The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1918-01-29

My life and my loyalty belong to this country" sssee Mrs J. A. Traut of New Britain in answer to the ques- tion, What should be the true atti- tude toward the war of an American citizen born in Germany" Mrs. Traut was born in Gotha, Thringia, Germany. She came to this country when she was four years old, stayed here until she was 6, returned to Ger many for five years, then came to this country. She has lived in New Britain for thirty years and is active in Connecticut, New Britain and New York, including the Red Cross and the War Relief Club of New Britain.
 Mrs. Traut said in part:
 q know what the attitude Of the American citizen born in Germany ought to be toward this country, if he has made his home here, supported himself here or was supported here by the head of his family. He should under all conditions stand by the land of his adoption, because he left his Fatherland to improve his life in country which affirms in the Declara- ton of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are born equal
 tIt is this chance of equal oppor- tunity because of affirmed equal birth that draws not only the German, but peope of other nations to these shores.
 Another reason is, or has been, his revolt against enforced and despotlc militarism and Prussianlsm on the other side. Transplanted into a new soil, adopted by new people-one with citizenship and kinship Of amDlpuon and willingness to work to attain sue cess 1t would be unnatural for @ man or woman to throw overheard, as bal last. the memories of the F'atherland, 1, ar a feeling of attachment for it. No person of whatever nationality would or could respect such transplanted ingrate, True patriotism, a readiness to defend right against wrong, has always been the attitude Of the Just minded American citizen born in Ger many. as history discloses. Amerlca has harbored dreams of becoming the country to bring to other countries state of lasting peace; but behind this dream has lain the determination to 6ebt to the finish against wrongs i'm posed on humanity, This time IS here!
 ssIt seems a cruel fatalism that, en- e711fed in war with Germany, the American citizen, born in Germany united with the interests of this coun- try. yet torn asunder as was the i Northerner and Southerner in she Civil War, brother. oft against broth- CT, must take up arms against those of the country of his birth.
 ssWe say that blood is thicker than water, but we are also convinced that right must prevail over kinship when a point in the worlds history IS reached where no one people, no one nation shall act upon the t1me-Worn adage, all is fair in love and war Humanitarianism steps in to check such an anticipated acceptance.
 ssWar is, and war, for one reason or another, I fear, always will be. Ma ture itself is at war for the recon struction and good of the Cosmos Death turks in renewal To live and
 to die for the cause of justice. is the question that confronts the American citizen of today, born in Germany and he will and must enter the ranks to fight against the methods of war fare invented and practiced by the German government, the like of which Ihas never, in the annals of history lbeen employed by any people, lei