Lauer reports a rumor heard regarding seditious literature passed along train, which states that the war "is a financial one and that high finance is taking a prominent place in same."
Widow of German-American writes from Ohio, noting that husband asked to join secret society of German Americans who would fight for Fatherland in case of war. Centered in Denver, Iowa.
Metcalf is asking to have a school investigated for the teaching of strictly German in the schools of Sanborn, Iowa. It was investigated because the school is accused of being unpatriotic and a threat to National security. This is another example…
The author of the letter is reporting the barbarious acts of Pro-german supporters in his town and wants action done about it. These acts are not specified but regardless, they could put the town in danger.
The correspondence shows the importance of propaganda in this time period. It was important where the propaganda was distributed and how much of it was needed.
Here is a straight forward example of the fear of German aliens and spies. Metcalf is responding to someone who is upset about a Pro-German having a successful bakery and has made claims about this person being a traitor.
This letter promotes the ending of the teaching of German in Iowa public schools. The citizens of Ogden, Iowa are outraged and want something to be done about ending the program.
