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
Fred W. S—— was born on March 29, 1888, entered military service
in Crefeld, Germany, October 15, 1909, in the 53rd Infantry
Regiment of the 5th Westphalian Division, Co. 6, and received his
discharge on September 25, 1911. His military book in addition
to giving his record as first-class marksman, shows that he was
recommended for corporal. In April, 1913, he secured a furlough
to North America, but was subject to call in March, 1915. Claims
he came to this country to visit his brother. Interviewed, S——
was frank. He stated that he made it a rule never to talk, but
that prior to the United States entering the war, he had let some
remarks slip to his fellow workmen, which he had regretted, as
these remarks had caused him a great deal of trouble since then.
He showed us his registration card. He stated that he had applied
for his first papers and that he was ready and willing to take out
his last papers the moment he was permitted, and that he wanted
to become an American citizen. He had four brothers in the German
Army, and has not heard from them for three years. This was given
as an explanation for his mistake in making a few remarks at the
beginning of the war. He asserted that he would live up faithfully
to every rule, would attend strictly to his business and would
report whenever desired. He declared that he had bought First,
Second and Third Liberty Loan Bonds. He also stated that he had
given to the Red Cross. Conclusion: He has violated no law and do
not believe he intends to violate any. Kept under observation.
Here is another story which illustrates that curious psychological
bluntness and one-sidedness of the German intellect. The widow of Fred
E——, deceased, who had a drug store, was asked for a subscription to
the hospital fund. She said: “I won’t give any money to the Research
Hospital, but maybe, if you take the old name back, I will give to the
German Hospital, but not to the Research Hospital.”
The manner in which she said this and the spirit demonstrated by her
attitude showed that she was thoroughly pro-German. Operative No. 60
called on the party, and says in his report:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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