The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1917-07-27
WILL OPPOSE
SENDING MEN TO
FIGHT ABROAD
New Ulm Citizens Hold
Mass Meeting and Peti-
ton Against Draft
WOULD HAVE ONLY
VOLUNTEERS SENT
Between 5000 and 10000
Are present at The
Gathering

New Ulm. Mimi, July 27-While
protesting they are just as patriotic
as any other Americans, many citi-
Gems of Brown and Nicollet counties
yesterday declared themselves deter
mined that their boys entering the
army through draft shall not be sent
out of the United States.
Following the mass meeting in
Turner Hall park, thousands OF names
were affixed 10 petitions asking
congress TO amend the law so that
only volunteers for that service will
be sent abroad, and it was asserted
that a test case probably will be
brought in federal court.
Leaders of the movement insist
that under the federal constitution
only to ''repel Invasion, and cannot
be forced to fight abroad. According
to Albert Pfaender, former major in
| the Second Minnesota infantry, n test
| case is TO be started by the refusal OF
some drafted men to go abroad. Re-
fusal would start courtmartial pro-
| ceedings.
I'VE could take 1t away from the
| military courts, however, said Mr..
Pfaender by habeas corpus proceed
iIgs".
The New Ulm organization is lin
ing up with the Peoples Council of
America, David Starr Jordan's anti
war organization, which is to have
its national meeting in Minneapolis
Sept. /.
Many substantial citizens Of New
Ulm, of German birth or ancestry,
are deploring the meeting. They say
that IL places New Ulm in a false
light before the state and nation.
In Open Air.
The meeting was in the open air,
speakers occupying the flag drap-
ed stand in Turner Hall park. Mayor
Fritsche, who is president CT the
Brown County bank, presided. Speak
ers were Albert Pfaender, Albert
Steinhauser, F. II. Retzlaff, Rev. John
Wagner and DR.. Adolph Ackerman.
The last two are on the faculty of
Martin Luther college. DR.. Ackerman
being its president.
Mr.. Pfaender is q former member
Of the legislature, was major of the
Second Minnesota while on border
service last year but resigned on his
return, and Is now city attorney OF
New Ulm. Mr.. Steinhauser is a for
mer captain in the national guard
and was wounded IN the Philippines.
drawing 3 pension now for a stiff
knee resulting from his wound. Mr..
Retzlaff Is a hardware and automo-
bile dealer, and his son, Armin F.
Retzlaff. is high on the draft roll.
William H. Fritsche, a son OF Mayor
Fritsche, Is also so high on the list
that he probably will be In Brown
county's quota Of 156 men.
The space about the speakers
stand was packed, and those in the
outskirts could not hear, but cheered
Justify just the same. There was an
air Of tense excitement in the crowd.
1t was estimated at from 5000 to TO-
600 people, and probably was we'll
over 5000.
Government Is Represented.
Department of Justice men and
Representatives of the Minnesota
Public Safety commission were pres
ent, and some Of the speakers com
mented on the fact. insisting they
were acting within the constitutional
rights of petition and peaceful as
semblage.
There was a general movement TO
disclaim responsibility for the meet
ing. Chairman FritBche said he had
been approached by others who ask
ed him to take part. Mr.. Pfaender
made a similar disclaimer.