The Age Herald

EMIL LESSER ON DR. T. A. KLEBS
Translated from the Birmingham Courier.

The United States requires every man, who enjoys the hospitality of this country and becomes naturalized to take an oath and pledge himself to not only abandon the loyalty to his native country, but also, that in case of war he will faithfully fight for his adopted country should this become necessary. The decision of this, however, is not left to each foreigner, asking to become a citizen, but to the president of the United States.

If there are such political clowns, which in long, through more gratified articles, turn the greatest somersaults of nonsense, as, for instance, our "Dr. Klebs," of whom all the world knows, that he is not the inventor of gun powder, then I shall answer such subjects by simply repeating the words, which probably the best posted gentleman on international rights in the city expressed at the Commercial Club on Friday afternoon, upon my present action of the letter of the "would-be famous doctor."

"Every man, who is an American citizen, who in time of war refuses to fight for his country against any foe, is either a low-down coward, or an insane circus clown, or a traitor without a fatherland, of whom we should dispose in the quickest possible manner."

The position of the great mass of our German-American citizens is too well known to be affected by the remarks of such a crank.

To not arouse his sympathy of the readers of the Courier; I print today the entire letter of the sensational doctor and now also explain why the doctor has a such hateful feeling toward me.

Years ago I was news reporter and agent for the "Anzeiger des Sudens." At that time something occurred in the doctor's drug store, which should not happen in a well managed drug store, run by competent men. I published the incident as news in the "Anzeiger des Sudens" and can show the volume to anyone interesting himself) and that caused the hatred of the doctor toward me.

Then a German citizens' club was organized, of which the doctor become a member. At one time a resolution was adopted which the doctor did not approve of, and then it was, when every man present was assured that something must be loose in the doctor's upper story. He behaved like an insane man and was severely called to order by me, as I was at that time chairman of the club. This time and for that reason he swore revenge.

But the doctor also had political aspirations. It worried him that the German-American Union, organized by me, became so large and strong and that its platform was signed by most and the best of the German citizens. The doctor decided therefore to run politics on his own hook and wanted to become suddenly famous. He decided that separate German silver clubs should be organized. As planned he went to work. A large hall was rented, posters printed, all the papers brought advertisements. The meeting with its organization plans and a most beautiful prepared speech came; just four persons (among whom a reporter of the Courier) were present, who were willing to hear the doctor. Without having delivered his beautiful address, the doctor was forced to withdraw. Two days later he had to read in the English dailies (which had their reporters present) that the German-American Union, under my chairmanship, held one of its most memorable meetings at which the large Turner hall was not spacious enough to hold the vast assembly.

This hurt the doctor even more and he swore revenge. Revenge is sweet! The time came; the leading article, which since its publication has not only made its rounds in many German papers, but has also been translated and printed in English papers, gave an opportunity for the doctor's revenge and therefore he made good of it.

Should it please the "doctor" to continue with the aid of my scrap book, this polemic, which he personally forced upon me? Or should he desire a personal explanation? Just as you wish!

Will soon return to Birmingham.

EMIL LESSER.