From: Emmental, Bessarabia
24 January 1912

On 21 January I had to stop all other work, as the readers can see, and start writing so as not to get behind with my paragraph about the wicked woman. I wrote fast and as well as I could to prove that I did not write anything bad about the good women. To this day I am convinced that such paragraphs in the Staats-Anzeiger do not bother the good women, but only the evil. Therefore, I hope that I am accepted in this matter. Every reader should view my essay from the right then no one will be offended. But if this matter is read from the left, then things will happen just like Mr. Peter Frieder. Thos. Boeckel has written in his report in Edition #24 of the paper, “There are some people whom the shoe fits.” If Franziska Monter had read the section about the wicked woman prior to her husband’s proceedings concerning their state of marriage, then she would have tossed the paper into the fire right away. Today, however, she looks from the right at this matter and certainly will say, “This is a golden paragraph for us women.”

It is common knowledge that nowadays there are millions of different types of machines and every one of them has its’ gears and other parts. If one of these parts is missing, then everything will malfunction. But that will only happen if somebody doesn’t know how to operate a machine.

Likewise, there are millions of different marriages. One is a farmer, another is a merchant, a third is a craftsman, clerk etc. Such marriages I compare with machines. If some one attempts to operate a machine but doesn’t know how, then like with such a marriage everything will go wrong. But whoever understands an operation well, will also soon be competent with the other.

Many a maiden will enter such an artificial situation without considering what has to be done. She thinks that everywhere it is just the same as when she learned things while growing up. No dear reader that is not the way it is. The cooking is different in every kitchen. Also keep in mind that by entering into matrimony you get into a completely different situation and that you are facing a totally different direction. Therefore forget about the past and make an effort to fit into the new relationship, and then such a thing as the proceedings concerning the state of a marriage will not be necessary.

Now maybe some readers are curious and want to take a look at these circumstances in order to master this situation. Therefore I would like to offer some explanations.

Well, since you entered into matrimony, limit your affection towards your husband. Too much caressing and affection can be detrimental to love, just like the lack of them. Love will last only then when it still can look forward and hope for something, and when it is not yet fulfilled and growing stages are still ahead. If you overwhelm your husband with too much affection in the beginning, he will not be able to endure it all because of the sheer ecstasy. Remember, too much of a good thing will not turn out well! What will there be left to do in winter, if everything was already accomplished all summer long? Keep in mind that your wedlock was sealed for a lifetime. Frugal, you have to be frugal with your favors. Learn the art of how to give a lot with less. Let your husband enjoy every drop of love, one at a time. Never give him so much that he will tire of it. He should not be able to leave you because he is hungry or satiated. If the triumph of a single moment is a little less for you, his love for you will endure without harm. (*Editor: The honorable Mr. Correspondent is thinking deeply and appropriately. His philosophy is irreproachable. He reveals a complete knowledge of human nature. He has our respect!)

Further, never complain about a real or imagined frigidness by your husband. Such complaining will only do harm and not any good, and through these things will surely become frigid. Love cannot be given orders, nor can it be forced. Should the fire of his love diminish as a result of that, and then beware not to reproach him. Treat him just the opposite with greater care and affection. Be his dearest and most trusting friend. It is not enough that friendship and love are closely related, but also that during the lifetime of a married couple, friendship more than love is possible. Contrary to the belief that the fire of love will slowly devour itself, with a closer and longer acquaintance the friendship will steadily grow. Faithfulness, which never complains about neglect and always clings to us and never seems to fear any coldness from your side, will affect us even more. Additionally, there are moments, yes days and weeks, during a human life when a man, because of worries and unpleasant situations will become so disturbed, the soft feelings of love seem to be forced from his heart. But in reality it is not so. The feelings are only dormant. It must be even more unpleasant when on top of these annoyances, the wife’s accusations are added. But do not believe when your husband looks at you with a dark expression, or even tells you needed but unpleasant truths, that because of this he loves you less. Most importantly, do not make that known to him. However, should his love really grow a little cold, what you do not want to believe nor wish for, then try to attract him again. Do not try this with sorrowful expression, nor with accusations. Attempt it with new comforts which dictate the heart and mind, and furthermore through certain inner snuggling, spiritual goodness and obliging awareness. Additionally, gently participate in everything that concerns your husband. You do not realize how much a feminine devotion and an evident tenderness will flatter our self-love and enlighten our hearts. Female participation paired with intelligence and love is a true balm for the heart of a man. Even if the wife cannot be of help to us in a thousand problems, much less give us advice, it still makes us happy to see a person concerned with us. Then again there are many that become conceited. Those are the ones that will cause the husband to resort to proceedings concerning the state of their marriage. However, if you do not have this conceit, but feminine involvement paired with cleverness and love, then you can bond with your husband as if he were forged to you. Be his faithful partner during happiness and sorrow. Even if problems occur to him, which partly were caused by him, do not deny him your participation. Do not double his accusations with yours. He certainly will acknowledge, maybe even silently, this consideration with gratitude. On the other side, be aware not to make the mistake of obtrusiveness. Never try to penetrate your husband’s mind should his forehead show a wrinkle. There are small temporary vexations and difficulties, which really will become unpleasant when we unintentionally tell others about them. Furthermore, never turn to petty whining and lamenting. Show courage instead and think about ways of how to assist.

Finally, there are many things that appear to be of a trifling nature, about which you have to show some tact. Every human being has in its’ regimen some things that it doesn’t want to be without. Things that it had gotten used to. For instance, certain meals, certain habits and peculiarities in setting up its’ home, and in the selection and type of amusement and so on. Try to find out about this and adjust to it. Always see your husband as a friend, who so to speak, you should offer hospitality, and to whom you should try to be pleasant in every way. Then again, dear reader, try to make your home comfortable for your husband, because many wives are to blame if their husbands do not want to stay with them at home. For example, the husband wants to talk to her in the evening, but she is not interested and prefers to nap next to the stove. If he invites her to come along to visit a neighbor or friend, she might give him the following answer, “You are free to go, for me it is too much trouble to change my clothes.” Because of such circumstances the husband has a reason to find entertainment away from home, or to look for amusement. This way he will become estranged from his home and family and he will lose his sense of enjoying his home. Along with that is also………. (Text missing)

Romuald Dirk

From: Emmental, Bessarabia
24 January 1912

(Conclusion)

In reference to clothing, many women fall into two extremes. At social gatherings they show up all dressed up, but at home they wear dirty and raggedy clothes without having mended one or the other hole or defect. The wife however, has to try and appeal to her husband. Therefore, she has to take care of her body and her outer appearance. I would like to convince every female reader about a lucky future of the truth of this principle.

Also, do not forget to bolster your mind, because despite all the care, your charms will wilt soon enough. Without assuming that your husband loves you only because of that, it is most certain, although he now indulges with bliss in your arms, that time and pleasure will cool his fire. Then the time is right for your mind to sustain his affection and culture with a renewed delight and as such replace the fading bodily charm. An educated mind never grows old and one is always comfortable in one’s own environment. A woman who does not further her education will soon deplete her potential for being of help. Therefore, make use of any available free time from your household chores and continue to increase your knowledge. Do this with selected literature, socializing with educated women and lady friends. Thereby you will hone your feelings and enrich your heart. Do not pursue knowledge and wisdom that do not fit your gender. There is nothing more unbearable, than a woman who acts like an expert in matters, which are completely out of her field. All knowledge must be aimed towards the perfection of your domestic concerns, the wellbeing of your husband, the rearing of your children and the refining of your womanhood, if your efforts shall prove themselves. When giving your husband some advice, then beware of not doing so in an ordering voice. Even though you may have a better knowledge of many things, you should never impose your mind onto your husband. This would be hard on him and affect his love for you.

Also, never do modesty any wrong. Modesty for a woman is her greatest ornament. It is the very thing that gives her that fascinating charm, without which the woman for us men will sink into common nature. Without modesty the utmost beauty will have little effect on us. Way too many young women think that they don’t have to be embarrassed anymore since they have obtained the goal of their wishes. Esteemed readers, I hope and wish that this thought would never enter your mind. Especially the wife, more so than the maiden, has a need in reference to modesty to be extremely careful. A husband will get to know the habits of his wife well enough anyhow, and in time the effects will weaken in some respect. Only through clever discretion and concealment of it will the husband remain bound to his wife.

Never do harm to decency when you talk. Don’t believe that you should talk loud and openly about everything you know. There are things in the world that lose endlessly just by mentioning them by name.

Further, do not tire your husband with unnecessary talk or better yet with jabbering. Nothing is more unbearable for an intelligent man than unending gossip etc. A wife who bothers him with that will also weaken his attention to the better parts of her conversation, because he will not be able to overcome his distaste for her talk. How much has she already lost at that point? There may be certain small matters seemingly important among women, but a man should not be bothered with them. Life will surely turn sour for a man if, besides worrying about the mainstay, he has to put up with trivial matters. Take good note, do not pay much attention to such gossip and never repeat any of it. Do not socialize with people who make a habit of it, for every evil is contagious. There are moments, yes days, in life when one is not up to talking or listening – one just wants to be left alone. Beware on such days not to confront your husband. It would most likely cause him disgust and distaste, which then can easily become gossip. Even if you have to talk about things mentioned above, then do so without elaborating and make the appearance of being in your best mood, because unpleasant things will even worsen with a bad attitude.

Control your moods. Every individual has his mood. I even believe that a person without moods would be more intolerable than one that has such. I do not impose that a woman who may not have her own opinion soon will become boring for us. As true as this may seem, they still have to be careful not to express their moods too harshly or too continuously. If the man is continuously being bothered with this, and if instead of finding rest and joy with his wife, he is only tormented by her obstinacy then he has to lose his patience. Get used to self-control early on. Without it you cannot be happy, nor make others happy.

Also when dealing with strange men be extremely careful. Honor and love are flowers, which the slightest breeze can damage. A single word, a single carelessness can put you under undue suspicion, even though you may have a pure heart. Should you allow yourself just once anything that looks like freedom, then one will surely perceive it as such and justifiably believe to expect more. The most innocent people will often get a bad reputation because of some carelessness, which they will not be able to get rid off no matter how hard they try. Even if your husband is totally convinced of your love and purity he can not dismiss the suspicion others have about you. Preferably keep your distance from two types of men. First, there are the showoffs that will never claim fame to good will. Secondly, the rough minded and ill-behaved kind who will treat and judge even the most educated woman like a streetwalker. Nonetheless, be aware of the charmers who hide behind reverence and modesty to achieve their goal with a greater certainty. After these, do not offer an opportunity for jealousy. This rule surfaces on its’ own from the aforementioned. Jealousy is a spark, which cannot easily be extinguished once it is lit. Remember, as soon as your husband has to keep watch over you, then the loss of his love for you is at risk, because he doubts your love for him, which makes him restless. Therefore, I cannot condone when women fully enjoy the jealousy of their husbands and eagerly try to stimulate them. The pretense will often do as much harm as the real thing. An unfortunate incidence may make its appearance, and the already glowing jealousy in the husband’s mind will change into an indubitable certainty, even if his wife is truly innocent. Do not play with dangerous feelings. On the contrary, do everything that will assure your husband of your faithfulness, which also will take away from him any thought about a possible mistake. A treasure, which we constantly have to guard against thieves, brings us more anguish than joy.

And now my dear female readers excuse me for possibly thinking too deeply into the above mentioned arguments. Maybe I created some trouble again like I did with my essay about the evil woman. For now I will conclude my corresponding about this matter. However, if the editorship and the readers wish to hear more about similar subjects, then I will continue with this matter based on a received request and consent. (*Editor: Well, we can only speak for ourselves of course. However, we think that these essays by the honorable correspondent are truly splendid, appropriate and educational. We are eager to find out about the readers opinion.)

Now I would also like to hear something from my acquaintances and friends in North Dakota, Canada, Texas, Kansas, Montana and Wisconsin. In every one of my reports I send sincere greetings which are answered only scarcely. My family and I once more thank my brother-in-law Georg Mastio in Kansas, Anton Jochim and Peter Jochim in North Dakota for showing their friendship.

(*Editor: With the forwarding of the address book, the same circumstances exist as previously explained in the newspaper. You would have to obtain such books separately from each state and Canada. Forwarding money to the Staats-Anzeiger should be no problem and can be safely done by postal money order and also via a bank draft. Letters addressed to “The Staats-Anzeiger, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.A.” will unfailingly arrive here.)

With a greeting to all my friends, the reader’s circle and the editorship –

Respectfully,
Romuald Dirk

From: Krasna, Bessarabia
5 February 1912

Dear Staats-Anzeiger!

Indeed I have not reported anything for the paper in quite a while. I had often thought to once again send in a correspondence. Unfortunately, I find little of interest here for the reader’s circle.

The weather here in Bessarabia is more warm than cold. On 7 January and 10 January we had 16 degrees (Celsius) below zero. For several days we had from 1 to 8 degrees (Celsius) below zero. Most days we have from 1 to 5 degrees (Celsius) above zero. Three times we have had snowstorms with 8 degrees below zero, but after 3 or 4 days, the snow melted away. This winter we don’t have to use our furs. Several times I went hunting without my fur, wearing only a jacket, and still sweated badly. Maybe I would have sweated less if I would have seen a rabbit, but everything went wrong for me. Tired and sweating profusely, I arrived at home carrying my cap in my hand.

The sale of a horse and a bath in the well!

On 31 January, the cow herdsman August Seifert sold his horse for 12 rubles on the market in Tarutino, since he needed money for drinking. August thought, hurray, now I have money! Immediately he asked for a good “Mogritsch” wine, and soon a second and a third glass followed. Then he drove home. Arriving in Krasna, just where the road leads past the corner where Valentin Ritz lives, there is yet another tavern. The rest of the money was burning a hole in August’s pocket and so he had to stop. He saw more of his friends sitting in the tavern and the tavern keeper was very busy serving them. “Good evening friends,” August said to them. “Thank you August. Why are you so late?” “I sold my horse. Waiter, a quart of wine but it has to be ‘Mogritsch’”. The first quart was followed by a second and a third quart of wine. Then August started arguing with Ludwig Ruekkert and Gottfried Zetnik. But those two men didn’t feel like fighting and said goodbye. Arriving at home, Gottfried said to himself, “its 10 o’clock. I am going to my friend Ludwig’s for one more drink.” Even though Ludwig’s wife complained when both of them wanted to leave at 11 o’clock, it didn’t do any good. They went to Antoni’s tavern in the lower village. Since it was already 11 o’clock, which was curfew, they found the place darkened. Mr. Zetnik knocked on the window and called but received no answer. Now he started knocking harder and broke one or two or even more windowpanes.

At that time, two shots were fired in the courtyard. Scared to death they both ran off. Zetnik ran in the street. Ruekkert who was afraid of being followed was trying to hide in a well enclosure located next to the street. He climbed over the enclosure and since he had drank one too many drinks, he lost his balance and fell headfirst into the well which had 70 inches of water. Had he been a smaller man, there probably would not have been a sound heard from the well and he certainly would have drowned in a few minutes. But Ludwig stood on his toes so that the water couldn’t run into his mouth and started calling for help.

On earth nothing can come into existence without God. What happens, has been seen and is seen. He keeps things in order. He bestows things onto us. He guides us. A useless life is an early death.

Mr. Zetnik followed the call for help and finally arrived at the well. Gottfried handed Ludwig a stick to hold onto so that he could pull him up. But he could not do it. He was not strong enough. All was for nothing. Gottfried had to go get more help, so that Ludwig wouldn't freeze to death in the well. People forget about themselves easier than about their advantage. It is better to turn around twice than going the wrong path once.

Living only 150 arschin (about 120 yards) away from the well are Mr. Ruekkert’s brother-in-law and his son-in-law, Christian and Peter Ruehl. Zetnik knocked hard on the window and said, “Dear God, Peter your father-in-law is in the well. Come and help pull him out.” Now the wife started lamenting, “Dear God, Peter, go our father is lying in the well.” Arriving at the well Peter said, “Dear God, father how did you get into that well?” The answer was, “Child, dear child help.” All three of them now started pulling on the stick, but they could not get Ludwig out. Peter had to go get a ladder and now Christian came along too. Ludwig was able to use the ladder up to the enclosure. Then he was stiff and could not walk another step. Uncle Christian had to throw his lantern away and had to finally help bring Ludwig out of the well. Cursing, Uncle Christian ordered, “Into the house!” There, Ludwig was undressed and put to bed. In the morning, he put on his son-in-law’s clothes and went home. His voice was hoarse but other than that he was healthy and happy.

Mr. August Seifert arrived home with 4 rubles in his pocket and a bloody head. How that happened I am not able to report.

Listen young and old. Don’t live on beer.
Eat apples, cherries, grapes, these rob death of it’s’ thorn.
Eat fruit until you are round as a ball.
Then you will always be healthy.

Don’t take it amiss boys! Better watch out next time!

I am sending a greeting to the editorship and the reader’s circle. I am asking the correspondents not to be so lazy and write more often.

Anton Gedak

From: Pollock, Campbell County, ND
20 February 1912

I read a correspondence from my brother-in-law, M. Gross of Emmental, South Russia, in Issue #25. It was a real joy. I didn’t enjoy his sparring with Mr. Dirk as much as seeing him in print. I have often written to him and never received an answer. It is nice to hear that he and his son-in-law, Zachäus Kopp are doing well.

We are planning to immigrate to Canada this spring.

Dear brother-in-law, it would be grand if you would subscribe to the Staats-Anzeiger as well and send in correspondence too! If you cannot get the paper, write to me and I will subscribe for you. Please ask the brother-in-law to keep writing as all readers here are hungry for news from the old homeland.

Greetings to brother Thomas Ehli in Adams County, North Dakota! He too could say more in the paper!

I have a question for the publisher, Mr. Brandt. I am moving to Canada and I do not want to lose out on my paper. How do I get it there? (*Publisher: Simple! From Canada it will run you $2.00/year. Just send us the payment and the address, and you will be set for another year. And please keep on writing from Canada as well. Best of luck in your move! Thank you.)

Greetings to brother-in-law M.Gross, the publisher and readers.

Peter Ehli

From: Brisbane, Morton County, ND
28 February 1912

After a taxing cold spell, we are now enjoying good weather. If it lasts, the farmers can think about the spring labors. Short feed and hay are scarce as in all of the Dakotas and many farmers have no grain left at all for planting.

On the 24th of the month, the state gave us the opportunity to get seed grain, courtesy of the county, but it looks as if there are some discrepancies, as there were last year. People in debt get 50-bushel wheat, 100-bushel oats etc. But those who did not thresh anything and are not in debt usually get nothing.

(*Publisher: Well, my friend, it looks like this is right. People without debt can usually help themselves, so the system is just, after all. The county helps folks who don't have the means to obtain the seed any other way. People who are debt free in bad times as these need no handouts. They can help themselves.)

I read in Issue #25 of this publication, that my comrade Johann Giesinger lost his smoke shed to high winds and that he had to eat lots of porridge without the meat. Come and visit me, Johann, I have plenty of rabbit meat.

My brother-in-law, Lorenz Dirk's address, as requested by Mr.Giesinger is: Lorenz Dirk, Brisbane, North Dakota. He would have written, but did not have your address. Here, the Staats-Anzeiger lent a helping hand again!

I answered the letter of my friend Emil Wanner of Canada. Greetings to him and Johann Baumann and family, Alexander Steiert and family. I heard that Alexander broke a foot, but no idea how it happened or where. Hope he gets well soon.

Greetings to the publisher and all the readers of the paper.

Max Erker

From: Shields, North Dakota.
5 March 1912

I am not a subscriber, but read this paper at my brother's and hope that my few lines are welcome anyway.

Our weather was fairly mild in February, but turned rough and harsh again in March. We had a nice snowstorm March 2 and 3.

Due to a mediocre harvest we are short on feed here as well.

For a while we had daily church services, but now our pastor is leaving again. I hope the community gets a replacement soon.

The price for horses is rising fast. I bought a horse last year for $14. That was fairly cheap, but this winter Jochim Koch bought a horse from Karl Schreiner in Strasburg, ND, and he paid $175. People who bought horses last year are lucky. They are not getting cheaper, that's for sure!

Many threshing machine owners are disappearing. One disappeared recently and all that was found in his house was an old fry pan. The man still owes wages and such. May they now share the frying pan.

Peter Miller of Strasburg, ND picked up stakes and left for Canada suddenly.

Our farmers are busy gleaning grain. Our village is growing and we have a new ironware store, 9 grocery stores, a drug store, a machine shop, a meat market, 3 pubs, 2 lumberyards and a tavern.

Greetings to all friends in Krasna, South Russia, and all the readers of this publication!

Philipp Kahl

From: Brisbane, North Dakota
12 March 1912

I am not a subscriber of the Staats-Anzeiger, but I always read it at my brother-in-law's. However, I will subscribe myself shortly, since I really am taken with the publication.

I have suffered for years with a recurring appendicitis, but refused to get operated on, as this scares me to death. Finally, last year, I became so ill with it that my doctor suggested I go to Bismarck and get operated. I had to do it, as there was no other way.

The surgery took place at the St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck. It went without a hitch. I became well again and owe this hospital many thanks for the excellent care I received there. Certainly, such surgery is not as much fun as going to a party and having a few beers in good company, but one has to do what one has to do. I have gotten completely well again.

Greetings to all,
Lorenz Dirk

Source: Der Staats-Anzeiger, 4 April 1912

From: Loring, North Dakota
12 March 1912

After our big snowstorm of March 2 and 3 and harsh cold, the weather has become better again and we cannot complain. We do have enough snow, though.

I would like to ask Mr. Anton Gedak and Daniel Lauterbach to write more for the Staats-Anzeiger, about the old homeland. What happened to these two? We all love to read such correspondence.

My brother Peter and my sister in Krasna are silent, as well. So I am writing to the Staats-Anzeiger, since this is our best medium to communicate. I am ordering a year's subscription with this letter since the paper is a welcome guest in my house. (*Publisher: We will make sure that you remain on our list without a lapse.)

Greetings to all readers here and there.

Mathias Kuntz,
Son of Peter