Hollinger pHa 15^)^ py 1 Do You Feel the Draft? PRICE TEN CENTS ^// • / -7 3 55 AMERICANS, DO YOU REALLY KNOW WITH WHOM WE ARE AT WAR? Our country is at war and we know it. But do we realize what it means to be at war and be victorious in this war? Do we really know with whom we are at war — who is our enemy? I am sorry to say that the average American does not Jcnoio against what sort of people we are to fight for democracy . . . You say against Germans? Yes, but do you think Ave are to fight the kind of Ger- mans that you read about in books, where you find this description : '^A people of high moral standing ; high- ly cultured; real culture carriers (Kultur Tragers) for their less fortunate neighbors"? If you think so, well, I shall hope that we will know better before we get through with this pamphlet. It is very important to know with whom we are at war, because then we can be the better prepared to meet our enemy. By also having concrete facts before us we can nullify the effect of the arguments put forth by vari- ous cranks, pacifists and other irresponsibles ; and show what it would mean for us and our country if we should be defeated in this war. LET US PROFIT BY THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS Permit me to state here some facts which, I hope, will enlighten. On the eastern battlefront (Baltic coast, in the basin of the Nieman ) there is a country which perfectly knows what means "German ^Kultur.' '' This country is Lithu- ania. Since the very beginning of the present war, Lithuania has become the bloody arena of many strug- "Unconsoled by the faintest ray of hope from any source, in deepest despair, they seek a tragic end!" GERMANS FORCE YOUNG WOMEN INTO PROSTITUTION After occupying Lithuania, the Germans established a strict military rule. Comanunication between cities and villages was cut off. Crossing the rivers is forbidden under penalty of death. People are confined in their homes — principally dugouts — between the hours of 10 at night and 7 in the morning. A disregard of this restriction brings severe punishment. In the cities and villages German officers issued orders to former local officials to establish ''red light districts" for Germans. Compliance would have been extremely unpopular in Lithuania and against traditions of that countr}^, so, despite menacing punishment, the officials emphatically refused to obey. Of course, the^^ Avere punished — shot, or at least exiled to prisoner camps. Notwithstanding the resistance offered by the people, the Germans themselves established these "red light dis- tricts," not only in the cities but in the villages as well. Then they forced mere girls and the younger women into them. To absolve themselves from such disgraceful deeds, these ''red light districts" were by Germans named "hospitals," and the people taxed to maintain them. Numerous Lithuanian girls committed suicide just to escape German hands. Others dressed in the garb of old women and hobbled about on crutches. Some ap- plied black paint to their bodies. Not a few burned their faces, hoping thus to prevent disgrace by destroying their beauty. Many were the ingenious schemes em- ployed by young womanhood to protect itself from the bestial Germans. Later on German officers sought to deal with the women with less violence, but husbands and brothers interfered, so the Germans decided to deport the male population to Germany and thus have free intercourse with the women left behind unprotected. IN TEARING DOWN THE COUNTRY ECONOMI- CALLY REAL TEUTONIC METHODS ARE USED The pillage of the country was so thorough that even church bells and door knobs were gathered. Although the invaders attempted to confiscate everything of value, it remains to the credit of Lithuanians that their destruc- tive work was not so easily accomplished, because Lithu- anians know the Germans too well. They know them both from their OAvn experience as neighbors, and from stories about the '^hideous' Teutons" related by their ancestoi's. Consequently, the people of Lithuania took the best precautions to prevent being robbed of all their possessions. To protect their animals, they underfed them, giving only enough food to keep them alive. Upon learning that the Germans were coming to one of their villages, the Lithuanian peasants strove to conceal their posses- sions: foodstuffs and clothing they hid under ground, or tightly packed in wooden boxes and suspended in the tops of trees. If they did not succeed in hiding horses and cows in deserted trenches, or by better means, the next best thing to do was to drive a spike into the animal's foot (Germans do not want lame horses) . When the invaders leave the village, the poor peasant pulls out the spike and treats the animal to the best of his ability. So skillful were the means adopted to save property that the Germans soon saw how useless it was to en- deavor to rob the people by force. Then it was their decision to use the real Teutonic method. They published an announcement in the Lithuanian and Russian languages, ordering the people to surrender willingly their domestic animals, clothing, food and everything usable. Whoever failed to comply with this demand, was to be severely punished. From then on, for all things taken certain cards were to be issued, redeemable in money after the Avar. Naturally, at first the Lithuanians did not take all for granted. After a while, however, they thought there might be some truth in the German promise; also knowing that, while they could succeed possibly nine times out of ten in hiding 6 things, the tenth time they might fail and then not only lose everything, but be severely punished. That was why the people decided to dispose of their property, exchanging for cards which it was supposed Avould be the same as money after the war. These cards were as carefully guarded as most precious treasures, because the only hope of restoring their lost property and ruined homes was in these cards. American-Lithuanian delegates saw these cards; they read them. Thousands of them are in possession of the Lithuanian people. These cards are written in the Ger- man language. Most of the Lithuanian peasants do not understand German. They had to rely on German •^'sincerity," and on the figures which were supposed to represent the amount allowed for the goods taken from them. It was a most painful experience for the people when they discovered that these cards were worse than worth- less. They were without signature. The wording was offensive. For instance, there were taken from a peas- ant three cows and his last two horses; he received a card supposedly for 700 rubles (Russian money) — one hundred for each cow and two hundred for each horse. Here we read : ''If this peasant asks for money, give him 700 whips." Another poor man received a card for two hundred rubles in payment of his two small pigs and only cow. On it was Avritten: ''This fool peasant has 200 lice." Still another mark of civilization : "This man kissed my horse 400 times; he is fool." One more: "The meat was good; 500 rubles shall be paid to you by Russians." Yes, these and thousands of other cards, with similar phraseology, are products of German "kultur." They are written not alone by German soldiers, but by officers as well. EVEN BRUTES FEAR THE CONVICTION OF CIVILIZATION Gradually the Germans themselves began to realize, that they would be convicted by the civilized world for such disgraceful work, so they decided to conceal their crimes. Heuce the issuance of a uew proclamation, tell- ing all who had received certain cards for their property, and wished to get money, that they must turn these cards in to certain officials within a specified time. Some of the people tried to comply, but the cards were taken away from them, and they were told that ''when the time conies you shall receive your money." No name or address has ever been asked of any person. If someone was brave enough to ask the official for some kind of identification or the return of his card, that man was beaten and kicked out of the office, or was tied up publicly to the pole and kept for several hours, flogging him to break the monotony. The Germans, seeing that not many were turning in their cards, issued another proclamation threatening severe punishment for non-comj)liauce. So we see how, with these cards, the Germans, without any trouble on their part, robbed honest people of all they once pos- sessed. Let the civilized world also see with what clever- ness the Germans are demonstrating their ''kultur'' ! TAXING THE DOGS Heavy taxes were imposed on Lithuania. Every man betAveen 16 and 60 years of age had to pay 6 marks a year. The right is reserved by the local authorities to raise individual taxes when it is found he has more means than first reported. This can be made as high as 6,000 marks from each person. These taxes, of course, go entirely to the Germans. Dogs are also taxed : in the countrj^ 10 marks and in the cities 30 marks. Necessarily the dogs had to be killed in order to save what must otherwise be paid out as dog taxes. Every cent possible is kept for the pur- chase of bread. The Germans did everything in their power to take out of Lithuania all Russian money and to circulate in its place German paper money, but the people refused to acquiesce. They termed German money "bottle labels." To profit by the situation, the rate of exchange for rubles was lowered. While in the first half of 1916 the rate everywhere was from 1.90 to 2 marks, the Germans 8 put the official rate in Lithuania at 1.50. Only another concrete example of German unscrupulousness and dis- honesty ! Such commodities as sugar, flour, drugs and soap would not be sold unless the people traded with gold. (Later there was no soap at all.) When gold became scarce they asked for Russian money of any kind. Later on the Germans issued a new paper currency, imitating Russian rubles, excepting this "money'' Avas printed in German and Lithuanian languages. The Germans called it "Lithuanian money"; but who guarantees the values of this "money"? No one knows except "kultur tragers." LITHUANIAN JEWS ARE IN BAD CONDITION There are many Jews in Lithuania, particularly in the principal cities, Vilnius (Vilna) and Kaunas (Kov- na). These people made their living by keeping stores. Very few Jews engage in agriculture. The Germans robbed their homes, their stores, and left them to face starvation. At present there is no other way for them to make a living. In place of Jewish stores, Germans opened their OAvn and did the business themselves. The daughters of Israel suffered from German brutal- it}' just as much as did Lithuanian women. While the American-Lithuanian delegates were in Kovna many Jewish mothers wept as they complained to them of German brutality, and told how Jewish fam- ilies were forced to send their daughters to the soldiers in order to get money enough to buy bread. GERMANS HAVE NO HEART I might mention one of hundreds of similar incidents which prove that Germans are heartless. The Lithu- anians were planning for the Easter Holiday. This holiday is a great event in Lithuania. No matter how poor a man may be, he tries, to the best of his ability, to meet that day fully prepared. New clothes are pro- vided, or old ones cleaned. Special care is exercised to have the best food with which to celebrate Easter. Even during the war and in the midst of great misery they 9 did not forget that day. Under great difficulties and trying conditions they made ready to celebrate. But on the eve of observing this holiday (April 23, 1916), the Germans made an unexpected raid on the villages in the district of Kovna and confiscated everything that had been specially gotten together for the Easter rejoic- ing. Instead of joyful reunions the Lithuanian Easter Holiday this year was marked by sadness, by countless aching hearts and starving souls — all because of German atrociousness ... GEKMANS ENDEAVOR TO BRING LITHU- ANIANS TO KAISER'S FEET All Lithuanian newspapers have suspended publi- cation. In their place the Germans publish one paper (Dabartis) in the Lithuanian language, and through this paper they try to bring the people to the Kaiser's feet. But the Lithuanians refused to read this paper and asked permission to publish their own. This was denied. Likewise they sought to open primary and sec- ondary schools in which to be taught in the Lithuanian tongue. True, the Germans opened some of the schools, but there is no place for the Lithuanian language. Even in the conducting of municipalities and tribunals — everywhere — the German language must be used. The Germans enforced this rule in Lithuania, notably in the cities of Vilna and Kovna. Here all clergymen Avere obliged to salute German officers, by removing hats; also the school children are forced, under punishment, to salute the officers — boys by removing their hats and girls by courtesy ing. The children can hardly distin- guish officers from privates and to escape punishment they are obliged to salute every one in uniform. The private soldiers got so used to this that they required it. The saluting high school girl of 15 or 16, officers and privates take by the hand without any further formality. All these things happen in the twentieth century and are the actions of a nation extremely proud of its civili- zation and abnormallv sensitive of its culture. 10 GERMAN GOVERNMENT DID NOT FULFILL ITS PROMISE The American-Lithuanian delegates tried every means to bring relief to the people. They presented practical plans to the German military government in Lithuania and the civil government in Berlin; they asked for re- straints upon the strict regime in Lithuania, thereby permitting the people at least to breathe easier. Everything was promised to the delegates by German authorities. But the latest reports coming from reliable sources (Lithuanian Committees abroad) say that the requests went unheeded. The Germans kept none of the promises made to these delegates. Rather on the con- trary, they introduced real slavery in Lithuania; de- porting able-bodied citizens of both sexes and all classes. In their place Germans are colonizing Lithuania with Teutonic settlers, thus aiming a mortal blow at the na- tional life of Lithuania. The Germans with their ^'kultur-' reached their climax and broke Lithuanian patience. The people preferred death to German cruelties. They started revolts with clubs, pitch-forks and scythes, but soon they were si- lenced by German machine guns. To prevent any further outbreaks, and for the better accomplishment of their purpose, the Germans decided to form a Lithuanian Council (same as they did Avith the Poles), and invited Mgr. Karevicius, the bishop of Lithuania, to be president of that council. The bishop, knowing well their purpose, refused to accept. Tlien they invited Doctor Basanavicius, of Vilna, patriot of Lithuania; he also refused. The failure of their first steps did not discourage them; they went ahead to fulfill their idea. This time (July 5, 1917), the Germans sent their agent. Baron Ropp, to Switzerland, to induce Prof. J. Gabrys, the great Lithuanian patriot, to help them in forming a Lithuanian Council and to get his acceptance of the presidency of that council. As an inducement, they promised to declare the independence of Lithuania; of- fering the Kaiser's son for king. (This was mentioned several times in American newspapers. ) But as was to 11 be expected, this great sou of Lithuania flatly refused to accept such au offering. The Lithuanians are working hard to secure independ- ence for their country. They are taking an active part in this war for democracy by contributing half a mil- lion of their young men for the Allied armies. They are shedding their blood with the hope that the United States and the Allies will support their just claims. The Lithuanians cannot and do not expect anything good from the German government. They see in their latest proposals only new schemes for the better ex- ploitation of Lithuania. KAISER HONOES HANGMAN The following is an extract from the Bulletin of the Bureau of Information of Lithuania, published in Switz- erland, 1917 : ^^Priuce Isenbourg von Birnstein, Civil Governor of Lithuania, has been elected 'Doctor Honoris Causa' ])y the University of Firbourg, in Brisgan, for 'services' rendered to the German cause in Lithuania. ''These services consisted in requisitioning all personal property in the country and its exportation into Ger- many; m the deportation of the youth, and in the com- pulsory introduction of the German language in all of the schools and public institutions of Lithuania. ''This prince is distinguished for brutality and Is without an equal in this respect. He has iutrodut ed into Lithuania corporal punishments and slavery." MORE DOCUMENTS Here is a citation of the official announcement issued November 6, 1916, at the city of Vilnius (Vilna), capital of Lithuania. I cite it here because it gives more light as to the (xer- man domination in the invaded territory : "Complying with the orders of the Chief Commander of the Eastern Armies (Hindenbourg), all the men be- tween IT and 60 years of age, both inclusive, living in the province of Vilna, are being called for examination 12 as to their fitness for work. They must report accord- ing to the numbers on their passports issued by Ober-Ost, at the city of Vilna, ranging from Nos. 1 to 45,000. ''Those exempted are: All clergymen, teachers, physi- cians, dentists, pharmacists; but at the time of their call, according to the numbers of their passports, they must pay 600 marks to the German Stadhauptmann. ''This money Avill be used for a supply of clothing to be provided those called to work, and for the support of their families. "Those failing to comply with this request, and fail- ing to give reasonable cause, shall be punished by im- prisonment for three years, or fined up to 10,000 marks, or both. "DeR StADTHAUPTMANN, I. V. PiLTZ. "Vilna, November 6, 1916." BEWARE OF GERMAN PRISONERS' CAMPS I could write many things about the military and civilian prisoners in Germany, but as someone else did so before me, therefore I would advise everyone interest- ed in this subject to get the book entitled "Prisoners of War." Every word in this book tells the real truth, and I do not believe I could present a better picture of prison- er life in Germany. If soldiers knew the real situation in Germany, none of them would be in German prisoner camps. It is much better to be instantly killed on the battlefield than to be gradually starved to death in Germany. i^mericansl Perhaps some of our boys will be taken prisoners. For God's sake let us be prepared to send some relief to them, at least as France and Great Britain are doing for their boys. The prisoners do not mind the hard labor they have to perform in Germany, even if they have to work in place of mules (yes, this is about what they are ! ) . The worst part is that they do not get enough food, as I might say, Germans feed them "scien- tifically" — just to keep them alive! Food is the essential thing for them. Next to food comes clothing. 13 GERMANS CANNOT CONCEAL THEIR CRIMES In writing tliis pamphlet, I purposely omitted the names of people and places, fearing that it might bring harm to those living in the immediate sections re- ferred to. I am sorry, I cannot give a better description of Ger- man actions and outrages. I have tried to present them in a softer light. It is too painful to set out the realistic picture of German ''accomplishment.'^ But you shall see more of them after the war. You shall see them and know all the hideous details. Those who had to bear these things shall tell you, as I believe the Germans cannot succeed in murdering all who oppose them; but if they should, then the bones of the people shall speak to you ; the trees on which they Avere hanged shall recite you the story; the bloody walls at which babies were killed shall present to you the sad picture furnished by the ''kultur tragers" . . . Swiftly running brooks and all nature witnessed these things and shall conceal nothing. The Germans cannot hide all their crimes, no matter how hard they would try; it is impossible, and the whole civilized world shall know it. Some of you may say, "Well, it is a time of war and anything may happen at such a time." Yes, that is true; but is it a war against defenseless people? Is it a war against innocent girls and women? Let me ask you, is it a war against poor little babies? Of course not, but you see the Germans fighting, torturing and murdering them without any sensible reason. Americans ! You sons and guardians of liberty ! Can we bear to be quiet spectators of such crimes against humanity? Can we forgive those who committed them? I know that you have a ready answer, '^No, no, never !'' GERMANS THEMSELVES ARE SLAVES The question now arises. Who is most responsible for all these wrongs? Is the whole German nation to be blamed? I should say not; the German people are not wholly to be blamed. They do not know what they are doing. They are drunk with kaiserism. They are not 14 educated as human beings should be. They are a simple, unthinkable militar}^ machine, run by the Kaiser and his agents. These people blindly obey the orders of others. Here is an instance Avhich will prove my statement : In one of the Lithuanian towns German soldiers used to come to church and remain with caps on and smoking pipes. The priest asked them many times to conduct themselves differently, but they only laughed at him and stuck to their own way of doing. Then the priest placed a sign on the church door : ''Rauchen Verboten" ( smoking pro- hibited), and another sign stating that caps should be removed. To the surprise of the priest and the people, the Germans obeyed these signs. When they came to church the next time they removed their caps and did not smoke! In Germany we find signs everyAvhere. Where the word of an officer cannot reach the people they put up a sign, directing the people of Germany what to do and what not to do. So we see that the German people are the slaves of their own created superiors and should be pitied as such. Those responsible for these crimes in Lithuania are the chief military ruler, in the person of von Hinden- bourg, and his aides — Prince Isenbourg von Birstein, who is the civil governor of Kovna and Courland prov- inces ; Count York, governor of Vilna and Suvalki prov- inces; Pohl, burgomaister of the city of Vilna; Major Putkamer and Mohl, from the staff of Prince Isenbourg, who has offices in the city of Kovna. Some people in Berlin who are most responsible are Herr Trautman, from the Department of Justice, and Baron Ropp, the Kaiser's hand (a German possessing large estates id Lithuania). Those are the principal murderers. Ob- viously, at the head of all of them stands the Kaiser. All these people deserve a noose actively associated with the branch of a dead tree ! AWAY WITH ALL PACIFISTS Americans, do you see now with whom we are at war? Do you see what kind of a foe will be our antagon- 15 ists? Do you? If you do, theu you know what it means to be at war. Then you must also know what it would mean to be defeated; what it would mean to your mothers, your sisters, to your wives ; and what it would mean to your country. Let the experience of Lithuanians and others show you the necessity of preparedness I The importance of universal, sane military training. Away with all pacifists I Away with moral and physical slackers. Oome forward ! Let us join hands for the liberation of all peoples of every na- tionality from the autocratic yoke. Let us help democracy to gain and to rule the world. Let us unite for the realization of the noble and humanitarian aims of our President, wiio has announced to the w^orld that ^^We are fighting for the liberty, the self-government and the undictated development of all peoples.'' This is the American mission ; the world is waiting for its accomplishment. The xlmerican mission is also to liberate the German people; the same as it did once before for the negro. The German people are slaves of autocracy and they do not know it ! . . . They are blinded by their wild imaginings of their ^'kultur," and an unnatural craving for notoriety. They cannot see the light of freedom. Their ears are plugged with kaiserism ; that is why they cannot hear the cries of the tortured. They are drunk with insane militarism. They do not even understand the meaning of liberty ! , If America could open .their eyes, give understanding to their ears, and then explain to them the meaning of liberty, these same German people would contribute in the largest possible measure to their own liberation. America can, and will do it ! By proclaiming plainly and emphatically, in no unmistakable terms, the Ameri- can principles for which she is in the war, and asking our Allies to do the same; by this we can crush the spectre of the Kaiser's spirit in our own country, and iu the countries of our Allies. His influence then will be nil. The fleets of American aeroplanes sent over Ger- many will do the rest. Bursting bombs shall open the eyes and ears of the German people. When they see 16 that they are simply slaves, but can easily learn the meaning of liberty, then will the dawn of a new era be nearer. The Kaiser will get what is due him — possibly a noose and a branch of a dead tree, or an assignment shoveling snow with Nicholas Romanoff in Tobolsk. We must act; the time is ripe! If we do otherwise the disasters that have befallen Lithuania may be re- peated in this country ! We must remember the words of our President : ''The day has come to conquer or submit !" American-Lithuanian. 020 935 333 7