TaÌˆgliche Omaha tribuÌˆne. [volume] (Omaha, Nebr.) 1912-1926, 1917-05-15
CONSUMPTION AND THE GERMAN-AMERICNSI

Congressman Britten asked in the course Of the debate n cOnsrip-
ton whether those Americans who still have fresh warm blood ties
applying to their relatives in Germany r Austria or Hungary would be
exempted The German Americans ask for no exemption. They believe
in universal service. Every American Of German descent is ready to edo
his bin. But there is NJ reason why we should force a task upon such
men that is abhorrent to them except for weghty reasons OF national
No German American viii refuse to serve his country. Thousands will
be anxious to fight against the Fatherland as a proof of their loyalty to
the land of their adoption. Nh. Bernard Rider the editor Of the STATS
ZEITUNG, insistenty urges German Americans to enlist. Mr. Bryan is
Of the opinion that it is the special duty Of German Americans to dspe
any shadow Of doubt that may still rest upon their Amercanbm by battling
against the Kaiser. This point Of view is held by many. It is not shared
There are German Americans who have conscientious objections to
fighting against their own hth and kin. Even these men will shed the
blood Of their knsmen in case of invasion or dire peril Barring such a
contingency, they prefer to serve their country in other ways. They viii
not permit anyone to question their loyalty They may not voice their con-
scientous scrupes for fear of being misunderstood Here we should
exercise generosity.
Let US not send soldiers to the front whose hearts bleed because the
task imposed upon them is utterly repugnant to their natures. The law
makes no exceptions. We find no fault with the law. But the President
can make exception at his discretion. Quakers viii be exempted from
actual fighting. Surely the ties Of blood are as strong Is the ties Of
religion? The man whose very soul cries out against shooting his brother
deserves our consideration no less than the man who objects to offending
his God.
In Canada and Australia men are not compelled to fight against their
own kin because both countries refuse to comtenance CONSUMPTION. Eng
land conscrpts her sons, but we understand that she does not compel
naturaized Germans or the sons Of naturaized citizens Of German descent
20 bear arms against Germany.
Many such citizens se anxious to do SO. nevertheless. These men are
gladly accepted. Those who are unwilling to fight the land that gave birth
to them or their fathers are used to guard the colonies; they are also
employed at the front but not for active combat
We are indebted for this information to Professor Kuno Meyer, the
distinguished scholar, erstwhile Professor of Irish literature at the Univer-
sty Of Dublin. It may be that, compelled by pressing need, England has
since abandoned this policy. No such need confronts US. May we not
suggest that the policy Of exempHng conscientious objeetors Of German
descent should be adopted by President Wilson, because it IS n complete
harmony with the principles of humanity 50 eloquently enunciated by him!
We are making no plea for the Stacker. Let Americans Of German
descent who may be conscrpted render service to their country, but let us
not compel them to fight against their kin. The farms cry for their labor.
Our island possessions need protection. Brave men are wanted to guard our
Mexican border. The Red Cross, too, calls for recruits.
We cite no law. We make no appeal save to the heart o. the Pres
ident and Of the American people. If it is necessary to employ physical
violence against any man, we do not enjon the task upon his children. We
do not compel a son to be the executioner Of his father. Necessity may
gtife the voice Of the blood. There may be grave reasons o state why
it is impossible to heed our plea. But unless such reasons exist and unless
they are very grave indeed, we feel that We should spare Americans OF
German descent the torture Of shedding by compusion, legal or moral the
Mood 81 their brothers. GEORGE SYLVESTER VIERECK.