Evening journal., 1918-02-12

LA-hd9 UT huuuili bltuhtubuiti VI
Philadelphia, in a letter he wrote TO
set'forth the principles and aims Of the
Friends Of German Democracy. OF No.
% Union Square. New York City, has
given in ringing words the real atti-
tude Of the Americans Of German blood
In this country toward the war.
Mr.. Blankonburg, who is probably
the best loved Of German-Americans in
this country, and who as reform mayor
Of Philadelphia gave that city one OF
the cleanest administrations 70 ever
had, In his uttcrances, ilays kaiserism
and the sinister German propaganda
which is intended-in vain. Mr.
Blakenburg points QUITO divide the
American people.
I'VE are united, no matter whence
we came, in this battle for liberiy,"is
the assertion of Mr. Blankenburg.
The letter was called forth by an
attack upon the Friends Of German
Democracy i'm newspaper. which by
inuendo cast doubt on the sincerity OF
some Of its members. This attack
evoked a letter from George Crecl,
chairman Of the Committee on Public
Information, in which he not only en-
dorsed tho purpose Of the organiza-
ton, which is TO aid the German peo-
pie establish a democracy in Germany
but in which he promised his hearty
cooperation 20 the Woyemeni
Mr.. Blankenburg's letter follows:
Il gladly answer your request for
an explanation of the aims Of the
Friends Of German Democracy, an or
ganization that has been uniustly and
unfairly attacked in public print and
which was refused the opportunity OF
refutirg slanderous insinuations and
charges by the suppression or garb-
ling OF replies made by men Of rcputc,
IN response TO these charges.
"One Of the main weapons Of Ger
man autocrats. as far as our country IS
concerned, has been the assertion Of
the Kaiser's Government that the Uni
ted states would never wage war
against the German Empire on account
Of the loyalty Of the twenty million
inhabitants Of German blood TO the
land Of their fathers: that, at heart.
this vast number had only a veneer Of
love for the country in which they
abide, but that, in the emergency Of
q conflict, they would stand in defense
Of the Fatherland. These German pro-
paganda have been fosiered by a sub
servient and subsidized press and
swallowed by the German people like
gospel truth. They have contributed
their full share 10 delude them into
the belief that the sympathy Of their
kinsfolk on the other side Of the At
lantic was with them and thus en-
courage them In their support Of the
90 IA fra
est war Of history.
ITO combat this erroneous idea and
20 affirm the unqualified loyalty Of the
overwhelming majority Of citizens Of
German blood and thus 90 demOlish
one Of the props Of Prussian Junker-
ism is one Of the aims of the Friends
OF German Democracy. II the people Of
Germany once know that our great
Republic. with its wealth, power and
resources. stands determined 20 defend
the world against an aut0cracy that
threatens ruin 20 all popular Ideals;
that we are united, no matter whence
we came, IN this great battle for lib
erty. they will understand that their
Government has decBve5 them and
that Germany can look for neither help
nor sympathy on our part. Then their
truth may be kindled in the hearts Of
q multitude Of the Kaiser's subjects,
who have been compelled 20 suffer the
agonies Of the demand 10 the worship
Of false gods.
"The call issued by the society Il
wish YOU could publish it In fun
breathes loyalty to America and sup
port for our great President in every
line It breaches true Americanism and
sounds & hugle call 10 duty for all, ir-
respective of birth, creed or descent.
To help make the world safe for De-
mocracy is another Of It's aims. This
can never be accomplished while
military oligarchy, INSCRIPTIONS, ar
rogant. defiant Of the laws Of God and
man. holds sway IN the heart Of Eur
ope and defles the spirit Of the twen-
tleth century with that OF the Middle
Ages.
1T cannot be made too plain. for
popular understanding Of the move
ment, that the United States Govern
ment indOrses and approves Of It and
at the same time that all actions Of the
society are sdbiect 90 the sanction OF
fhe authorities at Washington. This
fact alone should set at rest an cavil-
IIIk NIANlIlcIlANs NAWHN w. ANANAA AAAR A'HA
man people with American propagan-
da for true democracy is a question
that has careful consideration. 10 will
be solved by airplanes, communication
through border lands and by other
means that time will evolve. The cf.
fort to establish a democratic form Of
government in Germany is worthy of
every support, for under popular rule
..N NHu ~
today IS impossible.
you say In your letter, IF 10 the
society is a subtle form Of Prussian
propaganda, We should like TO know
It," A complete and SUFFICIENT answer
to this suggestion is that IL !, or any
one connected with the movement.
should be found in any part Of Ger
many spreading our propaganda, NC
would be arrested. fried, convicted and
would have TO face a firing squad in