“But what does it provide exactly?” enquired Mr. Wakeham. “I confess I never heard of it.”
“It permits a German to become an American citizen, and at the same time allows him to retain his connection, his heart connection, with the Fatherland. It is a beautiful law.”
“A beautiful law,” echoed his friend, Mr. Meyer.
“Just what is the connection?” insisted Hugo Raeder.
“Dear friend, let me explain to you. It permits him to retain his place, his relations with his own old country people. You can surely see the advantage of that. For instance: When I return to Germany I find myself in full possession of all my accustomed privileges. I am no stranger. Ah, it is beautiful! And you see further how it establishes a new bond between the two countries. Every German-American will become a bond of unity between these two great nations, the two great coming nations of the world.”
“Beautiful, beautiful, glorious!” echoed Meyer.
“But I do not understand,” said Larry. “Are you still a citizen of Germany?”
“I am an American citizen, and proud of it,” exclaimed Professor Schaefer, dramatically.
“Ach, so, geviss,” said Meyer. “Sure! an American citizen!”
“But you are also a citizen of Germany?” enquired Hugo Raeder.