New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-04-12
Decision Reached by Rep
resentatives Of IS States
in Philadelphia
Red Cross to Get
$4,000 in Treasury
Members Decided Organi-
cation Cast Suspicion on
Their Patriotism
Especial CORES Do,,dence |

PHILADELPHIA, April 1l.-By unani-
uous consen. of a special congress of
state representatives sitting in Phila-
ds,nhia to-day it was decided that the
National Cerman-American Alliance be
a;shanded. A feature OF the confer
ence was the decision that the funds
Of the alliance, approximately $4,000,
he donated to the American Red Cross.
: The alliance has been the subject of
f. severe criticism since the United
States declared war on Germany. Last
February an investigation Of the or
ssnization was ordered by Senator
King. of Utah, to determine whether
ths charter of the alliance should be
revoked. Senator King charged that
the members were spreading German
,ropaganda. and otherwise endeavoring
10 hinder Americas war programme.
Although the alliance is now vir-
,ually obsolete, the formal dissolution
will not take place until tomorrow
afternoon The congress conferred be-
mind locked doors for nearly four
hours. Representatives Of ten states
attended and three other states were
represented by proxy. This made
quorum
Statement Explains Action.
The following statement on the dis
solution was issued:
1t was the sense OF these present
to dissolve the alliance, but action
could not be taken until tomorrow. as
some financial matters and obligations
must first finally be settled before an
effective dissolution can be taken.
The Congress convened in the hall
at one o'clock. and it was nearly five
o'clock when it adjourned. Even be-
fore the meeting the entire assemblage
vas determined to dissolve the al
lance. according to Max Heinrich, edi-
tor Of the German Sunday Gazette ~
who was the only member of the
alliance allowed at the conference
This settles the National Alliance -
he said. The members realize that
public opinion is against their or
sani.ation, and they wish to show their
patriotism by dissolving. Every mem
Der is for disbanding. They know that
the alliance throws a suspicion on
the patriotism of the members
The states represented were: Penn
sylvania, Maryland, Delaware. New
York, New Jersey, North Dakota, Hi
nos, Wisconsin, Rhode Island and Min
nesota- Nebraska, Texas and West
Virginia were represented by proxy.
There are twenty-five state organiza-
tons OF the alliance. The headquar-
ters is in Philadelphia.
Alliance at End, Says Bosse
The Rev. Sigmund G. Won Bosse act
ed as chairman of the meeting. He re-
Gently turned in his resignation as
president of the alliance, but it was
never acted upon. He said after the
meeting: at is certain that the al
lance will be dissolved tomorrow.
Adolph Timm, of Philadelphia, for
ner secretary of the alliance, who,
with the Rev. Mr. Won Bosse, were
among the witnesses before the Senate
Judiciary Committee, was appointed
the disposal OF the alliance funds.
Gottlieb Hammer recently resigned as
treasurer
John Tjarks, Of Baltimore, intro
dueed the resolution to donate the
$4,000 Of the alliance, referred to as
the "Eissen Fund" or the Iron
Fund" to the American Red Cross.
his fund was raised in 1908 with the
view OF spending it in promoting Ger
man literature and art and otherwise
conducting uplifting activities among
ne German people in America. 1t was
Intended to raise 100000 and 10 spend
only the interest of this fund on educa
.,onal activities, but 100000 was all
mat was obtained.
Founded in 1901
The German american Alliance was
rounded October 6, 19O1-German-
american Day, the anniversary of the
iandIng Of the first Germans in this
country and the PRONUNCIATION Of the
herman language in America At one
.a there were two million persons in
ms ms country enrolled in the alliance
slaee the charges of Senator King, the
suoseqrent investigation and the seiz-
we Oh the alliance papers, however, the
EXAMINATION has slowly but surely
.een dissolving. Officers resigned and
.aaousand5 Of persons let their member
ship die out.
me advisability Of the dissolution
me alliance was emphasized by
Tax heinrich in his Last summary OF
''Hportant events, which said:
considering present conditions, the
sassoiut,on Of the alliance is the most
f ~ step, inasmuch az its right
and e@ls' has now apparently ceased
.. sa aisc because its continuance NAV
~. rise 10 renewed enmity iowa I'd
~. 'srrnan- speaking element in the
s. ..sea States. In ed. such course
,,, s1a save been taken immediately
~ s.t americas entrance into the war
- .ac nest way Of avoiding any doubts
~ lts or It's rneynbors jovaIt,.o