The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1918-09-26
IS MOST INTERESTING
MAN IN SWITZERLAND
Former Head of Krupp Works
Could Not Square Conscience
With Militarist's Acts.

Gumligen, Switzerland (by maiD.-
One of the most interesting characters
in Switzerland today. is DR.. Wilhelm
Muehlon, whose recent revelations Of
German political and diplomatic secrets
of the day before the war--at a time
when he was in confidential touch with
the high councils of the imperial Ger
nan government-led to official sur.
VIGILANCE owe his movements and
finally to his expulsion from his native
land.
His disclosures, which have created
sensations in entente capitals, have
been regarded in any quarters as
faithful interpretations Of events which
contributed to the outbreak of the war
and as conclusive proof that the Ger
la emperor's Vaccinations were re-
sponsible for the world conflict. They
led to a German government statement
in the refchstag that he was not patho-
logically responsible, and today he lives
the life of a retired farmer on the out
skirts Of a small Swiss village. Once
he was director of the great Krupp war
establishment-a position ne o. at
the request Of the German foreign or.
fice-and a conspicuous figure In ciytI
and official CIRCLES.
A man Of as Years, tall and broad
shouldered. with yellow Saxon hair and
u small mustache, DR.. Muehlon, chal-
lenger or the German emperors own
version that he endeavored to
peace, from time to time addresses his
compatriots across the border with Wig
orous and independent views which, he
declares, a great many Germans share
secretly. His personal appearance
shows none Of the nervous agitation
which the German authorities have
doctor, bSysicaiiy and mentally he
seems 2 man Of iron.
DIR. Mlehlon was asked how ne
could be an opponent OF militarism and
war, particularly the present struggle:
and at the same time be a director or
Krupp's. the greatest war macnine IN
the world. -,
THAT appears to be inconsistent
he said. but the explanation Is simple
I have always been opposed to war, ana
even to large combinations like krupps.
as my inclinations were toward the
welfare and equality Of he people ana
the adjustment OF differences oy reason
instead of by force. But 1t was 1eit
desirable to have OF the krupp direc-
torate various shades Of opinion, even
though not in strict accordance with
the war activities of the establishment,
SO that all views could be expressed
and something like common agreement
obtained on the many vexing problems
presented. To that end I came into
the organization. at first in q suOordi-
nate position and later in the direc-
torate. 1t vas stipulated, however,
thai my activities SHOULD be NANNY oe-
voted to the branch not ,ngageu III
war work, for Krupps has two
u~,t .t,a nna dQVntp6 10 war
work and the other to work
ed with war. Insensibly, however, my
work led to my being consulted on war
arrangements having an
bearing, such as the armamen Oh iur-
key" IN 1T.
growing dislike to the war work ana
his final determination to give up all
association with 1t even at the sacrince
of one of the most important business
careers in Germany. DR.. Muenion mas
brought with him a large fund OF ma
teriaI bearing on the causes Leading up
to the war. Much Of 1t is documentary
with letters from persons ana oIsa.iha
tions in high position. This may reach
tho public in due time, n become a.
mart of the historical data bearing on
the responsibility for bringing on tne
war. For the present, howeVeu, Ii.
Meuhlon said he Is avoiding Iur.ner
controversial questions which wouio pe
likely to arise IL this mass or data was
made public at once. Inc onIy uepar
ire has has made from this policy is In
assembling a pamphlet OF day by DAY
notes made at the outset OF the war
giving his personal Impressions on va
rio,Is phases of the war. This is not IN
line Of disclosures or. revelations, pus
rather Of vigorous personal criticlsih oi
German official and military methods,
n-x nf hia rafQrAnCoQ TO Ger.
man conditions is as follows:
.The general feeling OF the people.
since the outbreak Of the war Is that
German diplomacy has failed every
where. Many assert that 1t has been
due to a day to day policy or OPP
portunism without far plans.
NV opinion is that it could not have
dime better with the controlling infiu-
ence and continual interference exer-
cised BY the kaiser. Only he who bowed
to every wish OF the kaiser coul re-
tain his place, and all wanted TO stay.
There are few people in Germany with
convictions so strong that they WIN
give ID magistrates and offices In order
to upheld their convictions. They all
ask: How shall 1 do to get on and re-
tain favor?' not Does 1t correspond
with my W judgment"
DIR. Muehlon takes a gloomy view or
what would become of Europe II Ger
many secured the ascendance. With
Germany sovereign over Europe" he
says, there would be a general scat
tering and flight Of European races and
population to get away from German
rule. The re.notest corners of Europe
would become asylums of refuge. An
immense shifting Of LIES forces would
occur. And with Germany paramount
in Europe there would be a real migra.
ton to the overseas countries"
TExAe MnAAM cLEoIEE