marck. On September 15, 1914, a company was capitalized to publish a special Spanish edition of the Nachrichten, called El Heraldo, with Dr. Asenjo as editor. A hundred thousand copies are printed monthly, one-fifth going to Spain and the balance to Central and South America.

A

VII

Winchell in Germany

LTHOUGH the door of Belgium had been closed, despite the Relief Commission's

diligent efforts to secure admission for him, the disappointed Winchell was still in the ring. He had faith that, by gaining direct communication with the civil governor of Belgium, he would win. Anyway it was not his purpose to return to America without making the endeavor.

To the possibilities of Dr. Asenjo's assistance was added the encouragement of a letter from Mrs. Winchell, fighting her husband's battles in the United States, telling how she had seen Mr. Richard Stevens of Castle Point and of Stevens Institute, New Jersey's great philanthropist and social service leader, who had been a classmate of Ambassador Gerard in Berlin. Mr. Stevens had written to Mr. Gerard shortly after the Major set sail, recommending that the Embassy do all in its power to further the success of the mission to Belgium. Upon receiving this intelligence from his wife, Major Winchell wrote to the American Embassy in Berlin but never knew the outcome of the matter.

The following letter was then addressed to the

civil governor of Belgium, being taken to Amsterdam whence a German translation was forwarded to the governor :

Rotterdam, November 29, 1915.

GENERAL VON BISSING,

Civil Governor in Brussels,

Brussels, Belgium.

Your Excellency: I was informed yesterday from high authority that you were unwilling to honor my passport into Belgium on the ground that I was a person under suspicion.

I am enclosing one or two letters of introduction -one from the Chamber of Commerce, Jersey City, one from Governor Fielder of New Jersey and one from the police department of Jersey City. I have many others from distinguished men which also I should be pleased to show you. These men vouch for my integrity and my good work for the people. I hope these will establish in your mind that I am an honorable man and would not stoop to betray the confidence you would repose in me by granting me permission to work in Belgium.

If any of your representatives have reported any word or act of mine in America or Europe that could give the least offense to the German cause, I should like to face the men and hear what they have to say.

Certainly you will not condemn me without a hearing. I do not desire vindication for my own sake merely but for those who have vouched for me. When I return to America it will be a great pleasure for me to be able to say that I was not only treated fairly and justly by the German

authorities but was shown much generosity and kindness.

My coming to Belgium was not of my own choice. I preferred to remain where I was, having great success in Jersey City, Hoboken and Northern New Jersey.

I was asked to come to Belgium to administer intelligently funds which had been contributed to the Salvation Army for that purpose. My many years in organizing relief at times of great calamities such as floods, earthquakes and fires, made our leaders feel that I could be of good service in Belgium. They cabled twice for me. At first I declined but, on the second urgent order, I accepted although feeling that I would be hindered by not knowing the language.

General Bramwell Booth, head of the Salvation Army and a man who stands preeminently above nationalism and who fights for the salvation of all men of all nations, is the one who appointed me to come. I was delayed three weeks in London on account of a severe accident to the General. I could not see him. But, at the same time, no person could draw me into a discussion of war

issues.

General Booth had received a large fund for Belgian relief. He wanted me to distribute this in coöperation with the Commission for Relief in Belgium. Some time last summer Colonel Theodore Kitching, the General's secretary for Europe, consulted with Mr. Hoover who thought that there would be no objection on your part, so arrangements were made for me to cross the Atlantic to undertake the task.

I was chosen because I was an American and a neutral. And it is true I am an American with ancestry back on both sides for two hundred years.

My wife is the same and my family. No one can rightfully say that I or any member of my family ever said anything against the German cause.

My ambition ran high to be of great use in Belgium. I had hoped to be of service to the authorities of the land, as also to the C. R. B., in helping to organize a better condition among the people. I heard of the vast numbers that do not work and I hoped to be useful in organizing industries. And the poor children and mothers, especially those the most helpless, I could help.

The work among children is my specialty. I can bring with me and show you photographs of the work I have been doing in the States. His Excellency President Wilson is among my financial supporters and my work is well known everywhere.

I would like to refer you to Dr. Maximo Asenjo who edits the Spanish edition of the Hamburg Heraldo and the Nachrichten. He is willing to come to Brussels and tell you all about me and my work. Will you kindly grant the privilege of an interview with Dr. Asenjo and myself?

I am fitted for good service in Belgium but, of course, if you do not want me tell me the reason and I will return. But it is only fair that I should know why I am not accepted. I desire above all things to obtain your confidence and approval for, without these, I see no possibility of undertaking and carrying out this relief work that is so near my heart.

(Signed)

Sincerely yours,

WALLACE WINCHELL, Major.

An American Embassy attaché had gone with the Major to the German legation at The Hague where a special permission was written on the back