Digital Extra: The Journal's 175th Anniversary

07.21.2004

1918. Editorial puts readers on alert for Austrian, German 'spies'

During World War I, this warning appeared every day on The Journal's editorial page:

"Every German or Austrian in the United States, unless known by years of association to be absolutely loyal, should be treated as a potential spy. Keep your eyes and ears open. Whenever any suspicious act or disloyal word comes to your notice communicate at once with the Bureau of Investigation of the Department of Justice, Rooms 533-534-535 Industrial Trust Building, Providence; telephone Union 4248.

"We are at war with the most merciless and inhuman nation in the world. Hundreds of thousands of its people in this country want to see America humiliated and beaten to her knees, and they are doing, and will do, everything in their power to bring this about.

"Take nothing for granted. Energy and alertness in this direction may save the life of your son, your husband or your brother."

For one day, the day after the war ended, Nov. 12, 1918, this psalm appeared in place of the daily warning about Germans and Austrians:

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

"For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."