Richard Neitzel letter to Theodore Graebner - January 8, 1919
Transcript
[Evangelical Lutheran Synod letterhead] Springfield, [Illinois] January 8th 1919 Dear friend:- Your information is correct. We have for some time been aware of the fact that such legislation was being contemplated. Our Chairman has had repeated interviews with high officials of our State and has discussed the matter with them quite thoroughly. He has received their assurancethat they are opposed to such legislation and will bend every effort to prevent it. Our Chairman will apply for copies of the bills as soon as they may be had. We have notified the General School-Board of the threatening danger and have urged them to be on guard and take necessary action. We believe that such action clearly lies within their province and not within ours. However, we are ready to render whatever assistance we can in obviating such obnoxious and unjust legislation. The General School-Board has long ago taken the matter in hand and is ready for the encounter. Our Chairman has offered his assistance. Two bills may be presented to the Legislature. One prohibiting all German absolutely, the other forbidding all German in elementary schools. Similar bills will be presented to legislatures of other states. We have long ago nitified the Presidents of those district of what they must expect and have urged them to appoint the necessary committees to give the matter their attention, because we believe that local men of influence can render better and more effective service than we can. Politicians will usually listen to men controlling a large number of votes in their district, but will not be influenced by men, or body of men, outside of their state.
Transcript
We do not think that any part of this letter should be published, because we consider it unwise to show our cards. Besides our remarks would without doubt be misconstrued. Very truly yours, R. Neitzel
Details
| Title | Richard Neitzel letter to Theodore Graebner - January 8, 1919 |
| Creator | Neitzel, Richard |
| Source | Neitzel, Richard. Letter to Theodore Graebner. 08 January 1919. Graebner, Theodore Collection. Concordia Historical Institute, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Letter from Richard Neitzel, Secretary of Concordia College in Springfield, Illinois, to Theodore Graebner. Neitzel discussed the legislation concerning the prohibition of teaching the German language in schools and using German in public places. Following World War I, anti-German sentiments rose across the county. Some states passed legislation forbidding the teaching of German in both public and private schools. The Lutheran Church was divided by the conflict on conducting services and religious instruction in German. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--Public opinion; World War, 1914-1918--Religious aspects; German language |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Contributing Institution | Concordia Historical Institute |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Concordia Historical Institute: 314-505-7900 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | January 8, 2019 |
| Language | English |