Morality Reversed

The man's name is Heinrich Langkopf. His demeanor is upright and engaging though his eyes are haggard. He is 54 and has now been certified by Berlin police physicians as "entirely sane." Last week, he convinced a large section of German public opinion that there are circumstances in which a private citizen is justified in enforcing his claims upon the State by means of a bomb.

The public career of Heinrich Langkopf began in Berlin last week, when, with a stout tin box under his arm, he called at the office of Privy Councilor Hugo Bach. Arriving early, he was kept waiting until a few minutes after noon. Ushered in at last by a page who discreetly retired, he approached the desk of Privy Councilor Bach, placed the tin box upon it, and spoke crisply: "I have here 15 pounds of high explosives. Unless you are willing to give me 112,000 marks, in cash, for reasons which I shall explain, this building will be blown off the earth. I have my hand on the fuse and I shall set off the bomb the moment my request is refused."

Privy Councilor Bach, with cool presence of mind, reached for and lit a cigaret. Leaning back in his swivel chair, he puffed a moment, then quietly remarked, "I will hear your explanation."

Since both men are solid, rational Teutons, there ensued argument and negotiation which continued for one hour, two, three, three and a half. Herr Langkopf, without ever removing his finger from the detonator of his bomb, stated passionately a case which was soon to rouse the sympathy of almost the entire German press.

Finally Dr. Bach broke the deadlock by appearing to yield. He would order the golden marks paid, if Herr Langkopf would accompany him to the Cashier's office. As they rose, the nervous finger of Herr Langkopf accidentally depressed the detonator, but all that ensued was a slight "ping." Dr. Bach, seeing his chance, dashed for his life. Distracted Heinrich Langkopf drew a revolver and fired into the bomb which still failed to explode. An instant later strong hands collared him.

Once in jail, Heinrich Langkopf made his great apologia on the basis of the following facts: 1) In 1914 he was established in German East Africa as a planter; 2) Immediately upon the declaration of War, he enlisted, fought, lived to see his whole property confiscated by the Allies; 3) For the past eight years he has been in Berlin with his wife and child, seeking the indemnity which is due him from the German War Indemnification Office, of which Privy Councilor Hugo Bach is chairman; 4) Due to bureaucratic delays, he has received only 9,000 marks, although promised 41,000; 5) Last week, unable to get work, and with his wife and child ill from undernourishment, he tried the bomb.

When these details were known German editorial writers passionately cast the entire blame upon the Allies & The Dawes Plan. Had not the Fatherland been unjustly oppressed, they said, poor Heinrich Langkopf would long ago have received adequate compensation, would not have been driven to the last extremity.