is practicable. And al
another point of the conversation Viii
liam IL. added this reflection: ''The
danger is that there is no Power on the
American continent to balance the Unit
ed States. 1t is regrettable that France,
instead of going into Mexico, during.the
War of the Rebellion. did not take sides
with the Confederacy. Though the strug
gle between North and South is past
forever perhaps, there is hope of rivalry
perhaps a conflict, between the East ant
the West, between the industrial ant
the farming States" Thus did he be-
traV his secret wish