Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-09-30
LOYALTY CONE MAD.

the schools there hau torn out ol
their textbooks the pages wherein the
kaiser was eXtolled and German cul-
ture highly praised. II was refreshing
to know that young America was not
behind, but rather ahead. OF the
grownups in practical patriotic feeling
, and ia horror OF the agony which the
kaiser and his coterie had brought
upon the world. II would be impossi-
German sentiment from our citizen
ship as long as our children were
taught in the public schools 10 idealize
all things German. IL would be folly
10 teach them 10 admire Germany and
the German ideas during their school
days and then expect them to flock TO
the Colors when Germany menaces
our country.
Apropos Of this subject an exchange
has discovered that the histories In use
in the Texas schools contain numerous
passages extolling Germany and be-
lifting France The war OF 1870 is
ascribed TO French Jealousy OF Ger
many's growing power. and credits
the Germans with accomplishing un-
der Bismarck a degree OF national in
tegrity. prosperity and personal free
dom as great If not greater, than that
enjoyed by American citizens. Sum
ming II all up. this school history says
that the triple alliance Germany.
Austria and Italy) which followed
this conflict, without doubt has been
one OF the most potent factors making
for the peace OF Europe" Aside from
the fallacy OF the historians de-
ductions, later developments OF his
tory have shown conclusively that he
falsifies the record. France was doubt
less led unwillingly into a conflict with
Germany at that time thru the over
weening ambition OF one man, tho
there Is much reason to believe that
the astute Bismarck laid the trap cum
ningly for the last Bonaparte to fall
into and gave Germany a pretext for
n war that she was anxious TO engage
In. II is one or the ironies of our pub
lie school system that such a pack of
lies should have been accepted as an
approved text for the schools OF n
great state No wonder IL was hard
to work up any patriotic enthusiasm
among n people whose young had
been taught such rot.
But there is such n thing as pursu-
Ing a good policy to the point OF alb
surdity. We approve Of the young
Chicagoans who tore the kaiser's en-
comiums out OF their schoolbooks. We
would approve OF the eradication of
the lying history from the curriculum
OF the Texas schools. In fact both
OF these things ought to be done. But
that does not Justify the agitation that
has gained ground in some communi-
ties TO eliminate the study OF German
language and literature from tn,
schools. Such n policy would savoi
too much Of petty spite. We are war.
ring against the evil things German
not against the good things. German,
and the Germans have ACCOMPLISHED
many things we can afford TO admir-,
and even to emulate. 1t is no reflec.
ton upon mans loyalty to America
that he admires the great and benefI
cent achievements OF German musi.
clans, German scientists. German
philosophers and German authors
Germany has added immeasurably tc
the Advancement and culture OF the
world. and the fact that her militar,
faction has had the power 10 plune,
the world into a cataclysm Of mn.
speakable horrors does not detract one
whit from the credit she should re.
ceivo for the good things she has
done. The world is Indebted 10 Ger.
man intellect and research for man,
OF its most valuable accomplishments
Shall the adherence of Junl5erisu
blind our eyes TO all this contributior
to human progress?
II is folly to cut off our noses tr
spite our faces Just because we arc
right now at war with the nation thai
produced some OF the greatest intel.
iects Of history. The study OF Ian
guaFes should be made largely al
optional matter. Some may prefer tc
study French or Spanish. Let then
have It, The study OF German should
not under any consideration be mad,
obligatory, but American youth shou,t
not he denied a single advantage
practical or cultural. which there I,
TO be found in the study OF the Ger
man language. The obligations OF
loyalty do not extend TO the degree OF
venting petty spite on a name. Ameri.
can education should include the bes
there is to be CLEANED from the cul.
ture OF any nation and in any tongue
Al a critical time in the affairs OF
] 10 o.