The Web : $b The Authorized History of the American Protective LeagueHough, Emerson
History
The Web : $b The Authorized History of the American Protective League
Hough, Emerson
American Protective League; Propaganda, German; World War, 1914-1918 -- Secret service -- United States
Having been informed that Weiss was a dangerous character, we
proceeded to his place of employment and asked for an interview,
which was granted by the superintendent of the concern. We found
Weiss busily engaged at his work, told him our business and were
informed that we could “go to” so far as he was concerned, that he
had not registered and did not intend to do so, although he had
been given seven days in which to make up his mind or go to jail.
We did not argue the question with him but immediately took him
before the Special Agent in charge of the Department of Justice,
Harold L. Scott. Mr. Scott asked him what his objection was to
registering with his Local Board, as the law required, to which
Weiss answered:
“I have registered with the police and that is sufficient. I’m
not a citizen of this country. I’m a subject of the Kaiser, and
there’s one thing sure—after this war is over, I’m sure going to
leave this country. I’ve thought it all over and that’s what I’m
going to do.”
U. S. Marshal Devanney happened to be present and explained to
Weiss that the best thing for him to do was to register, telling
him that he did not blame him for maintaining his allegiance to
his own country; that he admired a man always for doing what he
thought was right, but that he must conform to the laws of this
country governing alien enemies.
All through the interview, Weiss’s attitude was one of defiance,
but he thought the matter over for a few minutes and then stated
that he was willing to register with the Local Board. He was
escorted to the Board by No. 145 and the Chairman asked:
“Mr. Weiss, where do you work and what salary do you earn?”
“I work at B—— Machine Company and get eighty-five cents an hour;
with overtime I make $100.00 per week.”
“Making such a salary as that, Mr. Weiss, don’t you think you owe
this country something? You could not possibly earn that much
money in one week in Germany, could you?”
“No,” replied Weiss, “but I’m a skilled mechanic and that’s what
they pay in this country, and I’m entitled to it.”
“Yes,” replied the Chairman, “but in view of the fact that this
country affords you such good wages and allows you to send your
children to the public schools, don’t you think it your duty to
at least comply with all the laws governing alien enemies such as
you?”
To this Weiss made no reply, but by constant questioning the
questionnaire was finally filled out and Weiss was asked to
“swear” to it, to which he replied:
“I will take no oath. I do not believe in a God, and refuse to
recognize him in any way whatsoever.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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