South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-03-20
BOSSE, ALLIANCE
HEAD, ON STAND
German American President
Defends Patriotism of
His Followers.

WASHINGTON, March 20. - A
general defense OF the patriotic
character Of the National German
American alliance against charges OF
disloyalty was made Tuesday before
a senate judiciary subcommittee by
the Rev. S. G.. Won BOsse OF Will
mingtOn, Del. president, who assert
ed the alliance had no connection
with the German government nor
the German people, and that its in
nuence has always been directed to-
ward keeping alive German ideals
and 10 fostering loyalty 10 tins
country.
The committee has under consid-
Grafton bill by Sen. King Of Utah,
which would revoke the federal
charter Of the organization because
OF its alleged disloyal utterances
and activities.
Denies German AhiIiation.
The alliance has never enter
tanned even the remotest Official
connection with the German gov
eminent or with the German peo-
pie, Mr.. Won Bosse said. ct Is
a Simon pure American organiza-
ticn existing only for those living
In this country having American
patriotism, American loyalty and
American love for liberty written
pom its banners"
He was interrupted several times
in submitting his prepared state
rnent by committee members for
cross examination.
What have you said in condem-
nation Of the sinking Of the Lusi-
tania.' Sen. King asked.
"TGe Lusitania was sunk before
the United States went TO war with
Germany the witness replied.
Did not you justify it?"
81 justified certain legal phases
Of IT," he replied. Il took the view
before the United States went %
war that Americans should not go
on belligerent vessels carrying mu-
nitions."
Letters written by Mr. Won Bosse
10 "A Wilmington newspaper after
the European war broke out JUST
flying Germany's invasion of Bel
gium We're read The witness ad-
mitted having written the letters.
saying he did not believe at that
time that Belgium was neutral.
Those Busy Berthas."
Sen. Wolcott OF Delaware wanted
TO know about some articles by Mr..
Won BOsse. referring 20 the work Of
those grand. busy old Berthas" IN
Germany.
Those grand busy old Berth1s
which dropped bombs on hospitals
and cathedrals and defenseless COM
munities." suggested Sen. King.
Mr.. Won Bosse defended his ar
ticles. saying they were written be-
fore the United States entered the
war. He did mot hesitate in admit
ting that before the United States
went 10 war ne carried on propa-
ganda work, and that the alliance
and himself personally opposed the
United States becoming a bellige--
ent.
our efforts TO keep the United
states out of the war" he said. was
. call Of the blood, because we be-
Heved Germany to be waging a war
OF defense"
Mr.. Won Bosse defended the &C
tions Of C. J. Hexamer OF Philadel-
Ihia. the first president of the al
lance
His father served CALAMITY In
our Civil war" he said. and the,
son. born in America. is a true~
and better American than thou
sands whose lip patriotism noisily
Jars the clouds"
rrbo y,-ffras- declared the alliance
has incurred the hatred OF anti
saloon league officials because of IFS
stand against prohibition and he
attributed some Of the charges
against il 10 that source.