Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/304

 284 John Hay's keen perception of the danger should read the chapter of William Roscoe Thayer's life of the great statesman, who "would rather be the dupe of China than the chum of the Kaiser." It shows that he put his finger on each and every certain sign of Teuton duplicity and propaganda, not forgetting the German-American traitors enrolled under Prince Henry's banner. Of these he said:

"The prime motive of every German-American is hostility to every country in the world, including America, which is not friendly to Germany. * * *"

It is small wonder, that knowing what he knew, Roosevelt wanted no time wasted waiting for "proofs." Proofs a-plenty had been written large before ever a gun was fired.