MR GERARD SHOCKED.

Bruce Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 42, 31 May 1917, Page 3

MR GERARD SHOCKED.

- If war should come with Germany, Mr James W. .Gerard, former Ambassador to that country, would bo willing to lead a regiment of German-Ameri-cans. He said this (says 'Springfield Kepublican') upon Iris arrival at New York on March 21, at the close of his journey of 7231 miles from Berlin by way of Switzerland, Spain, Cuba, Florida and Washington. "We are on the brink of war with Germany, and I believe those of German descent in this country will remain loyal," Mi* Gerard said in his public address at the city hall. "I would not mind leading a regiment of German-Americans in the event of hostilties, and feel sure I would not be shot in the back." Mr. Gerard "said that he; left Berlin with a clear conscience, feeling that during, all his stay there he had omitted nothing that would further friendly relations and peace between this coun- • and Germany. "I want to assure you," lie a,dded ; "that if we are drawn into the conflict, it will be only after our President has exhausted every means consistent with upholding the honor and dignity of the United States to keep us from war." The former Ambassador emphasised necessity for military and naval preparation on the part of the United States. "When I came back to this country," he said, "it was a positive shock to me to find that in the two years in which the world has been on lire, we have done nothing to prepare for even a respectable means of national defence. There'is only one thing —universal military service or universal training. The nation that stands opposite us to-day has probably not less than 12,000,000 men under arms. I have seen the Germans take prisoner in one afternoon more men than there are in tho United States Army." Referring to the American citizens of German birth, Mr Gerard said he was ' glad to see on the list of persons making up the reception committee to welcomo him home, names of people of German descent. "It was but natural," he said, "that these peoplp at the beginning of the war should have a sentimental feeling towards Germany, that they should have . looked back through rose-colored glasses on that land which, however, they left because thev did not have equality of opportunity. We read to-day in the newspapers for the first time that there is a'possibility that after the war Germans will lie given an equal share in their own Government. 1 believe that in our hour of trial we can relv upon the loyalty of our citizens of German descent." *