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From: hugh lichtenwald <>
Subject: [GV] Die Welt-Post, August 24, 1922 (Berlin, Germany)
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 08:26:48 -0700 (PDT)


Hallo List:

The following Article is translated to the best of my ability.

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Page 3, Die Welt-Post, Thursday, August 24, 1922

Headline: Thanks of the Volga Germans to the Americans

During the middle of July I visited the "Association of the Volga Germans" in Berlin, which the German goverment furnished a roomy work office in Castle Bellevue. I found there the young Mr. Peter Antoni and several other gentlemen whose names unfortunately escape me. They and several assistants were busy sending out appeals and other literature in the interest of the distressed Volga Germans. The people greeted me enthusiastically and were uncommonly pleased to personally make the acquaintance of the publisher of Die Welt-Post which accomplishes so much in America for the Volga Germans. The gentlemen gave me much information which will be of interest to the readers of Welt-Post.
First, I can joyfully report to the readers that even in poor Germany and anemic Austria, they are actively collecting for the Volga Colonies. In every bank in Germany and Austria there are remarkable posters on the state of the distress of the Volga Colonists that draw one's attention and explain that the bank can receive contributions for relief work done by the German Red Cross in Russia. Also in nearly all of the train stations I found large appeals tacked up in the interest of the Volga Colonists.
Mr. Antoni related to me that the German Red Cross does wonderful work for the Volga Colonists but naturally does not have the tremendous where-with-all of the Americans at its disposal.
With great entusiasm the gentlemen of the Volga Associaton spoke of the achievements of the American Relief Administration in Russia, Mr. Antoni said: " We Volga Colonists gratefully acknowledge every bit of assistance that comes to us from America regardless of the source from which it comes; all are welcomed by us as co-workers in the rescue effort. We will never be able to clear the debt of gratitude that is owed to the American Relief Administration. As soon as conditions permit, expressions of thanks from our side will take more definite forms.
Please tell your people in America that the relief work of the Americans will be continued until next year. A terrible emergency still exists in Russia and requires the continued help of the entire world in order to alleviate and normalize conditions. Say to all donors to this aid work whoever they are and wherever they are, our deepest thanks."
Mr. Antoni related to us that Bishop Kessler and Father Maier had already returned to Germany. Both collected large sums in America for the Volga Colonists. Bishop Kessler went immediately to Rome in order to advise about the Papal Aid Station in Russia. Meanwhile an American clergyman was sent to Russia as director of the Papal Aid Station.
Famous authors and politicians of Germany wrote an article in the interest of the starving Volga Colonists, thousands of copies were distributed and brought in many contributions.
Pastors Schleuning and Schneider, representatives of the Volga Association, are still at work in America collecting donations.
Mr. Antoni is the leader of the youth of the Volga Colonists studying in Germany. These young people will return to the Colonies after completing their studies to work as leaders, teachers, ministers, doctors, etc.
I am pleased that I can make these reports to the readers of Die Welt-Post and I hope that you will continue your noble relief work for your unfortunate compatriots in Russia until the emergency eases and the colonies can work towards rebuilding.

Val. J. Peter, Publisher of the Welt-Post

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Valentin Joseph Peters, Bavarian born American publisher of numerous German language publications.

Hugh Lichtenwald, from the farm in Monetta, SC

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