The Germans, the world is fond of remembering, are a thoroughgoing people. In the Alsatian town of Zabern in 1918 some Frenchmen planted a tree to grow as a symbol of the return of Alsace to France. Up to this tree last week marched Hitler Youth Leader Wilde, followed by a bevy of apple-cheeked youths with axes and drums. "For Germany this tree is a symbol of slavery and oppression," cried Leader Wilde. "Now the tree must fall." Drums rolled. Axes fell. Down came the tree. Hitler youths tore its roots out of the earth and marched away shouting "Sieg Heil!"
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