made into good citizens or it remained a class of people who said nothing and did no harm. The five percent of bad stuff represented the actual Germans who were interested in the success of the Germans, and the slackers, deserters and men who had violated the law and had to be apprehended.
A typical Kansas City case was commented on in the "Spy Glass," the national A. P. L. paper:
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."
