New Britain herald., 1917-02-05
DEPLORE BREAK BUT
 WILL REMAIN LOYAL
Germans Express Sentiment for U. s. A., First, Last, Always

time, is the sentiment of a majority Of the so-called German-American citizens of New Britain, gleaned from conve! !sations with a nupber of tho most prominent men in their ranks. A nu1n1er of these German Ameri- cans, known to be strongly pro-Ger- an in reference to the great war al- ready existing, were asked yesterday as to their views concerning the inn pendino crisis with the Teutonic all lies. All deplored the impending crisis. but all remained true to the U. S. A. they said.
 The views expressed were almost unanim ous for America, first last and forever, although none attempted to minimize his regard for rather land so long as the United States did not become an active participant in the war
 Several of the Germans said they did net expect war and hoped and devoutly prayer that 1t would not come, hut should it. come, they said, America would not find them want ing. Their opinion was that Ger
  Years ago they left the Fatherland to come to this country where they considered they had better chances to prosper Their beliefs have become realities, they say, and they feel it is not only their moral duty, but their Christian duty, to support the gov ernment and protect the land which has given them hospitality. '"To fight for the country from which we have obtained whatever we hold valuable in the world that is the only thing we car do,' explained one prominent citizen.
 New Britain Germans Loyal.
 Practically all of the we'll known Germans are of the firm belief that pra ctically all of the German in New Britain are loyal and there are no fanatics here when it comes to d show down between this country and Germany. There are only a few radi- calls hore,' another German remark. ed St,!l another explained with feel ing the extreme cruel and trying po- sition that the Germans in the Unted States finds himself to be in, and de- clared that it is more to his credit that he is ready to sacrifice his old time associations and prove himself to be a true American should the hour of need come. Other Germans object to being called by that term when 1t is taken as a reflection on their loyalty. Admitting and express ing priIe that they are Germans by birth, they declare that in loyalty they are Americans.
 Another opinion was that the Ger mans and those of German birth had built their homes here. had reared their children to be Americans and they are Americans. They themselves are loyal and true when it comes to 2 question of protecting the United States from aggression whether it is aggression from the Entente or the Centra! Allies.
 We have heard much during the past few months concerning the hy phenated Americans; nothing occur red until now to prove or disprove some a ;sertiOns made" said one Ger man whose name is well known, "buC now is the time for all German Americans to prove their loyalty I am too old to fight. but my son and other near relatives would not hesi- tate for moment if the call came, to shoulder a rife in defense of this country. I am sure no fault will be found with them. or any other of the so-aalled hyphens. Of course, just as there are British fanatics and radicals. so must there naturally be a few radical Germans, but they will quickly fall in line. or be taken care of. No one can criticize a German or one of German decent for having pro German sentiments when they consider the Entente Allies as the op- ponent of the Fatherland. It is when the United States becomes involved 1 that se.! timent changes. Then there is no Fatherland. It is America, first, 1 last and always"