The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1941-05-14
EORCED EIIGHT


from Germany. There he was high
IN government authority, second
from Hitler and known as a close
follower. Reason for his sudden
departure would seem to be due
10 one of two general reasons,
-ritifeF-i indicates = serious break
in relations with Hitler, prompting
escape from the country tor fear
of losing his life, or 1t is part Of
a German military plot.
The latter theory is dispredited
ID most circles The other is not
definitely explained except on the
basis OF conjecture.
In drawing conclusions a general
review Of his life and his associa-
lions with Hitler may be help
full 4 scar on his head where a
beer mug Is said 10 have landed
has been one OF Hess most boast
ed badges of honor. He acquired ii
while acting as bouncer at one Of
the beer hall meetings where
Nazism was born. Even then he
was Adolf Hitler's private secre-
tary and most Intimate friend.
For % years more-until last week
he was slavish in his devotion to
Hitler and the party: man con
coded even by his enemies to be
Incorruptible, so devoted to cause
that his personal life was ascetic.
Like Hitler he was a vegetarian.
He neither drank nor smoked
Unlike Hermann Goering and other
Nszi leaders be passed up all op-
portunities TO get rich at the ex-
pense Of Mani party victims or
German-conquered nations.
These facts, and the cold, precise
manner OF the man, his blind faith
IN Nazism, the esteem and author
ity that e enjoyed under Nazl
rule, all make his flight TO Brit
ain the more astounding.
Neither the Nazi party nor the
German nation could have any Sc
crets from Hess. He had not only
the right but the duty to inquire
into the functions Of every govern
ment department and he was dep
Uty party leader. In 1884 Hitler
decreed that Hess must, whether
personally or through the agents
whom he appoints, participate in
the formation of every law enacted
irrespective OF the department
from which IL originates
There were reports then that
Hitler was about to name Hess
his successor, promoting him above
Hermann Goering, to take charge
of Germany in event of Hitler's
death OF absence. He failed 10 do
50. and when the war started he.
named Goering his successor and
Hess next in line, but IL is gen
orally conceded that Hess knows
all the inner workings of Nazism
and the German war. machine,
enough 10 profoundly affect the
future course OF the war IL ~ be-
comes informer for the British.
When they shared adjoining
cells in Lsnsberg fortress prison
in 1924. Hitler dictated every word
Of "Mein Kampf' 10 Hess. And in
the book, referring TO how his
storm troopers once elected dis
turbers from a beer hall meeting.
Hitler said: Like wolves they
(the storm troopers) hurled them.
selves in packs OF eight or ten on
their opponents and began to drive
them out OF the hall...and at the
head was my brave Maurice, my
present private secretary, Hess.
Maurice was Hitlers affection
ate -Hsme for Hess. It's derivation
was secret between them. Some
Nazis called Hess "FFaulein," but
not to his face. The term is ap-
piled to nursemaids and the insin-
uation was that Hess was Hitler's
nursemaid. . Sos
Hess title was deputy leader
OF the party, Reich minister" but
his powers we're manifold.
He was on the six-man inner
council for defense formed at the
outbreak OF the war.
He was entrusted with much Of
the Strategic" speechmaking.
A heavy. determined jaw, a thin
mouth and hairy, sluggish brow
characterize his face. The eye
broWs meet over the bridge OF his
nose. His beard is heavy. The
beer mug made a hairless spot on
his head.
Hess is AZ. He was born IN
Egypt, the son OF a German i'm.
porter. He went to school at
Alexandria, at Godesberg, Ger
many, and at a commercial school
in Switzerland. He enlisted in
the infantry during the World War.
was wounded twice and gassed
once and then commissioned and
permitted TO take up flying. The
Arlnistice cut short his military
tflying career.
= When Hitler moved from the
army into Munich beer cellars
preaching revolution, in early
1919. Hess was there helping over.
throw the Munich Communist re-
gime. They Joined forces.
Hess was absent from Munich
on party business at the time of
the Nov. 2, 1929. beer hall putsch
but he was arrested a few days
later and imprisoned with Hitler.
He helped dispose OF some OF
the Nail degenerates in the blood
purge OF 1894. and later served as
Hitler's'- personal representative
IN court martial proceedings
against some Of the lesser victims.
Hess was married in 1927 20 the
former Use Proehl, daughter OF
DIT. Fritz Proehl OF the army med
zeal corps. A son was born Nov.
IL. 1887.
II his escape from Germany IL az
displeasing TO Hitler as n might
seem to be. the outlook for his
family is far from pleasant