Speech #560023735

Taking this view of the bill. I am utterly opposed to it and shall so record my vote. Inasmuch as it is claimed in certain quarters and by certain people that American naturalized citizens. and especially those of German birth. indorse the Administrations policy of imperialism. I may be pardoned to deny this statement. Let it be remembered that the love of liberty and local selfgovernment is not only implanted and inborn in every German heart. but is interwoven in his history and embedded deep in his character and his race. that his ancestorsnot onlyrepelledRoman aggression under Arminius and destroyed the legions of Varus in the Teuteburgerwald. but that they carried the germs of civil liberty from Saxony to Albion. that they not only stood sponsors at the birth of trial by jury and representative government. but have ever defended them on the battlefield and in legislative councils at home and abroad. Not only are they lovers of personal liberty. but of civil liberty as well. and wherever the German has gone he has carried with him his love for freedom. for free speech. and for religious tolerance. and his devotion to local selfgovernment. While he is a good and loyal soldier in the Fatherland. as well as in his adopted country. he is not an admirer of militarism or imperialism. but devoted rather to the arts of peace and orderly constitutional government. More especially is this so with the great majority who emigrated to the United States. Their motive in leaving the old country was largely due to the desire to enjoy greater freedom in this great Republic and to cast their fortunes with those who are here engaged in the upbuilding and maintaining of free institutions for themselves and their posterity. How natural. then. that they should oppose the present policy of militarism and imperialism in this country.