of Bohemian parentage is exemplified by the "Federation of Komensky (Comenius) Educational Clubs," with its many branches, and by the fact that the Bohemian language is now taught at the University of Nebraska and several other institutions of higher learning.
The true Bohemian here and elsewhere, as can easily be understood, has nothing but the bitterest feelings toward Austria, the stranger and usurper, who, since the war started, is once more in the full swing of his persecutions. The Czech sympathies are wholly with Belgium, Russia, Serbia, France, and Great Britain. And what is true of the Czechs is also true of the Slovaks, who suffer even more under Magyar oppression.
The Czechs and Slovaks in Austria-Hungary fight only under compulsion; their unwilling regiments were decimated; their political and national leaders fill the Austrian and Hungarian prisons. Thousands of Bohemian and Slovak volunteers are fighting enthusiastically under the banners of France and Great Britain, and there are whole regiments of them attached to the Russian army.
Here in the United States the very word of Austria sounds strange and unnatural to the Bohemian. They have found here their permanent home, and while hoping and even working for the eventual freedom of Bohemia, and proud of their descent from the Czech people, they are, citizens or not yet citizens, all loyal Americans.
FRAUDULENT SOLICITORS
The attention of the members of the National Geographic Society is invited to the fact that we are receiving reports of the activities of many fraudulent agents who are operating in various sections of the country, representing themselves to be authorized "agents" of the National Geographic Society. We are advised that these persons solicit membership in the Society and subscription to the Magazine at a reduced price.
Many complaints have been received from persons who have paid in advance for maps and other publications of the Society which, of course, they have never received, since no knowledge of the transactions ever came to us.
The National Geographic Society has no authorized agents and employs no solicitors in the field. Therefore it is suggested that members of the Society send direct to the Society all orders, remittances, or communications of any kind.
Should you hear of any person claiming to be an authorized representative of the Society and soliciting orders, you will render a great service if you will immediately telegraph the facts to the National Geographic Society, Washington, D. C.
