The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1940-07-04
GARRETT CO. TOYMAKER
PROTESTS SPY" STORY
Has Been In United States IS
Years; Wife and Children Born
Here And He Is Citizen

,rben citizens of German birth were
rarsecuted by misguided patriots" in
many ways, have been recalled in
recent weeks in this section, with at
least one man, subjected to unjust sus-
nicion and annoyance, raising his voice
in justified protest.
fragrant example of the injury done
IN sincere Americans of foreign birth
i revealed in a letter from Mr.. R.
r. Booming, Of Mountain Lake Park,
who comments that he and several
other citizens of the community have
been targets of absurd accusations.
The report concerning Mr.. Booming,
il was said, included the allegation
that he is Nazi spy making toys in
Garrett county and sending data to
Germany concealed in the playthings.
Contacted f. B. |. Himself
In his letter, Mr.. Booming cites that
fine rumors involved in Fifth Column"
and "other obnoxious activities" in
connection with his efforts to create
TOW industry in Garrett county, he ad-
ded:
"As long as this absurd accusation
made it's rouids in Garrett county, not
only involving myself but also sew
eral other American citizens, | took
one step only to counteract it by writ
ing to the Federal Bureau of Investi-
cation and laying the matter before
those gentlemen for their considera-
ton and such action as they might see
fit to take The further spreading of
such groundIess accusations is, under
the present hysterical state of mind of
certain elements Of our fellow citizens,
an action needing counteraction by
myself as well as those of my fellow
citizens and friends who know me and
are willing to vouch for my integrity
as a citizen 1t is up to me to be most
emphatic about my defense, which con-
sists of the following facts:
Hopes To Build New Industry
l. Apart from being a member of
the Democratic party of the United
States, do not belong to any "Bund'
organization, society or club whatso-
ever.
g. came to this country IS years
ago; my wife as well as my children
were all born in this country. suppose
my suspicious friends blame me for
having been born in Germany. l trust
that they realize that the country of |
my birth could not have been of my
choosing.
3. The wooden toys, which l have de +
veOped and had hoped to utilize for
a sorely needed industrial enterprise |
in our county, are really nothing but
sordid, wooden block toys and anyone
wanting to see them may do so eiter at |
my home or in Oakland, where a few |
have been sold and where some Amer
lean children are enjoying them. 1t
is unfortunate that so far my hopes |.
regarding the establishment of the
aforementioned industrial plant have
not been realized.
4. Being quite sure that l have not
been an outstanding addition to the
citizenry of the United States, | have
at least endeavored to give my best eff
forts towards becoming a useful mem
Der of American life. The ill-considered |
efforts Of certain elements to align me
with un-American activities are in fact
unjustified, unfair, un-Christian and
very much un-American.
Citizenship Acquired In 1880
at is evident that the spreading
OF rumors, even if unintentional or, in
connection with quasi denial, is ex-
tIemely harmful to the person involved
and to those who are members of his
family.
May | close with the statement that
on February T, 1880, before Judge of
the Circuit Court at Valparaiso, Porter
county, Indiana, and on the occasion
OF being granted my United States
citizenship, | swore an oath to uphold
The Constitution of the United States
Oh America. | intend to keep my oath!
But under and by that very same Con-
stltution | may expect and do expect
TO be permitted to live in peace and
without being made the target of pois-
oned arrows shot at me from behind"
-I-
WHAT is SUCCESS?