The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1918-03-05
Investigating the Cerman-American Alliance


Investigating the Cerman-American Alliance
The investigation Of the German-Americar
Alliance is showing that it was powerful instru
ment in the hands of the Pan-Germans of Berlin
to spread the Kaiser's propaganda in the United
States. The national officers either were &C.
quainted with the designs of the Pan-Germar
party and aided the movement, were dupes OF
the master hand who occupies the German
throne.
Richmond is interested in the probe because
a branch Of the organization flourished here be.
fore America entered the war. Perhaps almost
every member of the Richmond branch was ig.
norant of the real purpose of the national organ.
ization and as a result unconsciousy and unwit
tingly helped the Kaiser in his plan of trying te
teutonize America.
Mondays issue of the Palladium contained ar
article written six years. ago which pointed out
the menace in the organization. At that time
few Of our leaders believed that sinister motive
lurked in the activity and zeal of the German.
American Alliance, and consequently the organ
ization was permitted to form new branches al
over the country and to spread German propag
anda. Today's issue brings to conclusion the
forecast of the author six years ago, proving
that he had greater foresight than the rank ano
file of our citizens.
In the retrospect, it is easy to see how the
Alliance was potent agent of the Kaiser in
arousing and keeping alive pro-German senti
ment in the United States. John William Scholl
assistant professor of German, University OF
Michigan, on the basis of the minutes of the
Pennsylvania state convention and the constitu.
ton and bylaws of the Alliance, sets out it's aims
as follows:
The Alliance Strives to awaken Of unity
among the people of German origin in America to cen
tralze their for the energetic defense Of such
justified wishes and interests contrary the
rights and duties of good citizens; to defend its class
against natvisc encroachments; to foster and assure
good, friendly relations Of America to the old German
fatherland.' Such are its declared objects.
All existing societies of Germans called upon as
organized representatives of Deutschtum"
point of honor to form national alliance, to foster foma
ton Of societies in all States Of the Union, that
the whole of Germans in America be used as
a unit for political action This league pledges itself
with all legal means at hand unswervingly and at all
times to enter the lists for the maintenance and
ton of its principles for their defense wherever
and whenever in danger"
Again. it demands the introduction of instruction in
the German language because along with English forms
the world language handsome boast-and because
general knowledge of it favors clear and
preudced understanding and promotes mutual friendly
relations" sous-entendu with the fatherand
In order to strengthen as much as possible this cen
tralized group in combating negative entertainments,
such prohibition singlelanguage schools. it urges
all Germans to naturalize possible and become
in public life. To the unsophsticated looks
like eagerness to attain Americansm in rush Unfor
tunatey the alliance is also emphaticay opposed
restrictions upon immigration and the rights of natural
ization except for conviction of crime and is likewise
In favor OF the abolition of all antiquaed laws that hind
free intercourse limit the personal freedom of the
citizen" enjoy the full his European habits they
in conflict with "nativstic' movements.
It recommends the founding OF institutions for
teaching the German language and literature and
German kultur. 1t demands the cement his
torical studies in order heighten the German
Of his Importance the develop
ment of America.
1t takes little penetration to discover that the
leaders of the Alliance believed Germans should
have the privilege of coming to America. OBJ
tanning citizenship, and maintaining intact their
native language and customs.
How was the United States to benefit by their
presence?
Seemingly only insofar as this nation grant
ed them the liberty of living here accommodating