Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-02-01
MIR. BLANKENBURG
FLAYS KAISERISM
Administration Favors Friends
of German Democracy" De-
clares Former Mayor

TO the Editor of the Erening Public Ledger:
Sir--I gladly answer your request for an
explanation of the aims of the Friends of
German Democracy, an organization that has
been unjusty and unfairly attacked in public
print and which was refused the opportunity
of refuting slanderous insinuations ana
charges by the suppression or garbing Of re.
plies made by men of repute, in response to
these charges.
One of the main weapons of German auto.
Gratis, as far as our country is concerned, has
been the assertion of the Kaiser's Govern
ment that the United 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 or
their fathers that, at heart, this vast number
had only veneer of love for the country In
which they abide. but that, in the emergency
of a conflict they would stand in defense or
the Fatnerland These German propaganda
have been fostered by a subservient and sub
sidized press and swallowed by the German
people like gospel-truth. They have con-
tributed their full share to delude them into
the belief that the sympathy of their kns-
folk on the other side of the Atlantic was
with them and thus encourage them in their
support of the milltarlstic cabal in this, the
unholiest war of history.
To combat this erroneous idea and to
affirm the unqualified loyalty of the over.
whelmng majority Of citizens of German
blood and thus to demolish one OF the props
of Prusslan Junkersm is one Of the aims or
the Friends of German Democracy II the
people of Germany once know that our grear
Republic, with Its wealth, power ana re-
sources stands determined to defend the
world against an autocracy that threatens
ruin to all popular ideals; that we are
united. no matter whence we came in thi,
great battle for liberty, they will underst nd
that their Government has deceived them
and that Germany can look for neither helm
nor sympathy on our part. Then their ewes
will be opened and the light of truth NAV
be kndled in the hearts of multitude of
tie Kaiser's subjects who have been com.
PEELED to suffer the agonies of the damnea
In the worship of false GODS
Tho call issued by the society q wish vor
could publish 1t in fulD ,breathes lovaltv to
America and support for our great Pres,
dent in every line. 1t breaches true Amer
icanism and sounds a bugle call IN dutv
for all, irrespective of birth, creed or NJ.
scent. To help make the world sa 20 for
democracy Is another OF its aims, This can
never be accomplished while a military oi,
parchy, INSCRIPTIONS, arrogant, defiant ot w.
laws of God and man, holds SWAY In tns
heart OF Europe and defies the spIrjt ., tn
twentieth century with that of the Midd,s
Ages
IL cdnilot DC Hdut 100 pain, for non,,la~
understanding of the movement that ~.
United States Government indorses anS ~ a
proves 1t and at the same time that al, ~
tions of the society are subject To Tho s.na
tion Of the authorities at Washington TIL.
fact alone should set at rest ali ca,,,,,n~
criticisms How to reach the German nan,te
with American propaganda for trs f.
mocracy is question that has carsfu, go
sideration. 1t will be solved bv ai.,,. - -
communication through border lands ana N,
other means that time will evolve. Tha as,. oy
to establish democratic form M ,o,'n sor'
nlent in Germany Is worthy OF ev.r,. so'e,r m
Fort, for under popular rule a reneti,,,.s SUP ~
the world tragedy Of today Is imnoss,S,a ''
You say In your letter, "If Il fthe soa,"t,
is subtle form of Prussian prona So.yl
should like to know it?" A comn,a,~' VIC
sufficient answer to this suggestion ,s .s'n. Hna
II I, or any one connected with ~. ..a ae
ment, should be found in any part OF Gsrs.s..
spreading our propaganda. we would he a
rested. tried. convicted and wouIa No.
face firing squad In short order pr,'s 20
siansm, Junkerism, Kaiserism. are ,ha
veterate foes OF all liberal ani IIhera's. nv m
tendencies they should be thwartsd n @xrs .xsry
legitimate way and the rriends ~ c.ry vso.y
Democracy should be heartily runnorts ~ ''ss, ~,
America and Americans. NothinS ~ ~ th,s ~
wvfld would Induce me to join Il any mc>--