AMERICA AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2523, 31 July 1915, Page 3

AMERICA AND THE WAR

[ SOME INTERESTING SIDELIGHTS. Interesting comment on the state of public feeling in America .with regard to the war is' contained in a letter received in this City'from a Chicago business man. The writer states:— • "Of heretofore it has been almost impossible for the Government to come out and show its hand, but underneath. there has been a feeling that if the Teutons should win then tlio United States would have to live up to their standard, and keep up a big army in order to cops with the conditions that would . then prevail. But; thank God, Teuton irifluonco will. never be paramount in this part of the world. Wo have a fine President, a God-fearing man, and one who is firm and who is supported by the people, with tho exception of those of hyphenated tendencies, the German-Americans. They are a menace to this Government, and sooner or later we will have to place tliem where they belong, and when the time comes the American people will do it with a vengeance._ You. understand we have over 15 millions of citizens, either of direct or through descendant, of German blood, and it is quite a problem what to do and how to do it without starting trouble here in this country. Until Italy came in on the side of the Allies, the German here never let up on his' abuse of the English, but now. that tho Italians are their antagonists, they have switched, their abuse from tie English to the Italians, and not a few rows have been the result with the Italians on top and the Teutons underneath. What makes the Teuton here so hot is the fact that he cannot get across to tho .other side to help his Government, but if he knovs what is good for hirnsolf he would be happy to be compelled to stay away. "In my recent travels to tho coast and throughout Texas I had many opportunities to feel the public pulse on the question of tho war, and; with very few exceptions, those I liavo come in contact with' were in favour of the Allies. _ In somo. sections, where , the Teutonic following is very great, .they are very rabid in their hatred for England. I have asked some of/them why they' ara in this country, especially in view of the fact that their forefathers came to this country to save the conscription and the terrible debt due from the Franco-Prussian War, but they could not make an intelligent reply. I think, too,' after this war is over that many will try to get over here, but will not be able to do so, as their. Governments will not permit thoiu to leave their land,_ but will keep them there to help rehabilitate their country."