Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1917 — SOUGHT $50,000 FOR BRIBES [ARTICLE]

SOUGHT $50,000 FOR BRIBES

While Pretending Friendship BernHtorff Was Double-Crossing Us. Washington, Sept. 22. —Former German Ambassador Count Bernstorff was an active anti-American plotter while his nation and the United States were still friendly, and asked the Berlin foreign office, January 22, for $50,000 to Influence congress votes as on former occasions. The state department made this public today in announcing the text of a message he forwarded on that date. The state department announcement said: “The secretary of states issues the following message from Ambassador Von Bernstorff to the Berlin foreign office, dated January 22, 1917: “ ‘I request authority to pay out ; JIP to $50,000 in order as on former occasions to influence congress through the organization you know of which can perhaps prevent war. “‘I am beginning in the meantime to act accordingly. “ Tn the above circumstances a public official German declaration in favor of Ireland is desirable in order to gain the support of Irish Influences 'here.’’’ The state department did not announce. the name of the organization which was to handle the $50,000 no< the way in which the message came into the government’s possession. This is the first positive evidence made public that Bernstorff

had personal knowledge of the German intrigue in the United States although it has long been expected he was the directing head of the anti-American work. The government had already proved that his aid, the Austrian ambassador, was conducting a vicious plot while the two countries were still at peace. Bernstorff's advice concerning Ireland apparently was taken for in one of her peace pronunciations Gertnany made much of the fact that she was for home rule in Ireland and India. It is significant also that during this period Bernstorf! was telling the press he would do all in his power to prevent war between his country and the United States. Less than ten days later the unwarned submarine decree went into effect. While it is generally understood that the organizations which were used by von Bernstoff to influence congress are known to the department of justice, their names are withheld. It can be said unequivocally, however, that at least one of these organizations had headquarters in Indianapolis and is quite probably the same one that had a branch organization in Jasper county. There is no doubt but that the government is in possession of all the facts and is keeping a close watch on aW members, and developments may be expected if anything out of the ordinary takes place.