I SPY: Edmund Von Mach's Story
(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
Was he a German agent? A victim of a different ideology? A critic of the wrong people? A scapegoat? A humanitarian? What do you do, when they come for you? This is Edmund Von Mach's story.
(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)
Was he a German agent? A victim of a different ideology? A critic of the wrong people? A scapegoat? A humanitarian? What do you do, when they come for you? This is Edmund Von Mach's story.
Introduction:
Edmund Von Mach was a lecturer and writer who had a different take on World War I. And it was not popular. Once a German soldier, Von Mach immigrated to America in 1891, and had his citizenship sponsored by the Secretary of the Navy. Von Mach was educated at Harvard and specialized in Art and Art history. He resided in Maine.
Before America entered the war, he wanted to educate people about Germany's rationale for the war along with creating a foundation to provide milk to German war orphans. Von Mach was an outspoken advocate of Germany and not afraid to critique prominent people's positions related to the war. He also interacted with questionable German loyalist, perhaps spies. Von Mach was a man who subscribed to the idea that in 1897 there was a secret understanding between this country (United States), England, France , and Russia, that in case of war brought on by Germany the United States would do its best to assist its three allies. England, France and the United States had a secret pact to defend one another from other countries which led to U.S. involvement against Germany in World War I.
On November 27, 1917, Mr. William Roscoe Thayer, the propagandist of the Italian cause in the United States, reverted in a letter in the Boston Herald charging him of being and having been a paid German agent. This and Von Mach's previous actions led to his involvement in multiple heated national media exchanges, participating in lawsuits, having his mail intercepted by the government, and testifying regarding his behavior in front of the United States Senate, among other problems.
Was he a German agent? A victim of a different ideology? A critic of the wrong people? A scapegoat? A man with duel loyalties? What do you do, when they come for you? This is Edmund Von Mach's story.
Edmund Von Mach (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_von_Mach)
Edmund Von Mach was a lecturer and writer who had a different take on World War I. And it was not popular. Once a German soldier, Von Mach immigrated to America in 1891, and had his citizenship sponsored by the Secretary of the Navy. Von Mach was educated at Harvard and specialized in Art and Art history. He resided in Maine.
Before America entered the war, he wanted to educate people about Germany's rationale for the war along with creating a foundation to provide milk to German war orphans. Von Mach was an outspoken advocate of Germany and not afraid to critique prominent people's positions related to the war. He also interacted with questionable German loyalist, perhaps spies. Von Mach was a man who subscribed to the idea that in 1897 there was a secret understanding between this country (United States), England, France , and Russia, that in case of war brought on by Germany the United States would do its best to assist its three allies. England, France and the United States had a secret pact to defend one another from other countries which led to U.S. involvement against Germany in World War I.
On November 27, 1917, Mr. William Roscoe Thayer, the propagandist of the Italian cause in the United States, reverted in a letter in the Boston Herald charging him of being and having been a paid German agent. This and Von Mach's previous actions led to his involvement in multiple heated national media exchanges, participating in lawsuits, having his mail intercepted by the government, and testifying regarding his behavior in front of the United States Senate, among other problems.
Was he a German agent? A victim of a different ideology? A critic of the wrong people? A scapegoat? A man with duel loyalties? What do you do, when they come for you? This is Edmund Von Mach's story.
Edmund Von Mach (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_von_Mach)
Views of and from Von Mach's Maine home.
Edmund Von Mach
FULL NAME: Edmund Robert Otto Von Mach
Where Do I live?
Part of Von Mach's opening statement in Senate Hearings
TESTIMONY OF MR. EDMUND VON MACH.
(The witness was sworn by the chairman.)
Senator Overman. State your name, residence, and your occupation.
Mr. Von Mach. My residence is Little Gaffert, West Brooksville, Me. I do not know about my occupation. I have been very successfully gagged as an author, just at present, and so I suppose I had better call myself a farmer.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Who I Am
Part of Von Mach's opening statement in Senate Hearings
TESTIMONY OF MR. EDMUND VON MACH.
(The witness was sworn by the chairman.)
. . .
Mr. Von Mach. I was born in Germany in 1870, came to America in 1891, declared my intention to become an American citizen in 1912, being sponsored by the late governor and Secretary of the Navy under McKinley, John D. Long—to whom I was related by marriage—and Mr. Ewing Hamlin, a naturalized American citizen of Scotch birth. I renounced my allegiance to my former sovereign, the German Emperor, in May, 1914, and, after the lapse of the legally demanded six month . . . was granted my papers as a sovereign American citizen, in November, 1914, the two men mentioned above again vouching for my character.
. . .
Mr. Von Mach. The reasons "why I became an American citizen," . . . read as follows:
The German longing to see the world was mine by inheritance. On my father's side my relatives had seen the great East beckoning to them, while on my mother's side America had been their ideal. As a young man my grandfather had settled in Louisiana. Later when he had returned to Germany and was suffering from the effects of his Russian captivity—as a Saxon he had been in Russia with Napoleon—he never tired speaking of his beloved America and singing the praises of the heroes of the War of Independence. When I was a little boy I read much of Washington and Franklin and the other great men of the American Revolution, and was given detailed instruction in American history with its many epochs of achievements in the struggle for the rights of the individual.
As soon as I was old enough to live my own life after my own fashion I came to America, finished my education in one of the oldest universities here, and have lived here steadily since then, with the exception of a trip around the world and visits in my old home.
I am married here, and my wife is descended, both on her father's and her mother's side, from the first immigrants on the Mayflower.
I became an American citizen, not because I did not love Germany and my people there, but because the Constitution of the United States appealed to me as the very best of any State, and because I believe that a man who wishes to live permanently in a country has the duty to take an active part in its affairs as a citizen.
Moreover, I saw to my amazement and sorrow that ever more people in this country are turning a cold shoulder to many of the principles contained in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and I felt proud in the thought that as an American citizen I might do something toward winning greater respect and honor for these two great documents of the freedom of man.
True Americanism is founded, according to my views, on the love of mankind. Pride at being a free man and no one's subject characterizes the real American.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Edmund Von Mach
FULL NAME: Edmund Robert Otto Von Mach
Where Do I live?
Part of Von Mach's opening statement in Senate Hearings
TESTIMONY OF MR. EDMUND VON MACH.
(The witness was sworn by the chairman.)
Senator Overman. State your name, residence, and your occupation.
Mr. Von Mach. My residence is Little Gaffert, West Brooksville, Me. I do not know about my occupation. I have been very successfully gagged as an author, just at present, and so I suppose I had better call myself a farmer.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Who I Am
Part of Von Mach's opening statement in Senate Hearings
TESTIMONY OF MR. EDMUND VON MACH.
(The witness was sworn by the chairman.)
. . .
Mr. Von Mach. I was born in Germany in 1870, came to America in 1891, declared my intention to become an American citizen in 1912, being sponsored by the late governor and Secretary of the Navy under McKinley, John D. Long—to whom I was related by marriage—and Mr. Ewing Hamlin, a naturalized American citizen of Scotch birth. I renounced my allegiance to my former sovereign, the German Emperor, in May, 1914, and, after the lapse of the legally demanded six month . . . was granted my papers as a sovereign American citizen, in November, 1914, the two men mentioned above again vouching for my character.
. . .
Mr. Von Mach. The reasons "why I became an American citizen," . . . read as follows:
The German longing to see the world was mine by inheritance. On my father's side my relatives had seen the great East beckoning to them, while on my mother's side America had been their ideal. As a young man my grandfather had settled in Louisiana. Later when he had returned to Germany and was suffering from the effects of his Russian captivity—as a Saxon he had been in Russia with Napoleon—he never tired speaking of his beloved America and singing the praises of the heroes of the War of Independence. When I was a little boy I read much of Washington and Franklin and the other great men of the American Revolution, and was given detailed instruction in American history with its many epochs of achievements in the struggle for the rights of the individual.
As soon as I was old enough to live my own life after my own fashion I came to America, finished my education in one of the oldest universities here, and have lived here steadily since then, with the exception of a trip around the world and visits in my old home.
I am married here, and my wife is descended, both on her father's and her mother's side, from the first immigrants on the Mayflower.
I became an American citizen, not because I did not love Germany and my people there, but because the Constitution of the United States appealed to me as the very best of any State, and because I believe that a man who wishes to live permanently in a country has the duty to take an active part in its affairs as a citizen.
Moreover, I saw to my amazement and sorrow that ever more people in this country are turning a cold shoulder to many of the principles contained in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and I felt proud in the thought that as an American citizen I might do something toward winning greater respect and honor for these two great documents of the freedom of man.
True Americanism is founded, according to my views, on the love of mankind. Pride at being a free man and no one's subject characterizes the real American.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Pick a Side
Later in the Testimony Some Senators Doubted His Loyalty to the United States
Senator STERLING. Excuse me. I want to ask you a question or two. Now, you are a German?
Mr. VON MACH. Do you speak racially or nationally now, sir?
Senator STERLING. Well, racially and nationally—both.
Mr. vox MACH. Well, nationally I am an American citizen.
Senator STERlNG. Yes.
Mr. von MACH. Racially
Senator STERLING. Just now. And racially?
Mr. von MACH. Yes; I am an American citizen, and I hope until my dying day.
Senator WOLCOTT. YOU are of German ancestry and of German birth both, born in that country?
Mr. vox MACH. Yes.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
From The Web by Emerson Hough
Major Humes took Dr. Edmund von Mach over the jumps in his cross-examination before the Overman Committee. Von Mach came in for a grueling by Senator Nelson and others of the Committee when he attempted to speak in justification of German practices in war. He did his best to carry water on both shoulders, but had a very unhappy quarter of an hour.
Later in the Testimony Some Senators Doubted His Loyalty to the United States
Senator STERLING. Excuse me. I want to ask you a question or two. Now, you are a German?
Mr. VON MACH. Do you speak racially or nationally now, sir?
Senator STERLING. Well, racially and nationally—both.
Mr. vox MACH. Well, nationally I am an American citizen.
Senator STERlNG. Yes.
Mr. von MACH. Racially
Senator STERLING. Just now. And racially?
Mr. von MACH. Yes; I am an American citizen, and I hope until my dying day.
Senator WOLCOTT. YOU are of German ancestry and of German birth both, born in that country?
Mr. vox MACH. Yes.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
From The Web by Emerson Hough
Major Humes took Dr. Edmund von Mach over the jumps in his cross-examination before the Overman Committee. Von Mach came in for a grueling by Senator Nelson and others of the Committee when he attempted to speak in justification of German practices in war. He did his best to carry water on both shoulders, but had a very unhappy quarter of an hour.
1914 - German Spies in America
Espionage
At sea, the German navy was losing control daily. It therefore behooved the German forces in America to stop the production of munitions at its source. It may be well, for the force which such presentation carries, to recount very briefly the major accidents which occurred in America in the first few months after August, 1914.
On August 30 one powder mill of the du Pont Powder company (strictly speaking the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Company) at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, blew up. In September a guncotton explosion in the Wright Chemical Works caused the death of three people, and a large property damage. In October the factory of the Pain Fireworks Display Company was destroyed, and several people were killed. In the same month the fireworks factory of Detwiller and Street in Jersey City suffered an explosion and the loss of four lives. These explosions were the opening guns.
Throughout August and September most of these accidents may be attributed to the inexperience and confusion which followed greatly increased production in the powder mills. But a circular dated November 18, issued by German Naval Headquarters to all naval agents throughout the world, ordered mobilized all "agents who are overseas and all destroying agents in ports where vessels carrying war material are loaded in England, France, Canada, the United States and Russia."
The orders:
"It is indispensable by the intermediary of the third person having no relation with the official representatives of Germany to recruit progressively agents to organize explosions on ships sailing to enemy countries in order to cause delays and confusion in the loading, the departure and the unloading of these ships. With this end in view we particularly recommend to your attention the deckhands, among whom are to be found a great many anarchists and escaped criminals. The necessary sums for buying and hiring persons charged with executing the projects will be put at your disposal on your demand."
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/58652/58652-h/58652-h.htm Pages 102-103
Terror
During World War I, Germany Unleashed 'Terrorist Cell In America'
“In the early years of World War I, as many as 1,000 American horses per day were shipped off to Europe to assist in the Allied war effort, even though the United States was officially neutral. Those horses became the target of germ warfare, infected with anthrax cultures on American soil; at the same time, mysterious explosions were rocking U.S. munitions factories, and fires were breaking out on ships headed to Europe.”
"Journalist Howard Blum says this was all part of an aggressive campaign of spying and sabotage the German government unleashed on the United States soon after war broke out in Europe. Blum's book, Dark Invasion, is about the campaign and the effort of American law enforcement to crack what Blum calls "the first terrorist cell in America."
Above is from a write-up of an NPR author’s interview of Howard Blum on Fresh Air, conducted by Dave Davies. This interview is related to Howard Blum’s book Dark Invasion.
Reports of Spies in Maine
On Nov. 3, 1914, three months after the start of World War I, the Bangor Daily News (BDN) published a startling headline: “GERMAN WIRELESS IN MAINE WOODS? Berlin May Be Getting News Via Meddybemps or Seeboomook.”
In his article, "German wireless sought in Maine woods during First World War", writer Wayne E. Reilly recounts:
The lead on the wire story that followed made it clear this was something more than the latest crazy rumor circulating in the Queen City of the East.
“The British foreign office, through its secret agents, is attempting to locate a wireless station which the German government is supposed to have established somewhere in the wilds of Maine for use by the German embassy in communicating with the government in Berlin,” the story said. British and American agents, as well as “operatives of an American detective agency” were hot on the trail.
Espionage
At sea, the German navy was losing control daily. It therefore behooved the German forces in America to stop the production of munitions at its source. It may be well, for the force which such presentation carries, to recount very briefly the major accidents which occurred in America in the first few months after August, 1914.
On August 30 one powder mill of the du Pont Powder company (strictly speaking the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Company) at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, blew up. In September a guncotton explosion in the Wright Chemical Works caused the death of three people, and a large property damage. In October the factory of the Pain Fireworks Display Company was destroyed, and several people were killed. In the same month the fireworks factory of Detwiller and Street in Jersey City suffered an explosion and the loss of four lives. These explosions were the opening guns.
Throughout August and September most of these accidents may be attributed to the inexperience and confusion which followed greatly increased production in the powder mills. But a circular dated November 18, issued by German Naval Headquarters to all naval agents throughout the world, ordered mobilized all "agents who are overseas and all destroying agents in ports where vessels carrying war material are loaded in England, France, Canada, the United States and Russia."
The orders:
"It is indispensable by the intermediary of the third person having no relation with the official representatives of Germany to recruit progressively agents to organize explosions on ships sailing to enemy countries in order to cause delays and confusion in the loading, the departure and the unloading of these ships. With this end in view we particularly recommend to your attention the deckhands, among whom are to be found a great many anarchists and escaped criminals. The necessary sums for buying and hiring persons charged with executing the projects will be put at your disposal on your demand."
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/58652/58652-h/58652-h.htm Pages 102-103
Terror
During World War I, Germany Unleashed 'Terrorist Cell In America'
“In the early years of World War I, as many as 1,000 American horses per day were shipped off to Europe to assist in the Allied war effort, even though the United States was officially neutral. Those horses became the target of germ warfare, infected with anthrax cultures on American soil; at the same time, mysterious explosions were rocking U.S. munitions factories, and fires were breaking out on ships headed to Europe.”
"Journalist Howard Blum says this was all part of an aggressive campaign of spying and sabotage the German government unleashed on the United States soon after war broke out in Europe. Blum's book, Dark Invasion, is about the campaign and the effort of American law enforcement to crack what Blum calls "the first terrorist cell in America."
Above is from a write-up of an NPR author’s interview of Howard Blum on Fresh Air, conducted by Dave Davies. This interview is related to Howard Blum’s book Dark Invasion.
Reports of Spies in Maine
On Nov. 3, 1914, three months after the start of World War I, the Bangor Daily News (BDN) published a startling headline: “GERMAN WIRELESS IN MAINE WOODS? Berlin May Be Getting News Via Meddybemps or Seeboomook.”
In his article, "German wireless sought in Maine woods during First World War", writer Wayne E. Reilly recounts:
The lead on the wire story that followed made it clear this was something more than the latest crazy rumor circulating in the Queen City of the East.
“The British foreign office, through its secret agents, is attempting to locate a wireless station which the German government is supposed to have established somewhere in the wilds of Maine for use by the German embassy in communicating with the government in Berlin,” the story said. British and American agents, as well as “operatives of an American detective agency” were hot on the trail.
Sabotage in Maine
Bridge Bombing
On February 2, 1915, the Vanceboro International bridge bombing took place. Lt. Werner Horn, a German army reservist, bombed the international railway bridge in an unsuccessful attempt to sabotage the CPR line across Maine; This international bridge crossed the St. Croix River between the border of Canada and the US state of Maine; it was alleged that the railway was being used to transport material across the then-neutral United States territory.
Von Mach's Reaction (SENATE TESTIMONY- Years later)
Senator NELsoN. Do you remember the incident of Werner Horn, a German reservist, carrying bombs through Vanceboro, Me., to blow up bridges on the boundary line? Was that German propaganda?
Mr. voN MACH. Yes.
Senator NELsoN. Do you condemn that?
Mr. voN MACH. I have condemned it over and over.
Senator NELsoN. Did you put that in your book?
Mr. von MACH. No, sir; because my book had nothing to do with that. I am perfectly ready, sir, if you think any good purpose can be served by that, to put several of those things in writing and to condemn that. I am perfectly ready; but the purpose of my book was an entirely different one.
Senator STERLING. You did not condemn it in any articles you wrote for the newspapers, did you?
Mr. voN MACH. Senator, I believe that the condemnation that I expressed privately and among people was probably far more effective in stopping similar conditions, if they should have been contemplated, than anything else could have been.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Bridge Bombing
On February 2, 1915, the Vanceboro International bridge bombing took place. Lt. Werner Horn, a German army reservist, bombed the international railway bridge in an unsuccessful attempt to sabotage the CPR line across Maine; This international bridge crossed the St. Croix River between the border of Canada and the US state of Maine; it was alleged that the railway was being used to transport material across the then-neutral United States territory.
Von Mach's Reaction (SENATE TESTIMONY- Years later)
Senator NELsoN. Do you remember the incident of Werner Horn, a German reservist, carrying bombs through Vanceboro, Me., to blow up bridges on the boundary line? Was that German propaganda?
Mr. voN MACH. Yes.
Senator NELsoN. Do you condemn that?
Mr. voN MACH. I have condemned it over and over.
Senator NELsoN. Did you put that in your book?
Mr. von MACH. No, sir; because my book had nothing to do with that. I am perfectly ready, sir, if you think any good purpose can be served by that, to put several of those things in writing and to condemn that. I am perfectly ready; but the purpose of my book was an entirely different one.
Senator STERLING. You did not condemn it in any articles you wrote for the newspapers, did you?
Mr. voN MACH. Senator, I believe that the condemnation that I expressed privately and among people was probably far more effective in stopping similar conditions, if they should have been contemplated, than anything else could have been.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Connecting Conspirators
Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff
Count Bernstroff was a German Ambassador to the United States from 1908 - 1917. During World War II, he worked spreading pro-German sentiment and often battled with his British counterparts, especially Sir Cecil Spring Rice. Both men attempted to influence the American government's position regarding the war. Later, although the Count denied it, many British and US officials and citizens asserted it was the Count who provided intelligence and financied sabotage missions in the United States for Germany. In 1915, he recieved a cable from Germany to target certain places that were valuable for the Allies war effort. Later that year, the Roebling Wire and Cable plant in Trenton, New Jersey was blown up and the Vanceboro international bridge bombed, among others.
From Propaganda Technique In The World War by Harold Lasswell—the notorious transactions of von Bernstorff, von Papen, Dr. Albert, BoyEd, Bolo; such crimes as the blowing up of the international bridge in Maine; the mysterious fires and explosions whose regularity attracted attention; the diplomatic revelations regarding Dumba and Dernburg and their colleagues, which finally resulted in the dismissal of the clique of high German officials whose creed had been one of diplomatic and personal dishonor.
Bernstorff was sent backing in February 1917, when the US severed diplomatic relations with Germany after the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare.
Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff
Count Bernstroff was a German Ambassador to the United States from 1908 - 1917. During World War II, he worked spreading pro-German sentiment and often battled with his British counterparts, especially Sir Cecil Spring Rice. Both men attempted to influence the American government's position regarding the war. Later, although the Count denied it, many British and US officials and citizens asserted it was the Count who provided intelligence and financied sabotage missions in the United States for Germany. In 1915, he recieved a cable from Germany to target certain places that were valuable for the Allies war effort. Later that year, the Roebling Wire and Cable plant in Trenton, New Jersey was blown up and the Vanceboro international bridge bombed, among others.
From Propaganda Technique In The World War by Harold Lasswell—the notorious transactions of von Bernstorff, von Papen, Dr. Albert, BoyEd, Bolo; such crimes as the blowing up of the international bridge in Maine; the mysterious fires and explosions whose regularity attracted attention; the diplomatic revelations regarding Dumba and Dernburg and their colleagues, which finally resulted in the dismissal of the clique of high German officials whose creed had been one of diplomatic and personal dishonor.
Bernstorff was sent backing in February 1917, when the US severed diplomatic relations with Germany after the resumption of unrestricted submarine warfare.
Mucking Around with the Count and Von Mach
Von Mach was friends with Karl Muck, a German born conductor of classic music. His American career comprised two stints at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Muck summered in Seal Port, Maine and Von Mach lived in Brooksville, Maine. Muck was very close to Count Bernstroff and his wife. He spent time with them in Washington, D.C., and Boston, Massachusetts.
Shortly after the US entered the war, Muck was arrested as a hostile alien who was interned in Georgia from March 1918 to August 1919. Muck's intimacy with the Count and his wife did him no favors. (Melissa D. Burrage, The Karl Muck Scandal; Classical Music and Xenophobia in World War I.)
Perpetuating Propaganda
This is propaganda sent out right after the war.
GOT PROPAGANDA
From Propaganda Technique In The World War by Harold Lasswell
The words “ German propagandist ” had already become a term of abuse in America . . . a " Citizen’s Committee for Food Shipments ” was formed, whose activities spread through the whole country and were avowedly pro-German. A special function of the committee of Dr. von Mach as executive chief was a month of propaganda throughout the country with the object of obtaining the means to supply the children of Germany with milk. The English control of the post even led to the bold plan of building a submarine, to run the milk through the English blockade.
The propaganda was very vigorously attacked by the greater part of the American Press, but pursued its course unafraid, collected money, submitted protests to the State Department against the attitude of the Entente, and so on.
From Brewing and Liquor Interests and German and Bolshevik Propaganda Hearings
One of the most effective organizations of the German propagandist system was the German University league, an organization formed in the city of New York by a group of Germans, German-Americans, and American citizens who were strongly pro-German in their sympathies, including Dr. Edmund Von Mach; William R. Shepard, of Columbia University; M. R. Hine, George Viereck's father-in-law; Dr. Hugo Schweitzer, chief chemist of the Bayer Chemical Co., and others.
The constitution states the purpose of the league to be--
1. To establish in the United States a well-organized center for former students at German Universities and other German institutions of similar standards in Germany, Austria-Hungary, and other countries.
2. To cooperate with every effort to strengthen the regard for the Germans and for their aims and ideals, and to secure for them fair play and proper appreciation.
3. To correct misinformation about German conditions and problems by placing before educated Americans and before the press of this country reliable material bearing on German affairs.
This organization had branches in New York City; Boston, Mass.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Richmond, Va.; Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, 111.; St. Louis Mo.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Kansas City, Kans.; Dallas, Tex.; and San Francisco, Calif. Its membership was made up of college professors, writers, publishers, clergymen, scientists, and, generally, men of higher education.
There is little evidence of the actual activities of this membership as a group, with the exception of the work of Dr. Edmund Von Mach, who wrote several books in favor of the German cause, wrote continuously for the newspapers, and presented a petition to Congress on the 2d of April, 1917, urging Congress to refuse to declare war against Germany. This petition is found on pages 1532 to 1536 of the Record.
What Germany Wants - What Von Mach Got
The Harvard Graduates' Magazine, Volume 23
Dr. Edmund von Mach, '95, adopts the placating manner in his “What Germany Wants.” He writes to discredit Bernhardi and Usher's “Pan-Germanism"; to show how unjust is the general idea that the Germans are a military people; how blind those foreigners are who have found them arrogant; how misinterpreted have been their motives since 1870. Dr. von Mach takes his cue, if not his copy, from Dr. Dernburg and the other directors of the Kaiser's press bureau in New York. He labors under the disadvantage of making declarations which his press bureau discards. The violation of Belgium, for instance, was announced by the German Chancellor at the outset of the war to be wrong, but necessary; latterly, each week has brought a new “justification ” of that action. Dr. von Mach is very verbose, perhaps intentionally so, on the theory that much talk befogs the issue. He also errs in assuming that we Americans know nothing of modern Germany, and have never heard of Bismarck or of the gospel of blood and iron. After reading Dr. von Mach, whose ingenuousness is not quite so unpremeditated as he wishes to simulate, we conclude that Germany is inhabited by 69 million Quakers. To have achieved such a complete vindication of a misunderstood nation ought to satisfy the most patriotic sophist: unless his readers begin to suspect that he doth protest too much. (Little, Brown & Co.: Boston. Cloth, 81 net.)
The Harvard Graduates' Magazine, Volume 23
Dr. Edmund von Mach, '95, adopts the placating manner in his “What Germany Wants.” He writes to discredit Bernhardi and Usher's “Pan-Germanism"; to show how unjust is the general idea that the Germans are a military people; how blind those foreigners are who have found them arrogant; how misinterpreted have been their motives since 1870. Dr. von Mach takes his cue, if not his copy, from Dr. Dernburg and the other directors of the Kaiser's press bureau in New York. He labors under the disadvantage of making declarations which his press bureau discards. The violation of Belgium, for instance, was announced by the German Chancellor at the outset of the war to be wrong, but necessary; latterly, each week has brought a new “justification ” of that action. Dr. von Mach is very verbose, perhaps intentionally so, on the theory that much talk befogs the issue. He also errs in assuming that we Americans know nothing of modern Germany, and have never heard of Bismarck or of the gospel of blood and iron. After reading Dr. von Mach, whose ingenuousness is not quite so unpremeditated as he wishes to simulate, we conclude that Germany is inhabited by 69 million Quakers. To have achieved such a complete vindication of a misunderstood nation ought to satisfy the most patriotic sophist: unless his readers begin to suspect that he doth protest too much. (Little, Brown & Co.: Boston. Cloth, 81 net.)
Dread Zeppelin
January 19, 1915 – The first Zeppelin raid on Britain took place.
IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT
Brewing and Liquor Interests and German and Bolshevik Propaganda Hearings
Mr. Hart. The last time I saw von Mach I met him on the street. I think it was in the spring of 1915.
He said, " I feel very unhappy to-day. I am very gloomy."
I said, "What for?"
He said, "Oh, the destruction of London."
I said, "London is not destroyed. You had better cheer up."
He said, "Oh, no; but it is going to be."
"When?"
"The 15th of next month."
"How is it going to De done?"
"By Zeppelins. A fleet of 12 Zeppelins."
I said, "That is very interesting. How are they going to do it?"
He said, " They are going to come over London on a dark and foggy night when the wind is mowing hard."
(Part of Mr. Hart's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
January 19, 1915 – The first Zeppelin raid on Britain took place.
IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT
Brewing and Liquor Interests and German and Bolshevik Propaganda Hearings
Mr. Hart. The last time I saw von Mach I met him on the street. I think it was in the spring of 1915.
He said, " I feel very unhappy to-day. I am very gloomy."
I said, "What for?"
He said, "Oh, the destruction of London."
I said, "London is not destroyed. You had better cheer up."
He said, "Oh, no; but it is going to be."
"When?"
"The 15th of next month."
"How is it going to De done?"
"By Zeppelins. A fleet of 12 Zeppelins."
I said, "That is very interesting. How are they going to do it?"
He said, " They are going to come over London on a dark and foggy night when the wind is mowing hard."
(Part of Mr. Hart's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Debate Disagreement
March, 1915, Von Mach debated questions of the war with Cecil Chesterton at Carnegie Hall, New York.
The Fatherland, Volume 2
THE REVIVAL OF DEBATING IN THE UNITED STATES
NOT since the Lincoln-Douglas debates stirred the whole country so profoundly before the Civil War has this form of intellectual discussion been so popular as it is to-day. Early in January Cecil Chesterton, one of the ablest of English debaters. arrived in New York and almost immediately challenged George Sylvester Viereck to debate publicly the issues of the war. This meeting drew a packed house at the Cort Theatre and the debaters were besieged by requests from all over the country to appear again on the same platform.
Since that time several important debates have taken place in the large cities. In Philadelphia Dr. Hanns Heinz Ewers, the distinguished German poet and novelist, met Mr. Cecil Chesterton before a large audience and the debate that followed held the house spell-bound. Dr. Ewers contended for the cause of Germany and Austria-Hungary and Mr. Chesterton pleaded for England.
In Boston Dr. Edmund von Mach, the author of “What Germany Wants," also debated with Mr. Chesterton, and both men met again on the evening of March 9th in joint discussion at Carnegie Hall, New York. A huge audience listened to Dr. von Mach’s brilliant and thorough exposition of the causes that led up to the present world war and to Mr. Chesterton's clever and paradoxical explanation of these great issues. Besides the debates already mentioned there have been many others throughout the country. and the earnestness of the contenders has been matched only by the seriousness and the keen attention of the spectators. The interest shown in these debates on the part of the public is a tribute to the intelligence of the American people. although it is at the same time an indictment of the press of the land. For when newspapers do not give the truth to their readers the public goes out of its way to discover the real motives behind such a policy.
March, 1915, Von Mach debated questions of the war with Cecil Chesterton at Carnegie Hall, New York.
The Fatherland, Volume 2
THE REVIVAL OF DEBATING IN THE UNITED STATES
NOT since the Lincoln-Douglas debates stirred the whole country so profoundly before the Civil War has this form of intellectual discussion been so popular as it is to-day. Early in January Cecil Chesterton, one of the ablest of English debaters. arrived in New York and almost immediately challenged George Sylvester Viereck to debate publicly the issues of the war. This meeting drew a packed house at the Cort Theatre and the debaters were besieged by requests from all over the country to appear again on the same platform.
Since that time several important debates have taken place in the large cities. In Philadelphia Dr. Hanns Heinz Ewers, the distinguished German poet and novelist, met Mr. Cecil Chesterton before a large audience and the debate that followed held the house spell-bound. Dr. Ewers contended for the cause of Germany and Austria-Hungary and Mr. Chesterton pleaded for England.
In Boston Dr. Edmund von Mach, the author of “What Germany Wants," also debated with Mr. Chesterton, and both men met again on the evening of March 9th in joint discussion at Carnegie Hall, New York. A huge audience listened to Dr. von Mach’s brilliant and thorough exposition of the causes that led up to the present world war and to Mr. Chesterton's clever and paradoxical explanation of these great issues. Besides the debates already mentioned there have been many others throughout the country. and the earnestness of the contenders has been matched only by the seriousness and the keen attention of the spectators. The interest shown in these debates on the part of the public is a tribute to the intelligence of the American people. although it is at the same time an indictment of the press of the land. For when newspapers do not give the truth to their readers the public goes out of its way to discover the real motives behind such a policy.
Was the Fix In?
From The Fatherland - ARE WE ENGLAND'S SECRET ALLY? May 5, 1915
Prof. Roland G. Usher Declares the US is in a Coalition to Help England, France and Russia in Return for Concessions—Alliance Aimed to Crush Germany-Austria
By Frederick F. Schrader
IS there a secret alliance between the United States and England? The question may startle those who have not given the subject of our present relation with the world powers and our statecraft, within the past twenty years, more than perfunctory consideration.
. . .
Were we strictly neutral? Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, then the English Colonial Secretary, let the cat out of the bag in a speech in the House of Commons. He spoke of “an agreement, an understanding, a compact, if you please,” between his government and the United States. The subservient American press that was in a position to inquire seriously into this “agreement, this understanding, if you please,” sealed up all sources of information, and only a few independent papers, notably the Washington Post, commented freely on the admission of Joe Chamberlain and clearly judged the policy of the administration in the light of this important slip of Chamberlain's tongue. Editorial after editorial was written by the late Richard Weightman on the importance of an explanation. But the State Department observed discreet silence.
Mr. Usher declares outright that there is a secret understanding between the Allies and the United States, and in “Pan-Germanism” he calls attention to specific instances in which the policy of the United States has been distinctly influenced and directed by this alliance against Germany:
First, that in 1897 there was a secret understanding between this country, England, France , and Russia, that in case of war brought on by Germany the United States would do its best to assist its three allies. Second, page 151, that “certain events lead to the probability that the Spanish-American war was created in order to permit the United States to take possession of Spain's colonial possessions.” Third, that England possesses three immensely powerful allies—France, Russia, and the United States. These he constantly speaks of as the “Coalition.” Fourth, that the United States was not permitted by England and France to build the Panama Canal until they were persuaded of the dangers of Pan-Germanism.
. . .
Without knowing it, those of us who are in active sympathy with the German and Austro-Hungarian cause may have good reason to thank Providence that Theodore Roosevelt is not now the tenant of the White House in Washington. The rough rider's remarkable change of attitude toward Germany, an attitude popularly supposed to be one of sincere appreciation of German culture and friendship for the German Emperor, to one of pronounced antagonism, marked by clamorous appeals to the passion of the American people over the violation of Belgian neutrality, is clearly explained by the light of these revelations, for, of course, as ex-President he must know of the coalition against Germany, and he must have admitted (Harvard President) Prof. Eliot and ex-Ambassador Bacon into his confidence. Prof. Usher was formerly assistant professor of history at Harvard, and there we have the connection one with the other.
From The Fatherland - ARE WE ENGLAND'S SECRET ALLY? May 5, 1915
Prof. Roland G. Usher Declares the US is in a Coalition to Help England, France and Russia in Return for Concessions—Alliance Aimed to Crush Germany-Austria
By Frederick F. Schrader
IS there a secret alliance between the United States and England? The question may startle those who have not given the subject of our present relation with the world powers and our statecraft, within the past twenty years, more than perfunctory consideration.
. . .
Were we strictly neutral? Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, then the English Colonial Secretary, let the cat out of the bag in a speech in the House of Commons. He spoke of “an agreement, an understanding, a compact, if you please,” between his government and the United States. The subservient American press that was in a position to inquire seriously into this “agreement, this understanding, if you please,” sealed up all sources of information, and only a few independent papers, notably the Washington Post, commented freely on the admission of Joe Chamberlain and clearly judged the policy of the administration in the light of this important slip of Chamberlain's tongue. Editorial after editorial was written by the late Richard Weightman on the importance of an explanation. But the State Department observed discreet silence.
Mr. Usher declares outright that there is a secret understanding between the Allies and the United States, and in “Pan-Germanism” he calls attention to specific instances in which the policy of the United States has been distinctly influenced and directed by this alliance against Germany:
First, that in 1897 there was a secret understanding between this country, England, France , and Russia, that in case of war brought on by Germany the United States would do its best to assist its three allies. Second, page 151, that “certain events lead to the probability that the Spanish-American war was created in order to permit the United States to take possession of Spain's colonial possessions.” Third, that England possesses three immensely powerful allies—France, Russia, and the United States. These he constantly speaks of as the “Coalition.” Fourth, that the United States was not permitted by England and France to build the Panama Canal until they were persuaded of the dangers of Pan-Germanism.
. . .
Without knowing it, those of us who are in active sympathy with the German and Austro-Hungarian cause may have good reason to thank Providence that Theodore Roosevelt is not now the tenant of the White House in Washington. The rough rider's remarkable change of attitude toward Germany, an attitude popularly supposed to be one of sincere appreciation of German culture and friendship for the German Emperor, to one of pronounced antagonism, marked by clamorous appeals to the passion of the American people over the violation of Belgian neutrality, is clearly explained by the light of these revelations, for, of course, as ex-President he must know of the coalition against Germany, and he must have admitted (Harvard President) Prof. Eliot and ex-Ambassador Bacon into his confidence. Prof. Usher was formerly assistant professor of history at Harvard, and there we have the connection one with the other.
Blocking Milk
The Blockade of Germany began in 1914 and ended in 1919. By war’s end—according to official British counts—the so-called hunger blockade would take some 425,000 to 770,000 German lives.
......GOT MILK!
Before the United States entered WW I, Von Mach had a humanitarian commitment to caring for German and Austria-Hungry children victimized by World War I. Milk was needed due to the British blockade of Germany.
WHO HAS GOT YOUR BACK?
At first, over 200 US Senators and Representatives had his back along with the German Government Departments. They supported his initiative to bring milk to War Orphans. That would change.
Before the United States entered WW I, Von Mach had a humanitarian commitment to caring for German and Austria-Hungry children victimized by World War I. Milk was needed due to the British blockade of Germany.
WHO HAS GOT YOUR BACK?
At first, over 200 US Senators and Representatives had his back along with the German Government Departments. They supported his initiative to bring milk to War Orphans. That would change.
A letter of rejection.
Who Doesn't Have Your Back!
The German Government flip flopped on needing milk fearing that it would look weak to the Allies and inspire them to fight harder. The US Goverment did an about face on supporting shipments due to media, political, and British government pressure.
The German Government flip flopped on needing milk fearing that it would look weak to the Allies and inspire them to fight harder. The US Goverment did an about face on supporting shipments due to media, political, and British government pressure.
Was It Really About Milk
Count Bemstorff tells the story thus :
Since the Lusitania catastrophe I had adopted the x principle, and put it into practice as far as possible, of leaving the propaganda to our American friends, who were in a position to get an earlier hearing than we, and in any case understood the psychology of the Americans better than the Imperial German agents. Indeed, the words “ German propagandist ” had already become a term of abuse in America . . . a "Citizen’s Committee for Food Shipments” was formed, whose activities spread through the whole country and were avowedly pro-German.
From Propaganda Technique In The World War by Harold Lasswell
Count Bemstorff tells the story thus :
Since the Lusitania catastrophe I had adopted the x principle, and put it into practice as far as possible, of leaving the propaganda to our American friends, who were in a position to get an earlier hearing than we, and in any case understood the psychology of the Americans better than the Imperial German agents. Indeed, the words “ German propagandist ” had already become a term of abuse in America . . . a "Citizen’s Committee for Food Shipments” was formed, whose activities spread through the whole country and were avowedly pro-German.
From Propaganda Technique In The World War by Harold Lasswell
So, Was It - Milk Money or Funny Money?
Senator NELSON. Was that the milk committee?
Mr. voN MACH. That is the so-called milk committee.
Senator Wolcot T. Has there been any charge at all that the funds for the committee were in any wise embezzled or misapplied?
Mr. von MACH. That charge has been made apparently before your committee by Mr. Becker.
Senator Wolcott. I do not recall that any such charge was made.
Maj. HUMEs. The statement was made before the committee that a very small amount of money was expended for the purchase of milk or for the shipping of milk to Germany; that a very small amount was spent for that purpose; and that the total funds were used for some other purpose. There was no charge of embezzlement, but I think the inference was that it was used for German purposes.
Senator NELsoN. To milk the cows of this country.
Senator WoLCOTT. You want to show what you did with those fundS
Mr. voN MACH. Yes; I would like to know whether Mr. Becker or Mr. Bielaski, who made the charges, this unjust attack, will not produce those books. I haven’t the books, because either Mr. Bielaski or Mr. Becker has them . . .
Senator NELsoN. Do you know how much money was collected?
Mr. voN MACH. I have not the books here.
* * *
Mr. voN MACH. For the food fund there was collected, according to these figures, $18,520.93, but we were able to make milk shipments only to the amount of $1,044.63.
Senator NELSON. Out of $18,000?
Mr. voN MACH. Out of $18,000.
Senator NELSON. What did you do with the rest?
Mr. voN MACH. Just a moment, Senator. When it was impossible for us to ship milk, when the presidential campaign begun, we decided that we were going to suspend activities during that time. We did not want to keep that amount of money lying inactive in the bank, and since the hardships brought on in Europe, in Hungary, and in Poland were not only due to the absence of milk, but also to the high prices, the executive committee voted to inquire of all of our subscribers whether they were willing to have us establish an Empress Augusta Victoria children's milk fund and send the money abroad and ask the Empress to use it to help the poor people to get milk; and every penny of it—there may be a small balance still in the bank; I do not know whether you '. seen the books or not; either Mr. Becker or Mr. Bielaski must have those books; but every penny of that—was forwarded for that purpose, to assist poor people who,. . . were suffering . . .
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Why the Milk Was Never Delievered
The Spilt Milk Synoposis:
Originally, the milk shipments were supported by Von Mach, the Count, US Government officials along the German Government Departments. American journalist, McClure, returned from a tour of investigation in Germany and verified everything. The milk was needed and shipping it would mitigate a humanitarian crisis.
Before and after these findings, the "Citizen's Committee for Food Shipments" blanketed the US with a call-to-action campaign, information, and propaganda detailing the German's plight. The propaganda was very vigorously attacked by the greater part of the American Press, but the Committee pursued its course unafraid, collected money, submitted protests to the State Department against the attitude of the Entente, and so on.
With all the controversy, the State Department was asked to look into the crisis. It then published a report which contradicted earlier findings and journalist McClure's reporting. The report came from the American Embassy and was published with the approval of the Foreign Office in Berlin. The new report on the milk question was drawn up by a Dr. E. A. Taylor, and was definitely confirmed and, indeed, inspired by the German authorities.
The new report was orchestrated by the media, politicians against Germany, and the British Government. Additionally, the German Government determined it didn't want to look weak to the Allies and flip flopped agreeing the first report was inaccurate and the second report was accurate.
Von Mach, the milkman was pretty much finished delivering. Fake news was flourishing,
- Brian F. McNabb
Originally, the milk shipments were supported by Von Mach, the Count, US Government officials along the German Government Departments. American journalist, McClure, returned from a tour of investigation in Germany and verified everything. The milk was needed and shipping it would mitigate a humanitarian crisis.
Before and after these findings, the "Citizen's Committee for Food Shipments" blanketed the US with a call-to-action campaign, information, and propaganda detailing the German's plight. The propaganda was very vigorously attacked by the greater part of the American Press, but the Committee pursued its course unafraid, collected money, submitted protests to the State Department against the attitude of the Entente, and so on.
With all the controversy, the State Department was asked to look into the crisis. It then published a report which contradicted earlier findings and journalist McClure's reporting. The report came from the American Embassy and was published with the approval of the Foreign Office in Berlin. The new report on the milk question was drawn up by a Dr. E. A. Taylor, and was definitely confirmed and, indeed, inspired by the German authorities.
The new report was orchestrated by the media, politicians against Germany, and the British Government. Additionally, the German Government determined it didn't want to look weak to the Allies and flip flopped agreeing the first report was inaccurate and the second report was accurate.
Von Mach, the milkman was pretty much finished delivering. Fake news was flourishing,
- Brian F. McNabb
The Long of It:
From Propaganda Technique In The World War by Harold Lasswell
Dr. von Mach succeeded in bringing the matter to the notice of the President, who actively interested himself in it, and promised to see that the milk should pass the English blockade and reach Germany in safety. Accordingly, the State Department instructed the American Embassy in Berlin to issue a statement. Meanwhile, the well-known American journalist, McClure, returned from a tour of investigation in Germany, where he had been supported in every way by the German Government Departments. He gave a very favourable account of the milk question, as of the feeding of infants in general, and this gave rise to the first disagreeable controversy. McClure took up an unyielding attitude. Unfortunately, however, the State Department then published an equally favourable report, which, coming from the American Embassy and published with the approval of the Foreign Office in Berlin, caused the complete collapse of Dr. von Mach.
This incident made a most painful impression in America, and led to a series of bitter attacks on Dr. von Mach and the whole movement, which was thus exposed in a most unfortunate light. The favourable report on the milk question was drawn up by a Dr. E. A. Taylor, and definitely confirmed and, indeed, inspired by the German authorities.
The Ambassador related this incident to discredit the central authorities, but perhaps greater responsibility rested on him for pursuing a policy which he had reason to know was distasteful to those authorities. And in this case the better reason seems to be on the side of Berlin, for they knew that to advertise a milk shortage would be to encourage the tenacious fighting spirit of the Allies and, in particular, to tighten the economic boycott of Germany. The man on the spot, Bernstorff, knew the value of a sentimental appeal, and he was right in this ; but he was unwilling to bend his judgment to that of the central authorities and to refrain from encouraging a certain type of propaganda, which was likely to produce more harm than good.
This incident illustrates the necessity for harmonious relations between the men at the centre and the men at the circumference, for Bemstorff was right in some particulars, and the central authorities were right in others.
The Ambassador related this incident to discredit the central authorities, but perhaps greater responsibility rested on him for pursuing a policy which he had reason to know was distasteful to those authorities. And in this case the better reason seems to be on the side of Berlin, for they knew that to advertise a milk shortage would be to encourage the tenacious fighting spirit of the Allies and, in particular, to tighten the economic boycott of Germany. The man on the spot, Bernstorff, knew the value of a sentimental appeal, and he was right in this ; but he was unwilling to bend his judgment to that of the central authorities and to refrain from encouraging a certain type of propaganda, which was likely to produce more harm than good.
This incident illustrates the necessity for harmonious relations between the men at the centre and the men at the circumference, for Bemstorff was right in some particulars, and the central authorities were right in others.
Related Letter:
Dr. Edmund von Mach, executive chairman of the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments, to the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State (Putney)New York, July 14, 1916 .
[Received July 17.]
My Dear Mr. Putney :
I enclose copies of the Taylor report with our notes to the same, and also a copy of the notice I sent to the press yesterday.
When I returned to New York, I found that the publication of the report had wrought havoc, and that it was necessary to send out a statement with regard to it. In paragraph 5 of this statement, I had you especially in mind.
It becomes necessary for me to send you the statement as I sent it to the press, because we find that this morning’s World refers to it under the very misleading heading, “Von Mach calls United States milk report untrue.” It seems a pity that when people like you and myself wish to discuss matters in a gentlemanly way, big newspapers will either thoughtlessly or purposely misrepresent their actions.
I have no additional copy of the Dr. Paul Bartholow letter, but after Mr. Polk has finished reading it, I am sure he will be glad to let you have it. In my interview with Mr. Polk, he seemed to lay stress on the fact that the Doctor Taylor report was “approved” by the German Government. In referring to Mr. Adee’s letter of July 6, I find the following statement: “A copy of this report was submitted to the German Government which on June 26 last approved of its publication in the United States.”
The observation of David Lawrence in the Evening Post quoted in Article 2 of my general observations, in the enclosed notes to Doctor Taylor’s report; appears to me to be pertinent.
Very sincerely yours,
E. von Mach
[Enclosure]
Notes to Doctor Taylor’s report on the milk situation in Germany prepared by the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments 1
General Observations
Dr. A. E. Taylor, who seemed to be known to the officials of the State Department, enjoys, according to information we have gathered, “a very great reputation as a fearless and impartial man.
”
This report has been published in the press as “approved by the German Government,” but to quote the New York Evening Post, “It develops now that the German Government was merely asked if it had any objection to the publication of the report. This is not necessarily tantamount to approval any more than consent to publish notes on the submarine issue constituted acquiescence by Germany in the American point of view.”
[Page 966]And as if in answer to the mistaken interpretation of the report by the American press, the Associated Press sent for the papers of July 13 the following dispatch:
Bremen agents of the submarines’ owners declare the new submarine enterprise was prompted mainly by humanitarian feelings, as German babies are dying because of the shortage of milk.
The report is dated April 17, and can not therefore be the reply to cables sent by the State Department on June 13 to Ambassador Gerard for a report on the milk supply of Germany. The report is utterly at variance with the statements by the mayor of Berlin, published in the American press on April 9, by the German Foreign Secretary, published here on May 28, and the president and secretary of the German Red Cross, published here on May 31 (collected in Milk for Babies by Dr. Edmund von Mach in evidence submitted to the State Department).
1. The German milk production has never been large enough for the growing need of the country. There have been enormous importations from the surrounding countries in previous years.
2.The consumption of milk as a beverage of healthy adults in Germany is much more restricted than in America. According to the figures of the London Board of Trade the average consumption of milk in Germany, before the war, as ca. 55 quarts per person per year. In Boston it is 200 quarts per person per year, and in Cleveland it is ca. 180 quarts. These figures seem to be characteristic of the other large cities in the United States.
3.Doctor Taylor omits to mention the enormous reduction, or rather complete cessation, of imported milk-producing fodder—cottonseed meal, oil cakes, etc.—on which Germany relied for its milk production. The import amounted to several million tons.
4.This has been the contention of the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments. How Doctor Taylor starting with this premise could reach his own conclusions is incomprehensible.
5. Doctor Taylor does not discuss one of the factors of the very low birth rate which is found in the insufficient foods, especially milk, available for prospective mothers.
Compare here Doctor Kettner in the Zietschrift für Säuglingsschutz, February 1916. Speaking of the babies latterly born, Doctor Kettner says: “They are very small children, generally defective in growth, delicate, and remarkably thin. Their skin is wrinkled owing to the complete absence of fat. They therefore often remind one of very old people. Another and very essential indication is their continual unrest.”
6. It does not appear whether these figures are for Berlin only, or for the Empire. The report as a whole it would seem is based exclusively on investigations made in some institutions of Berlin. So far as we know, moreover, only the Berlin figures have been published. These show a decrease in infant mortality to November and October of 1915, when the figures fell to a little over 11 in 100. (In New York these figures are about 10 in 100.) In December the figures rose to the enormous figure of 16.5 in 100. Doctor Taylor does not mention this.
7. This would seem to show that the so-called lower death rate has been achieved in spite of the milk shortage. Notice the agencies described on the next page.
8. This is contrary to the information published in the North German (Official) Gazette, for Strassburg, for instance, and for Charlottenburg, a suburb of Berlin, where only recently a young mother was without milk for two days. Our authority for this is Dr. A. N. Davis, an American dentist in Berlin. Doctor Davis is the Emperor’s dentist.
9. If these figures are only normal in spite of the additional precautions described above, there would seem to be some cause that prevented an improvement, and that cause probably is the shortage of milk.
10. How about Leipzig, e. g., or Upper Silesia, where we know that conditions are very bad?
11. Why does Doctor Taylor not discuss the “sick of all ages” independently? If he had done so, he would have mentioned that recently the young lady in Mr. Gerard’s own office was ill with a cold attacking her lungs, that the physician prescribed milk, but that it was impossible to fill the order, because there was not enough milk in Berlin.
Congressman Conry is in possession of a letter from Germany where a mother writes of her two little children that had been [Page 967]critically ill but were convalescent now. Their convalescence, however, was greatly retarded by the lack of milk.
12. This seems incredible. If it were true, it would mean that Germany had no need either of the enormous imports of concentrates, milk-producing fodder for her cattle, or of the enormous import of milk, cream, and cheese, from Holland, Denmark, and Sweden, that went on before the war.
13. Same as subject 12.
14. How are “more normal conditions” possible so long as the milk-producing fodder is not to be had
15. This assumption appears to us to be altogether wrong, especially in view of the description of the babies born to-day quoted under No. 5.:
16. This has reference to pork fat and has absolutely nothing to do with
17. the question of the milk supply.
18. This is contrary to the evidence collected by the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments and submitted to the Department of State; nor does it seem to be the necessary conclusion from the report submitted by Doctor Taylor, especially in view of his statement commented under No. 4.
For further difficulties in the way of accepting Doctor Taylor’s report as correct for the whole German Empire, see Dr. Paul Bartholow’s letter. Doctor Bartholow is a member of the New York Academy of Medicine.
The Office of the Historian
Dr. Edmund von Mach, executive chairman of the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments, to the Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State (Putney)New York, July 14, 1916 .
[Received July 17.]
My Dear Mr. Putney :
I enclose copies of the Taylor report with our notes to the same, and also a copy of the notice I sent to the press yesterday.
When I returned to New York, I found that the publication of the report had wrought havoc, and that it was necessary to send out a statement with regard to it. In paragraph 5 of this statement, I had you especially in mind.
It becomes necessary for me to send you the statement as I sent it to the press, because we find that this morning’s World refers to it under the very misleading heading, “Von Mach calls United States milk report untrue.” It seems a pity that when people like you and myself wish to discuss matters in a gentlemanly way, big newspapers will either thoughtlessly or purposely misrepresent their actions.
I have no additional copy of the Dr. Paul Bartholow letter, but after Mr. Polk has finished reading it, I am sure he will be glad to let you have it. In my interview with Mr. Polk, he seemed to lay stress on the fact that the Doctor Taylor report was “approved” by the German Government. In referring to Mr. Adee’s letter of July 6, I find the following statement: “A copy of this report was submitted to the German Government which on June 26 last approved of its publication in the United States.”
The observation of David Lawrence in the Evening Post quoted in Article 2 of my general observations, in the enclosed notes to Doctor Taylor’s report; appears to me to be pertinent.
Very sincerely yours,
E. von Mach
[Enclosure]
Notes to Doctor Taylor’s report on the milk situation in Germany prepared by the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments 1
General Observations
Dr. A. E. Taylor, who seemed to be known to the officials of the State Department, enjoys, according to information we have gathered, “a very great reputation as a fearless and impartial man.
”
This report has been published in the press as “approved by the German Government,” but to quote the New York Evening Post, “It develops now that the German Government was merely asked if it had any objection to the publication of the report. This is not necessarily tantamount to approval any more than consent to publish notes on the submarine issue constituted acquiescence by Germany in the American point of view.”
[Page 966]And as if in answer to the mistaken interpretation of the report by the American press, the Associated Press sent for the papers of July 13 the following dispatch:
Bremen agents of the submarines’ owners declare the new submarine enterprise was prompted mainly by humanitarian feelings, as German babies are dying because of the shortage of milk.
The report is dated April 17, and can not therefore be the reply to cables sent by the State Department on June 13 to Ambassador Gerard for a report on the milk supply of Germany. The report is utterly at variance with the statements by the mayor of Berlin, published in the American press on April 9, by the German Foreign Secretary, published here on May 28, and the president and secretary of the German Red Cross, published here on May 31 (collected in Milk for Babies by Dr. Edmund von Mach in evidence submitted to the State Department).
1. The German milk production has never been large enough for the growing need of the country. There have been enormous importations from the surrounding countries in previous years.
2.The consumption of milk as a beverage of healthy adults in Germany is much more restricted than in America. According to the figures of the London Board of Trade the average consumption of milk in Germany, before the war, as ca. 55 quarts per person per year. In Boston it is 200 quarts per person per year, and in Cleveland it is ca. 180 quarts. These figures seem to be characteristic of the other large cities in the United States.
3.Doctor Taylor omits to mention the enormous reduction, or rather complete cessation, of imported milk-producing fodder—cottonseed meal, oil cakes, etc.—on which Germany relied for its milk production. The import amounted to several million tons.
4.This has been the contention of the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments. How Doctor Taylor starting with this premise could reach his own conclusions is incomprehensible.
5. Doctor Taylor does not discuss one of the factors of the very low birth rate which is found in the insufficient foods, especially milk, available for prospective mothers.
Compare here Doctor Kettner in the Zietschrift für Säuglingsschutz, February 1916. Speaking of the babies latterly born, Doctor Kettner says: “They are very small children, generally defective in growth, delicate, and remarkably thin. Their skin is wrinkled owing to the complete absence of fat. They therefore often remind one of very old people. Another and very essential indication is their continual unrest.”
6. It does not appear whether these figures are for Berlin only, or for the Empire. The report as a whole it would seem is based exclusively on investigations made in some institutions of Berlin. So far as we know, moreover, only the Berlin figures have been published. These show a decrease in infant mortality to November and October of 1915, when the figures fell to a little over 11 in 100. (In New York these figures are about 10 in 100.) In December the figures rose to the enormous figure of 16.5 in 100. Doctor Taylor does not mention this.
7. This would seem to show that the so-called lower death rate has been achieved in spite of the milk shortage. Notice the agencies described on the next page.
8. This is contrary to the information published in the North German (Official) Gazette, for Strassburg, for instance, and for Charlottenburg, a suburb of Berlin, where only recently a young mother was without milk for two days. Our authority for this is Dr. A. N. Davis, an American dentist in Berlin. Doctor Davis is the Emperor’s dentist.
9. If these figures are only normal in spite of the additional precautions described above, there would seem to be some cause that prevented an improvement, and that cause probably is the shortage of milk.
10. How about Leipzig, e. g., or Upper Silesia, where we know that conditions are very bad?
11. Why does Doctor Taylor not discuss the “sick of all ages” independently? If he had done so, he would have mentioned that recently the young lady in Mr. Gerard’s own office was ill with a cold attacking her lungs, that the physician prescribed milk, but that it was impossible to fill the order, because there was not enough milk in Berlin.
Congressman Conry is in possession of a letter from Germany where a mother writes of her two little children that had been [Page 967]critically ill but were convalescent now. Their convalescence, however, was greatly retarded by the lack of milk.
12. This seems incredible. If it were true, it would mean that Germany had no need either of the enormous imports of concentrates, milk-producing fodder for her cattle, or of the enormous import of milk, cream, and cheese, from Holland, Denmark, and Sweden, that went on before the war.
13. Same as subject 12.
14. How are “more normal conditions” possible so long as the milk-producing fodder is not to be had
15. This assumption appears to us to be altogether wrong, especially in view of the description of the babies born to-day quoted under No. 5.:
16. This has reference to pork fat and has absolutely nothing to do with
17. the question of the milk supply.
18. This is contrary to the evidence collected by the Citizens’ Committee for Food Shipments and submitted to the Department of State; nor does it seem to be the necessary conclusion from the report submitted by Doctor Taylor, especially in view of his statement commented under No. 4.
For further difficulties in the way of accepting Doctor Taylor’s report as correct for the whole German Empire, see Dr. Paul Bartholow’s letter. Doctor Bartholow is a member of the New York Academy of Medicine.
The Office of the Historian
Brawl Street or Wall Street?
Von Mach Might Have Said That Differently
From New Outlook, Volume 112
1916
AMERICANISM AND FREE season
Dr. Edmund von Mach, who is prominently identified with organized German American propaganda in this country.is reported in the New York "Times” to have denounced the part which Mr. J. P. Morgan, the well-known banker, took in placing the recent Anglo-French loan in this country. to have said that this made him an enemy of Germany, and that “ his life is not worth the paper that the worthless Anglo-French bonds were printed on if the Teutonic allies or any regular commissioned officer of theirs can get hold of his person.”
Dr. von Mach now asserts that, while this phraseology was contained in the typewritten copy of his speech given out to the newspapers, he modified the language in his public address. But he still says in a letter to the “Times” that on account of his connection with the Anglo- French loan that Mr. Morgan is an enemy of Germany and could be captured by Germany and treated as an enemy outside of the three-mile limit on the Atlantic Ocean and would be entitled to no protection from the Government of the United States.
Whether Mr. Morgan would receive protection from the United States or not is a moot question, but the status of Dr. von Mach is not a moot question if he is a citizen of the United States. He has attacked the legal act of a fellow-citizen and denounced him as an enemy of a foreign Power. If Dr. von Mach is not an American but a German citizen he has certainly to put it mildly, transgressed upon the hospitality of the American people.
Von Mach Might Have Said That Differently
From New Outlook, Volume 112
1916
AMERICANISM AND FREE season
Dr. Edmund von Mach, who is prominently identified with organized German American propaganda in this country.is reported in the New York "Times” to have denounced the part which Mr. J. P. Morgan, the well-known banker, took in placing the recent Anglo-French loan in this country. to have said that this made him an enemy of Germany, and that “ his life is not worth the paper that the worthless Anglo-French bonds were printed on if the Teutonic allies or any regular commissioned officer of theirs can get hold of his person.”
Dr. von Mach now asserts that, while this phraseology was contained in the typewritten copy of his speech given out to the newspapers, he modified the language in his public address. But he still says in a letter to the “Times” that on account of his connection with the Anglo- French loan that Mr. Morgan is an enemy of Germany and could be captured by Germany and treated as an enemy outside of the three-mile limit on the Atlantic Ocean and would be entitled to no protection from the Government of the United States.
Whether Mr. Morgan would receive protection from the United States or not is a moot question, but the status of Dr. von Mach is not a moot question if he is a citizen of the United States. He has attacked the legal act of a fellow-citizen and denounced him as an enemy of a foreign Power. If Dr. von Mach is not an American but a German citizen he has certainly to put it mildly, transgressed upon the hospitality of the American people.
BOOK BAN
From the Harvard Crimson -DR. VON MACH SCORES SUPPRESSION OF BOOK
Former Instructor Criticizes Action of Macmillan's in Regard to Work on the War.
NO WRITER ATTRIBUTED
January 4, 1917
In a During the latter part of December the Macmillan Publishing Company withdrew from circulation the recently published book by Dr. Edmund von Mach '95, entitled "Official Diplomatic Documents Relating to the Outbreak of the European War." The volume was placed in circulation last September and after three months of sale was withdrawn without the knowledge of the author, the alleged reason being that it was inaccurate in certain important details. The work was compiled as a standard for students, present and future, of this period in history.
. . .
Official Translations Used.
"Only the official British translations of the dispatches of the European nations were used in my book, so that all thought or possibility of bias might be removed," said Professor Edmund von Mach '95, in discussing the withdrawal from circulation of his book, to a CRIMSON reporter yesterday afternoon. "The action of the Macmillan Publishing Company constitutes a breach of contract on their part, and a secret one. I had no warning of the suppression of the book until informed of it through the New York World."
. . .
Von Mach asserted, “It is undoubtedly some foreign influence, financial or otherwise, which has caused the removal of my book from circulation and the attempts of the Macmillan Company to buy up all copies already sold. The plea of 'important inaccuracies' can hardly tell the whole story, for not only was the manuscript read by the company's readers but in addition, after publication, by Professor C. A. Beard, of Columbia. The company states that I refused to accept the suggestions made by Dr. Beard, but except for a very few, which the vice-president of the company himself deemed immaterial, all the changes suggested were made.”
Senate Testimony - Another Book, Another Issue
Senator Wolcott. What was the title of that book?
Mr. Von Mach. It has appeared since the outbreak of the European war. At the outbreak of the war the Macmillan Co. inquired whether the book was still for publication, and they published it under the title of "German World Policy." The German title, which I considered erroneous, was " The German Idea of the World." A great deal of misunderstanding has been due to the fact that we have literally translated one word from one language to another language. In one language it has one connotation that it does not have in the other.
Senator Wolcott. What was the German title?
Mr. Von Mach. "Der Deutsche Gedanke in der Welt." The word " Gedanke" has a different idea in the German than it does in translation.
At the suggestion of my literary agent I wrote to the Emperor and asked Count von Bernstorff to second my request. With his usual courtesy he did as I asked, at the same time telling me that the request was so unusual that he felt sure it would be declined. It was declined by one of the secretaries of the Einperor, and I doubt whether he himself was ever informed of it. The manuscript remained unpublished until after the outbreak of the European war, when the Macmillan Co. published it under the title "Gorman World Policy." It was then, of course, too late to do any good.
I have mentioned this incident at length because my entire literary activity since the outbreak of the European war has been nothing but the continuance of my efforts begun in 1912, when I translated Hohrbach's book in the hope of letting America see the problems of Europe as they appeared to Europeans.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
From the Harvard Crimson -DR. VON MACH SCORES SUPPRESSION OF BOOK
Former Instructor Criticizes Action of Macmillan's in Regard to Work on the War.
NO WRITER ATTRIBUTED
January 4, 1917
In a During the latter part of December the Macmillan Publishing Company withdrew from circulation the recently published book by Dr. Edmund von Mach '95, entitled "Official Diplomatic Documents Relating to the Outbreak of the European War." The volume was placed in circulation last September and after three months of sale was withdrawn without the knowledge of the author, the alleged reason being that it was inaccurate in certain important details. The work was compiled as a standard for students, present and future, of this period in history.
. . .
Official Translations Used.
"Only the official British translations of the dispatches of the European nations were used in my book, so that all thought or possibility of bias might be removed," said Professor Edmund von Mach '95, in discussing the withdrawal from circulation of his book, to a CRIMSON reporter yesterday afternoon. "The action of the Macmillan Publishing Company constitutes a breach of contract on their part, and a secret one. I had no warning of the suppression of the book until informed of it through the New York World."
. . .
Von Mach asserted, “It is undoubtedly some foreign influence, financial or otherwise, which has caused the removal of my book from circulation and the attempts of the Macmillan Company to buy up all copies already sold. The plea of 'important inaccuracies' can hardly tell the whole story, for not only was the manuscript read by the company's readers but in addition, after publication, by Professor C. A. Beard, of Columbia. The company states that I refused to accept the suggestions made by Dr. Beard, but except for a very few, which the vice-president of the company himself deemed immaterial, all the changes suggested were made.”
Senate Testimony - Another Book, Another Issue
Senator Wolcott. What was the title of that book?
Mr. Von Mach. It has appeared since the outbreak of the European war. At the outbreak of the war the Macmillan Co. inquired whether the book was still for publication, and they published it under the title of "German World Policy." The German title, which I considered erroneous, was " The German Idea of the World." A great deal of misunderstanding has been due to the fact that we have literally translated one word from one language to another language. In one language it has one connotation that it does not have in the other.
Senator Wolcott. What was the German title?
Mr. Von Mach. "Der Deutsche Gedanke in der Welt." The word " Gedanke" has a different idea in the German than it does in translation.
At the suggestion of my literary agent I wrote to the Emperor and asked Count von Bernstorff to second my request. With his usual courtesy he did as I asked, at the same time telling me that the request was so unusual that he felt sure it would be declined. It was declined by one of the secretaries of the Einperor, and I doubt whether he himself was ever informed of it. The manuscript remained unpublished until after the outbreak of the European war, when the Macmillan Co. published it under the title "Gorman World Policy." It was then, of course, too late to do any good.
I have mentioned this incident at length because my entire literary activity since the outbreak of the European war has been nothing but the continuance of my efforts begun in 1912, when I translated Hohrbach's book in the hope of letting America see the problems of Europe as they appeared to Europeans.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
One Senator is not like the other.
The Below Sections are being investigated and are incomplete.
Please check back for new information. (3/26/2021)
Please check back for new information. (3/26/2021)
January 9, 1917:
Germany announces a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. This means that their submarines can attack any ships travelling through the Atlantic Ocean. Germany will not provide warning before attacking.
January 19, 1917:
The “Zimmerman Telegram” -Germany sends a letter to Mexico, suggesting an alliance between the two countries. If America joins the war, Germany offers to support Mexico if it declares war against America and help it take back Texas.
Feb 25, 1917 Zimmerman Telegram - British intelligence gives Wilson the so-called Zimmermann Telegram, a message from German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmermann proposing that Mexico side with Germany in case of war between Germany and the United States. In return, Germany promises to return to Mexico the "lost provinces" of Texas and much of the rest of the American Southwest. Mexico declines the offer, but the outrage at this interference in the Western Hemisphere pushes American public opinion to support entering the war.
Apr 2, 1917:
Wilson for War - President Wilson outlines his case for war to Congress.
Apr 6, 1917:
U.S. Enters War - Congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany. The United States enters World War I on the side of France and Britain.
More Senate Testimony
Senator NELsoN. Do not equivocate. Get right down to the point. Do you believe we were right or wrong when we declared war against Germany?
Mr. voN MACH. Senator, I do not see how I can possibly answer that question differently than I have answered it before, by saying that '' have accepted the verdict of the sovereign American people expressed through the proper authorities. They said that we had a cause for war, and I accepted that, and what any individual view about this or that may be in my own mind has nothing to do with the question. The question is, merely, will you accept the verdict?
Senator NELsoN. But you are here to purge yourself of a charge of disloyalty.
Mr. voN MACH. Yes, sir.
Senator NELsoN. Now, the question is, What was your state of mind at that time? Did you believe that we had a right to go to war? Were we justified or not?
Mr. voN MACH. My state of mind up to the time we went to war was that it was a mistake, and that it would not take place if all the facts were known. Senator NELsoN. You think that this Congress and the President made a mistake in declaring war?
Mr. voN MACH. Up to the time that they actually declared it, I felt that they made a mistake, but the moment our Congress had declared war I felt “Now all I have to do is never mind what mv own feelings formerly were. We are at war, and from now on my oath of allegiance to the Constitution prescribes a definite course.”
Senator NELsoN. But in your opinion we had made a mistake in declaring war?
Mr. voN MACH. I do not see how I can answer that better than I have already answered.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
May 18, 1917
Germany and Russia Peace - The Germans sign a peace treaty with the new Bolshevik government of Russia. The terms of the treaty give Germany huge tracts of land that had been the Ukraine and Poland, and peace on the Eastern Front allows Germany to shift soldiers to the Western Front, causing serious problems for the French, British, and Americans.
Germany announces a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. This means that their submarines can attack any ships travelling through the Atlantic Ocean. Germany will not provide warning before attacking.
January 19, 1917:
The “Zimmerman Telegram” -Germany sends a letter to Mexico, suggesting an alliance between the two countries. If America joins the war, Germany offers to support Mexico if it declares war against America and help it take back Texas.
Feb 25, 1917 Zimmerman Telegram - British intelligence gives Wilson the so-called Zimmermann Telegram, a message from German foreign secretary Arthur Zimmermann proposing that Mexico side with Germany in case of war between Germany and the United States. In return, Germany promises to return to Mexico the "lost provinces" of Texas and much of the rest of the American Southwest. Mexico declines the offer, but the outrage at this interference in the Western Hemisphere pushes American public opinion to support entering the war.
Apr 2, 1917:
Wilson for War - President Wilson outlines his case for war to Congress.
Apr 6, 1917:
U.S. Enters War - Congress authorizes a declaration of war against Germany. The United States enters World War I on the side of France and Britain.
More Senate Testimony
Senator NELsoN. Do not equivocate. Get right down to the point. Do you believe we were right or wrong when we declared war against Germany?
Mr. voN MACH. Senator, I do not see how I can possibly answer that question differently than I have answered it before, by saying that '' have accepted the verdict of the sovereign American people expressed through the proper authorities. They said that we had a cause for war, and I accepted that, and what any individual view about this or that may be in my own mind has nothing to do with the question. The question is, merely, will you accept the verdict?
Senator NELsoN. But you are here to purge yourself of a charge of disloyalty.
Mr. voN MACH. Yes, sir.
Senator NELsoN. Now, the question is, What was your state of mind at that time? Did you believe that we had a right to go to war? Were we justified or not?
Mr. voN MACH. My state of mind up to the time we went to war was that it was a mistake, and that it would not take place if all the facts were known. Senator NELsoN. You think that this Congress and the President made a mistake in declaring war?
Mr. voN MACH. Up to the time that they actually declared it, I felt that they made a mistake, but the moment our Congress had declared war I felt “Now all I have to do is never mind what mv own feelings formerly were. We are at war, and from now on my oath of allegiance to the Constitution prescribes a definite course.”
Senator NELsoN. But in your opinion we had made a mistake in declaring war?
Mr. voN MACH. I do not see how I can answer that better than I have already answered.
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
May 18, 1917
Germany and Russia Peace - The Germans sign a peace treaty with the new Bolshevik government of Russia. The terms of the treaty give Germany huge tracts of land that had been the Ukraine and Poland, and peace on the Eastern Front allows Germany to shift soldiers to the Western Front, causing serious problems for the French, British, and Americans.
I SPY OR DON'T I?
Rebuttal
Mr. Von Mach. On November 27, 1917, Mr. William Roscoe Thayer, the propagandist of the Italian cause in this country, reverted in a letter in the Boston Herald to the charge having been made on me of being and having been a paid German agent. I replied in the Boston Herald as follows: "I have lived in American 26 years"—that was a year ago—"and during all this time I have had neither directly nor indirectly any connection with the German Government, nor received one penny from it or any of its representatives. Nor have I had any official or unofficial position with it or them."
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Unfavorable Light
Besides Thayer's accusation, Von Mach's name was also brought up in a trial. In the 1917, the SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. heard the the case of planiff John F. Hylan, Mayor of New York CIty and Justice against Press Publishing Company. In short, the Press Publishing Company, specifically its newspaper the New York World was being sued for libel for damages of $900,000. The plaintiff’s law firm asserted that one of the libel areas was the fact that New York World had claimed the public figure John F. Hylan was conspiring with the agents of Germany to create in this country a disloyal press. In the below commentary, John F. Hylan is the accused.
"I accuse him of joining with Henry Weissman, Edmund von Mach, Hugo Schweitzer and Dr. Hall to pollute the source of American information (meaning newspaper publication).
I accuse him (meaning the plaintiff) of striking at the roots of American democracy which can be no stronger nor more loyal than the press which informs it.
I accuse him of partnership in a movement which had for its object the same treacherous sedition for which Bolo Pasha is now confined in a French prison.
The defendant meant and intended to say and to charge and to cause the readers of The World and people generally to believe that during the period before the United States of America declared the existence of a state of war with Germany, while Germany was hostile to the United States, and was committing acts of aggression against citizens and property of the United States, this plaintiff plotted with Germans and with traitorous Americans to organize and create a newspaper press in the United States disloyal and traitorous towards the United States, and in it to publish matter favorable to Germany and calculated to weaken the resentment and opposition of the United States towards German aggression, and to cause a treacherous and supine attitude among Americans which would be favorable to German purposes, and to acts similar to those which it had alleged as aforesaid were performed by Bolo Pasha in attempts to corrupt French officials so that an effective resistance would not be offered by them against the attacks of Germany Amended Complaint, Action No. 2"
Although, this was never verified, it clearly did not paint Von Mach in a good light.
COURT DOCUMENT
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
More on John F. Hylan
Rebuttal
Mr. Von Mach. On November 27, 1917, Mr. William Roscoe Thayer, the propagandist of the Italian cause in this country, reverted in a letter in the Boston Herald to the charge having been made on me of being and having been a paid German agent. I replied in the Boston Herald as follows: "I have lived in American 26 years"—that was a year ago—"and during all this time I have had neither directly nor indirectly any connection with the German Government, nor received one penny from it or any of its representatives. Nor have I had any official or unofficial position with it or them."
(Part of Von Mach's statement in Senate Hearings} TESTIMONY
Unfavorable Light
Besides Thayer's accusation, Von Mach's name was also brought up in a trial. In the 1917, the SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. heard the the case of planiff John F. Hylan, Mayor of New York CIty and Justice against Press Publishing Company. In short, the Press Publishing Company, specifically its newspaper the New York World was being sued for libel for damages of $900,000. The plaintiff’s law firm asserted that one of the libel areas was the fact that New York World had claimed the public figure John F. Hylan was conspiring with the agents of Germany to create in this country a disloyal press. In the below commentary, John F. Hylan is the accused.
"I accuse him of joining with Henry Weissman, Edmund von Mach, Hugo Schweitzer and Dr. Hall to pollute the source of American information (meaning newspaper publication).
I accuse him (meaning the plaintiff) of striking at the roots of American democracy which can be no stronger nor more loyal than the press which informs it.
I accuse him of partnership in a movement which had for its object the same treacherous sedition for which Bolo Pasha is now confined in a French prison.
The defendant meant and intended to say and to charge and to cause the readers of The World and people generally to believe that during the period before the United States of America declared the existence of a state of war with Germany, while Germany was hostile to the United States, and was committing acts of aggression against citizens and property of the United States, this plaintiff plotted with Germans and with traitorous Americans to organize and create a newspaper press in the United States disloyal and traitorous towards the United States, and in it to publish matter favorable to Germany and calculated to weaken the resentment and opposition of the United States towards German aggression, and to cause a treacherous and supine attitude among Americans which would be favorable to German purposes, and to acts similar to those which it had alleged as aforesaid were performed by Bolo Pasha in attempts to corrupt French officials so that an effective resistance would not be offered by them against the attacks of Germany Amended Complaint, Action No. 2"
Although, this was never verified, it clearly did not paint Von Mach in a good light.
COURT DOCUMENT
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
More on John F. Hylan
WAR BREAKS OUT
Once the U.S. entered the Great War, the Wilson administration instituted repressive laws that abrogated citizens’ Constitutional rights, suppressing free speech, censoring the press, and imprisoning peace advocates.
The original source is available at the link below.
http://peacehistory-usfp.org/united-states-participation-in-world-war-one/
LET'S GET CARRIED AWAY
"In Bucksport, Maine, veteran middle school teacher Lucina Hopkins was fired from her job because she took driving lessons from a German immigrant. Her husband had purchased a new car for her so that she could visit her ailing mother on the way home from work. Since she did not know how to drive, her husband hired a driving instructor, who was a German alien. Hopkins sued. The lower court ruled against her, but the Maine Court of Appeals overturned the decision and awarded her $400; she was reinstated in her teaching position."
The original source is available at the link below.
http://peacehistory-usfp.org/united-states-participation-in-world-war-one/
POOH, POOH TO POSTAL PRIVACY
The US goverment had a monopoly on mail until recently. They could obliterate, censor, or read any of it during World War I. No excuse needed. Von Mach had his mail intercepted and filtered.
Once the U.S. entered the Great War, the Wilson administration instituted repressive laws that abrogated citizens’ Constitutional rights, suppressing free speech, censoring the press, and imprisoning peace advocates.
The original source is available at the link below.
http://peacehistory-usfp.org/united-states-participation-in-world-war-one/
LET'S GET CARRIED AWAY
"In Bucksport, Maine, veteran middle school teacher Lucina Hopkins was fired from her job because she took driving lessons from a German immigrant. Her husband had purchased a new car for her so that she could visit her ailing mother on the way home from work. Since she did not know how to drive, her husband hired a driving instructor, who was a German alien. Hopkins sued. The lower court ruled against her, but the Maine Court of Appeals overturned the decision and awarded her $400; she was reinstated in her teaching position."
The original source is available at the link below.
http://peacehistory-usfp.org/united-states-participation-in-world-war-one/
POOH, POOH TO POSTAL PRIVACY
The US goverment had a monopoly on mail until recently. They could obliterate, censor, or read any of it during World War I. No excuse needed. Von Mach had his mail intercepted and filtered.
What was the League of Nations?
The League of Nations has its origins in the Fourteen Points speech of President Woodrow Wilson, part of a presentation given in January 1918 outlining of his ideas for peace after the carnage of World War I. Wilson envisioned an organization that was charged with resolving conflicts before they exploded into bloodshed and warfare. By December of the same year, Wilson left for Paris to transform his 14 Points into what would become the Treaty of Versailles. Seven months later, he returned to the United States with a treaty that included the idea for what became the League of Nations.
HISTORY
The League of Nations has its origins in the Fourteen Points speech of President Woodrow Wilson, part of a presentation given in January 1918 outlining of his ideas for peace after the carnage of World War I. Wilson envisioned an organization that was charged with resolving conflicts before they exploded into bloodshed and warfare. By December of the same year, Wilson left for Paris to transform his 14 Points into what would become the Treaty of Versailles. Seven months later, he returned to the United States with a treaty that included the idea for what became the League of Nations.
HISTORY
1918 11th November – Germany signed an armistice with the Allies – the official date of the end of World War One.
Post-war 1919
4th January – Peace conference met at Paris
.
28th June – The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the Germans.
Post-war 1919
4th January – Peace conference met at Paris
.
28th June – The Treaty of Versailles was signed by the Germans.
Book Bundle
In 1921, Von Mach did win the MacmIllian Lawsuit that shelved his book in 1917.
The Count Is Still Counting on You
1923 Copies of the Treaty of Versailles
1923 Copies of the Treaty of Versailles
1927 Edmund Von Mach died on July 15, 1927 at the Eastern Maine General Hospital in Bangor, Maine following an operation for appendicitis.